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Basil Sweet Essential Oil |
| Basil is an annual herb to 2-3 ft tall with green stems (usually woody at the base) that are square in cross section. There are many cultivars of basil, selected for their fragrances and colors. Basil is originally native to India and other tropical regions of Asia, having been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years, basil is now widely cultivated throughout the world, especially in Europe, North and South America. Sweet Basil essential oil is produced mainly in France, Italy, Egypt, Bulgaria, Hungary and the USA. |
| Botanical Name: | Ocimum basilicum L.
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| Family: | Lamiaceae
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| Synonyms: | Common basil, joy-of-the-mountains, basilic, sweet basil, true sweet basil, European basil.
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| Similar Oils: | Exotic Basil
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| Parts Used: | Flowering tops
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| Extraction Method: | Steam Distillation.
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| Appearance: | Pale clear to hint of green liquid.
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| Aroma Description: | Resinous, warm and smoky odour.
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| Perfume note: | Top to Middle
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| Blends well with: | Bergamot, geranium, hyssop, neroli, marjoram, melissa, lavender.
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| Historical Uses: | Basil has offered a wide rage of health benefits, principally supporting the respiratory system and digestive complaints. Herbalists have recommended basil for many years for stomach cramps, vomiting and constipation. Basil has been described as having a slight sedative action, which would explain why it is sometimes recommended for headaches and anxiety.
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| Modern Uses: | Basil has been used for colds, memory, digestion, regulating the menstrual cycle, and applied to boils and stings, decogestant of the veins and pulmonary arteries.
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| Cautions: | Use sparingly and with caution. High doses may be carcinogenic due to its methyl chavicol content. Avoid in cases of liver problems.
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| Aromatherapy Uses: |
Digestive System - Dyspepsia, flatulance, nausea.
Genito-urinary system - Cramps, scanty periods.
Muscles and Joints - Gout, nuscular aches and pains, rheumatism.
Nervous System - Anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, migrains, nervous tension.
Respiratory System - Bronchitis, coughs, earache, sinusitis.
Skin Care - Insect bites, insect repellent.
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| Main Constituents, % |
| Cineol |
3 - 17 |
| Methyl-chavicol |
0 - 30 |
| Methyl-eugenol |
0 - 7 |
| Eugenol |
0 - 7 |
| Linalool |
44 - 69 |
| β-caryophylene |
0.7 - 14.4 |
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| Physical Actions |
| Anthelmintic, choleretic, deodorant, emmenagogue, febrifuge, insect repellent, narcotic, stimulant, digestive tonic, vermifuge. |
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| Toxicity |
LD50 - (oral) rat >1.4g/kg mg/kg; (dermal) rabbit >0.5g/kg.
Irritation/Sensitisation - Nil at 4% (Human)
Phototoxicity - Nil reported |
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