Essential Oil

Basil Oil: Side Effects, Properties And Benefits

4 years ago
Read Time: 11 minutes
by Kathie Sand
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Oil is a compound of fat that comes from a mineral, animal or vegetable, which is not diluted in water, sometimes fuel, formed by petroleum derivatives or fatty acids.

Basil is an aromatic silver used as a spice in food, but the properties of this plant lead it to extend its use to the medicinal area.

What is basil oil?

Basil oil is a colorless substance, smelling sweet, spicy and refreshing at the same time, but it is traditionally used in gastronomy as a dressing for salads, pasta or pesto; Due to its components and properties, it can be beneficial for health, such as intestinal problems or flu, as well as reduce stress and control nerves.

It has a pleasant and fresh aroma; If its use is taken to the medicinal area and it is used in low portions it is not harmful, but for people who have skin sensitivity they should not use it because it would have an irritable effect.

Origin of basil oil

The basil plant has its origin in the tropical region of Asia, Pakistan, Iran and India, it grows up to one meter in height, since ancient times it has been cultivated throughout the Mediterranean, the Comoros Islands and Egypt.

Basil oil is extracted directly from the leaves of the plant, and has been used since ancient times to calm coughs and nasal congestion, as well as for skin conditions such as constipation.

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Basil oil history

The use of basil oil dates back to 3500 BC in China, because they were used in healing and healing processes and in religious rituals.

It is said that it was used as a protective balm for warriors before battles, since when smeared they cleaned the body and protected it from the evil spirits of those who considered that they left their scars on the body.

Likewise, they were considered as exchange currency between other peoples of ancient China, by the emperor CHO-CHIN KEN (the Chinese Hippocrates).

With what, as time passed, the knowledge and beneficial active principles of basil oil were deepened, and implemented in the field of health.

Basil oil characteristics

Among the characteristics of basil oil, it is mentioned that it comes from the annual hairy herbaceous plant, it is said that it is annual because its duration is limited to the duration of a season of the year, for example, summer.

The height of the plant is a maximum of one meter high, with different wide silky green leaves, according to the species of the plant; with small, white or lavender flowers, in the shape of spikes, with a fresh, pleasant smell, sweet and spicy at the same time.

Basil oil scientific name

Basil oil comes from the plant called “OCIMUN BASILICUM”, belonging to the Lamiaceae family , which are the type of plants that comprise more than 240 genera among 7,900 species.

It is derived from the Greek language “basilicon” which means royal and is known in India by the name of “tulsi” in honor of the personification of the Indian queen Tulasí .

Basil oil chemical composition

The following chemical components are present in this basil oil: camphene, myrcene, limonene, a-pinene, camphor, linalool, methylcavicol, citrenolol, methyl cinnamate, b-pinene and eugenol; plus 92% water.

It is rich in vitamins (C), calcium, beta-carotene, magnesium, antioxidants and minerals, providing 23 calories per 100 grams and 1.6 grams of fiber.

In basil oil, its components represent less than 1%, this due to its high anti-inflammatory properties (eugenol) and its probable teratogenic and carcinogenic effects (estragol).

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How is basil oil extracted?

The basil oil extraction process is by means of distillation in alembic or extraction; It is a kind of closed tank where the basil leaf is placed in distilled water, in a water bath, to break the boiling process. It is a kind of cone in the upper part of the tank, through which the vapor that emits with the oil travels, when it goes through the tube (covered by cold water) it becomes a thick gelatinous liquid and remains in a glass container and mixed with olive oil; the container must be sealed to maintain its essence.

Recommended dose of basil oil

According to the properties and chemical composition of this plant, to use basil oil, the conditions of the person who is going to use it must be taken into account.

If used internally: as an infusion, it is recommended to take a maximum of 3 cups per day after meals.

As an essential oil, 2 to 3 drops twice a day.

In external use, basil oil should be used in lotions or compresses, three times a day, or through friction on the skin.

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Active ingredients of basil oil

Among the active principles that basil oil has are: estragole (odor) (87%) linalol is an antispasmodic and anesthetic (75%), essential oil between 0.04 and 0.7%, eugenol (color) and cineole compound that acts against respiratory problems, bad breath, colds (20%).

What make it tonic, gastric, antiseptic and antispasmodic.

Basil oil benefits and properties

Among the benefits that basil oil offers are mentioned:

It is cosmetic, since it is used topically to massage the skin, giving it shine and strength; digestive because it helps to improve the digestion process fighting flatulence, colic, indigestion; antiviral for being effective to treat colds and fevers; helps in the respiratory part, acting in crisis of asthma, cough and bronchitis; It is beneficial to treat skin, urinary, wound infections; It has a refreshing effect because it helps to control tensions caused by stress. improves circulation, and helps relieve pain.

As for the properties that basil oil possesses are: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, soothing, antiviral, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antifungal, ophthalmic because it contributes to improving eyesight, used as a topical it improves the appearance of the skin giving it better elasticity and smoothness. .

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It is good for hair, how is it used?

According to its properties and benefits, because it is light and fresh, basil oil is indicated to treat hair loss, promoting its growth through blood stimulation.

How to use it against hair loss: massage with basil oil on the scalp; If you have excess hair loss, add a few drops of basil oils to the shampoo and it will strengthen the action and prevent prolonged loss.
In case of itching or dandruff: mix basil oil with coconut oil, massage the scalp, it will relieve itching and stimulate blood circulation.

What benefits does it bring for the skin and face?

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, basil oil is indicated to treat skin inflammations such as acne and pimples, and for wounds. Due to its relaxing and calming effect, it intervenes in the discomfort of atopic dermatitis.

It purifies the blood of toxins and prevents the formation of acne and pimples.
It is used to lighten the skin tone and acts naturally against vitiligo.
Being antiseptic and antibacterial, it helps to treat wounds and burns on the skin.

Does basil oil help you lose weight?

Among the benefits that basil oil offers, it is worth saying that it can be used to lose weight, because due to its diuretic properties it controls fluid retention; as a digestive it stimulates the metabolism improving digestion; being detoxifying due to its high fiber content, it frees the body of toxins; contains vitamin c; Helps reduces abdominal inflammation by being antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory.

Pregnancy and basil oil

According to research and the composition of the basil plant, the use of basil oil is not indicated during pregnancy, because the effects it can cause on the baby are unknown.

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During lactation it is safe to use

Therefore, it is not indicated while the woman is breastfeeding, due to effects that have not been proven and according to its toxicity.

Is basil oil good for babies?

In children under 16 years of age, the use of basil oil is not recommended, although natural herbal treatments for children should be in minimal amounts, they may run a risk of poisoning.

Basil oil as a mosquito repellent

Due to 4 of its components, basil oil can be used as a mosquito repellent, mainly due to estragole, since it is responsible for giving the characteristic smell of basil, using it as an infusion will keep those annoying insects away.

Cosmetic uses of basil oil

Basil oil is widely used by athletes and dancers, thanks to the benefits it brings to the muscles to reduce inflammation; in aromatherapy it is used as a relaxant to treat decay and depression, and prevents the appearance of mosquitoes; As a facial skin tonic, it helps prevent acne by clearing up pores clogged by oil. with it it can be used as a complement in soaps, shampoo, and skin and hair treatments.

Medicinal properties of basil oil

It is a powerful digestive and diuretic, in addition to helping against loss of appetite and parasites; the use of basil oil calms skin irritations, due to its analgesic, antiseptic and healing properties; activates the immune system, reducing respiratory infections, laryngitis, fever; as well as acts against osteoarticular alterations.

Basil oil against cancer, is it good?

Due to its high content of estragole (carcinogenic, mutagenic and cytotoxic) basil oil, it is recommended to use it in a conditioned and restricted way, because it can accelerate carcinogenic symptoms in those who suffer from it, or simply cause a hepatoma.

Its consumption or use must be under strict medical supervision and knowledge of its components.

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How is basil oil used for massages?

To perform massages, the use of basil oil is very beneficial and healthy, a very simple way to use it is: locate the affected area, if it is directly on the skin it should be mixed with olive oil, rub the sore part and relief pain.

If it is for the hair, apply a few drops in the shampoo for daily use, massage the scalp gently, it will allow its properties to be absorbed and act.

Aromatherapy and basil oil

Basil oil is a natural ingredient that, thanks to its properties, helps calm and control levels of stress and depression, anxiety, improves concentration; in aromatherapy it is used together with other oils (lavender, lemon tea, orange), and it aromatizes the environment creating a climate of relaxation thanks to its fresh and natural fragrance; It is also used as an aromatic bath (basil, sandalwood and lavender) relieving mental stress.

How to make homemade basil oil?

Locate fresh leaves, water and olive oil.

Heat water to a boil and place the basil leaves, for a maximum of one minute, so that it does not lose its properties; remove them from the hot water and place them in a container with cold water and ice; Pour into a processed or blender and apply the olive oil, drain and remove the remains of leaves, store in a glass container and cover it, use when necessary.

Basil oil side effects

Due to its components and properties, the excessive and uncontrolled use of basil oil can cause an intoxication crisis; As well as being stimulating, its prolonged use would produce a drowsy state and cause severe headaches. If the person has sensitive skin, they can cause dermatitis, as well as when consumed, trigger intestinal problems such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel.

Basil Oil Safety Sheet

Basil oil is known to be safe to use, it has no proven side effects in humans, it can cause sensitivity, it is advisable to perform an acceptance test, applying a small amount to the skin in order to determine the level of allergy in the person.

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Kathie Sand

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Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.