Basil Essential Oil : Healing Properties and Health Benefits
Basil has been used in India since time immemorial for treating a host of ailments. Ayurveda, strongly recommends this plant for its extraordinary healing properties. Many traditional Indian medicine practitioners call it the `Queen of Herbs’.
It is considered a holy plant by the Hindus and worshipped especially by the devotees of Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu. No Hindu house could be found without it in India.
Although it originated from tropical Asia, basil is now cultivated in Europe and USA. Where the plant is not available, its healing powers could be obtained in the form of essential oil.
Natural Healing Benefits
In aromatherapy, the crisp-smelling basil oil is often used to clear sinus congestion and bring down fevers. It also has a calming effect on the nerves as it induces calmness of mind and clarity of thought while removing mental fatigue. It’s excellent for stress-related headaches and migraines. It has an uplifting effect for those suffering from depression.
Basil has been proven to be useful in treating ailments relating to the respiratory tract. It provides effective relief for asthma, sinus problems and bronchitis. Relief could also be found for cold, influenza and whooping cough.
Basil oil is useful in alleviating menstrual disorders. It relieves scanty periods while having a normalizing effect on menses.
Basil essential oil works well in the treatment of infections. Its antibacterial properties are found to retard skin-related infections and those in cuts and wounds. It also works well for viral infections.
Basil’s analgesic properties provide relief from painful conditions such as arthritis, sports injuries and sprains.
Stomach-related disorders can be alleviated with the help of basil essential oil. Indigestion, constipation, stomach cramps, flatulence and excessive gas in the stomach and intestines are among the conditions basil oil’s carminative properties can provide relief for.
Other ailments basil has been proven to be effective in treating are nausea and motion sickness, not to mention insect bites.
How to Use
Basil essential oil can be used by means of vapor therapy. You can use basil oil with burners and vaporizers. The oil could also be blended in a warm bath, especially helpful for relieving gout, arthritis, muscular and menstrual pains.
Basil essential oil blends well with other essential oils like lavender, grapefruit, lemon, marjoram, cedarwood and geranium.
Precautions
Despite its healing properties and health benefits, the use of basil oil must be undertaken with caution. Excessive use can give rise to stupor. It should not be used during pregnancy and children under 16 years old should stay away from it. It should also be avoided by women who are breastfeeding and those with liver problems.
Those with sensitive skin should use it with extreme care as it could set off skin irritation.
References
https://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/health-benefits-of-basil-essential-oil.html - health benefits of and how to use basil essential oil
https://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilsaf/basil.asp - basil essential oil precautions
Disclaimer
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