A tender annual herb, with a powerful aromatic scent. The oil is usually pale
yellow or almost colorless. Its odor is sweet-spicy, slightly green, fresh,
with a hint of balsamic woody undertone and a lasting sweetness. If you have
ever grown Sweet Basil in your garden .. the oil is as wonderful as this
herb.!! Reminds me of my Grandma, picking the Basil to put in our 'tomato
gravy.'
In perfumes Sweet Basil Oil has been a 'classic' material in the 'Origan' type
of perfumes and bases for several decades. In chypres and certain modern
aldehydic and 'green' perfume types, the oil can introduce very interesting
notes.
Blends well with most varied types of perfume material, e.g. opopanax or
bergamot, clary sage, lime or oakmoss.
Myth & History:
From the Greek word 'Basilicos' meaning 'royal.' A mix up with the Latin 'Basilicus'
referring to serpent briefly gave Basil an unsavory reputation. Unscrupulous
Magicians thought they could create scorpions by crushing Basil between two
stones.
Wiser Indian folk lore held Basil sacred to Krishna and Vishnu, endowing it
with protective qualities. Some Indian tribes chew Basil leaves before taking
part in religious ceremonies to gain inspiration.
Used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine. The Chinese favored it for many
centuries as a useful medicine.
Chemical Constituents:
Linalool (alcohol), Borneone, Camphor, Cineole (Ketones), Methylchavicol,
Eugenol (phenols), Ocimene, Pinene, Sylvestrene (Terpenes)
Properties:
Analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, cephalic, digestive,
emmenagogue, expectorant, nervine, Tonic, Restorative, Stimulant
Mind & Spirit:
One of the most useful cephalics (Stimulating & clearing the mind). Used as an
inhalation in a vaporizer, it is reputed to clear the head, relieve
intellectual fatigue and give the mind strength and clarity. Encourages
concentration. A good tonic for the nerves, when feeling fragile. Appears to
calm hysteria and nervous disorders yet seems to have an uplifting effect on
depression.
Body:
Has been known to be first rate with headaches and migraines, probably due to
is cephalic properties. Basil's antispasmodic properties is said to have a
beneficial action on the respiratory system is useful for the relief of sinus
congestion.
Useful for wasp and insect bites. The antispasmodic and emmenagogue properties
is said to make Basil effective for treating menstrual problems such as scanty
periods.
Precautions:
External use ONLY.
Do NOT use undiluted on the skin.
Store away from children & pets.
Keep away from heat & light.
It is not recommended to use Basil in baths as it may cause skin irritations.
Because it is an emmenagogue it is best to avoid during pregnancy. Usually
stimulating however, has a stupefying effect when used in excess.
Ref:
S. Arctander - Perfume & Flavor Material Of Natural Origin
S. Battaglia - Complete Guide to Aromatherapy
W. Sellar - Directory of Essential Oils
No recommended products at the moment.
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Lemongrass (O) |
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Botanical Name: Cymbopogan citratus
Country of Origin: Sri Lanka
Method of Cultivation: Organic
Method of Extraction: Steam Distillation
Plant Material Used: from fresh or partly dried leaves
CAS No: 8007-02-1
Flash Point: >100 C
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Niaouli (O) |
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Botanical Name: Melaleuca viridiflora (quinquenervia)
Country of Origin: Madagascar
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Peppermint USA Willamette |
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Latin Name: Mentha piperita
Country of Origin: USA
Method of Cultivation: Conventional
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Parts Used: leaves & flowering tops
CAS No: 8006-90-4
Flash Point: (Tag Closed Cup) 160 F
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Peppermint USA Wilamette (O) |
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Latin Name: Mentha piperita
Country of Origin: USA
Method of Cultivation: Organic
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Parts Used: leaves & flowering tops
CAS No: 8006-90-4
Flash Point: 160 F (closed cup)
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