Food can be changed in a positive direction with the help of a well-known aromatic herb - the fragrant basil. Basil is not only an addition to culinary specialties. It is valued for its many uses and one of them is as an essential oil extracted from it. Here's what you can learn about this useful product.
Obtaining Basil Essential Oil
Essential oil from basil is obtained from the plant Ocimum basilicum by the method of water-steam distillation from the fresh leaves and the herb. The fresh flowering tips of basil can also be used. The product obtained in Bulgaria is considered to be of the highest quality and with the best aroma. The fresh leaves are distilled in a distillery to obtain a 100 percent pure product.
In addition to industrial methods, basil essential oil can also be made at home. The simplest recipe is the following:
A clean and dry glass jar is filled with basil leaves. They are poured with unrefined sunflower oil or olive oil. The jar is closed tightly and placed in a dark place for a month. After the time has passed, the resulting infusion is filtered and the leaves are squeezed out, then discarded. The finished basil oil is stored in a glass jar in the refrigerator.
Basil oil has various uses due to its excellent composition.
Chemical composition and characteristics of basil essential oil
Basil essential oil is a clear liquid with a slightly lemon-yellow color, reaching a bright yellow-green color depending on its variety. Its aroma is strong, tart, pleasant and sweet with a slight hint of anise. It has high volatility.
Basil oil is a highly concentrated product, which makes it very powerful. The compounds in it contain high levels of antioxidants and beneficial phytochemicals.
In the chemical composition of basil oil, camphor, ciniol, estragole, eugenol, linalool, linen, methyl chavicol, ocimene and other rare ingredients make an impression.
It is used both internally and externally - for gargling, cold inhalation, massage, face masks, for bath, steam bath, gargling and rubbing on skin.
Benefits of Basil Essential Oil
Basil oil is a traditional remedy in folk medicine and is used for headaches, coughs, diarrhea, constipation, warts, kidney problems and others because of its action. The benefits of basil oil are many.
The powerful antibacterial action of basil oil
This oil is an impressive antimicrobial agent against food-borne bacteria, yeasts and molds. It removes bacteria in the kitchen and bathroom, as well as in any humid environment, to purify the air in the room and not to contaminate the countertops.
Basil oil for colds and flu
Basil essential oil relieves colds and flu, as it has an antispasmodic effect, especially effective in inhalations and in basil tea.
Purification of various odors
Basil oil removes bacteria and fungi that cause various odors in the home, in the car, on appliances and more. It has an antibacterial and antifungal effect.
Basil oil in cooking
Cooking with basil is magical. A few fresh leaves of basil change the taste of the dish and this is known to every cook. Just 1-2 drops of basil oil to sauces or dressings instead of chopped fresh basil adds a new taste impression of the well-known food. Food with basil smells great and the chance of bacteria and contamination is greatly reduced. When cooking, use basil oil to dress pesto, caprese salad, bruschetta, Mediterranean salads, cold sandwiches and antipasto.
Basil oil for muscle relaxation
The anti-inflammatory properties of basil oil make it a good remedy for sore muscles. Just rub a few drops of the oil, along with coconut oil, into the sore muscle for instant relaxation and relief.
Basil oil for ear infections
This oil is recommended as a natural remedy for ear infections. A few drops of it, diluted with a carrier oil of choice, should be rubbed behind the ears and lower legs to relieve swelling. Coconut or almond oil can be used.
Basil oil for oral hygiene
Bad breath bacteria can be removed by adding a few drops of the oil to your toothpaste. The natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the oil are a good protector for the teeth and gums.
For more energy and high concentration
Inhaling the aroma of basil oil restores the alertness of the mind, diminished by fatigue, as the oil is a natural stimulant for the nervous system. It can eliminate lethargy, distraction and the bad mood. It is good to diffuse with it at home, or dilute the oil with another base oil and apply the mixture to the wrist.
As an insect repellent
Like thyme and citronella oil, basil oil repels mosquitoes and other stinging insects. A homemade spray or lotion can be made with it and applied to the skin.
Basil oil for acne
Acne is mainly caused by bacteria, excess sebum and infections, basil oil is an excellent option against these problems. It clears the skin of lesions and pimples and can be applied directly to the problem areas, diluted with another base oil - jojoba, coconut and others.
For problematic digestion
For digestive problems, basil oil is a good choice because it is a natural remedy for constipation. The abdomen and waist area can be massaged.
Anti-stress properties of basil oil
Basil oil reduces stress, anxiety, fear and relaxation. It relieves headaches. It is recommended to massage with it on the legs, the area of the adrenal glands, which reduces stress.
Basil oil for beautiful and healthy hair
This oil stimulates hair growth, especially in combination with rosemary and lavender oils. For oily hair, it is recommended to add a few drops to the shampoo, and for dandruff, it is good to mix it with baking soda and rub it into the roots of the hair.
Basil oil for problems with the sense of smell
After viral infections, people often lose their sense of smell. Basil oil is a natural remedy for restoring this basic sense.
Cold and flu relief with basil oil
Relieves flu and cold symptoms thanks to its antispasmodic properties. It is useful for asthma, bronchitis and sinus infections.
Contraindications for using basil oil
Basil oil should not be used during pregnancy as it affects hormone levels, muscle and nerve function. Because of this action, it is also not a good option for people with epilepsy.
It is also not a good choice for hypertensives and people with increased blood clotting, as well as individual intolerance to the basil herb.
It is important for those who use it to know that every 3 weeks a break should be taken in order not to oversaturate the body with it. Also, the ingredient estragole can cause unpleasant reactions in people with increased sensitivity, so the dose should be carefully considered. Heart patients with irregular heart rhythm should also be very careful with basil oil.
It should not be forgotten that this oil is highly concentrated, so it should be kept well closed, out of the reach from children and not applied daily, but after consultation with a specialist determine the frequency of its application.
Since it is a concentrate, it is commercially available in small packages, which are convenient for use.
Read more:
- What is basil good for;
- How to store basil;
