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| Essential Oil - Sweet Basil
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| Latin Name: |
Ocimum basillicum |
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| Synonyms: |
French Basil, True Basil, European Basil |
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| Family Name: |
Lamiaceae (Labiatae) |
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| Plant and Part Used: |
Fresh flowering tops |
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| Method of Extraction: |
Steam Distillation |
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| Country of Origin: |
Australia |
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| Aroma: |
Herbaceous, light, refreshing |
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| Note: |
Top |
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| Evaporation Rate: |
Fast |
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| Odour Intensity: |
Strong |
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| Blending Factor: |
1 |
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| Blends Well With: |
Bergamot, Clary Sage, Geranium, Grapefruit,
Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Orange, Peppermint, Rose |
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| Main Chemical Constituents: |
Linalool, terpineol, eugenol, methyl chavicole
(estragole), methyl eugenol. Methyl chavicole gives it that
aniseed type smell. |
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| Description |
| An annual plant, very aromatic. Grows to 60cm
in height, with oval shaped, shiny, green leaves and white
flowers. |
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| History |
The word Basil is derived from the Greek word
'okimon' meaning 'quick growing' and basillicum comes from
'basilicon' meaning 'royal remedy'. Basil has been used in
many cultures. In Malaysia and Persia it was used in religious
ceremonies and funerals, it was used by the Greeks to ward
off evil spirits; the Egyptians used to mix it with myrrh
and burned it as an offering to their Gods. In India the Hindus
considered basil to be holy and it was held sacred to their
Gods Vishnu and Krishna. It is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine
for relieving itchy skin and for acne treatments. Traditional
Chinese Medicine practitioners find it useful for stomach
and kidney ailments.
Basil is an ingredient in the alcoholic beverage, Chartreuse.
Most of us would know basil for its use in pasta sauces and
the much loved pesto. |
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| Properties |
Focus, Uplifting, and Clarity
Basil oil is good for anxiety, helps if you're feeling down,
may be useful for headaches. This oil is good for concentration
and makes a great companion for students while studying.
Basil oil may help with insect bites, may help to improve
sluggish skin and may help with pimple prone skins. Basil
oil may find use in improving circulation and may help with
sore muscles and menstrual cramps. Always dilute the essential
oil in a carrier (vegetable oil, moisturising cream etc) before
use onto the skin. |
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| Energetics |
| Basil is a warming and stimulating oil. It has
'yang' qualities. Basil oil has been found to possibly have
influence on the Meridians & Central, Stomach and Liver.
(Guba, The Centre for Aromatic Medicine) |
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| Chakra Influence |
| Third Eye & Sacral |
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| Cautions |
| Avoid topical use during pregnancy. Avoid use
on sensitive skin |
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| Methods of Use |
| Massage, Body Rub, Bathing, Inhalation, Vaporisation |
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| Recipes |
| Help with headaches - Basil 2 drops, Sweet Orange
6 drops, Peppermint 2 drops
General Mental Fatigue - Basil 7 drops, Lemon 15 drops
Confusion - Basil 5 drops, Grapefruit 12 drops
Clear Focus - Basil 2 drops, Lemongrass 2 drops , Rosemary
4 drops
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Michelle
Vranes has worked in the essential oils industry for many years
and is part owner of viva-aroma, an exciting new concept in aromatherapy.
She has authored many articles and publications on essential oils
and aromatherapy. Michelle's expertise is highly valued and sought
after in the industry.
Visit the viva-aroma website at http://www.viva-aroma.com.au.
Phone: +613 9346 7598
Fax: +613 9346 7712
Mail: P.O. Box 1072 Moonee Ponds, Victoria, Australia, 3039
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a new treatment. Please read the Tranquil
Sounds Disclaimer. |
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