There are many flavours of basil and it comes in purple or green varieties. There are many chemotypes of basil, depending on where it is grown, the chemical constituents are different, but they are all used the same way. In India it is called Holy basil.
Basil is a nerve tonic relieving mental fatigue while sharpening the senses, it gives the mind clarity and focus for concentration. The clarifying effects are like rosemary, and it is good to use with rosemary for headaches along with lavender and peppermint. The antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties of basil treat digestive and respiratory conditions.
| COMMON NAME | BASIL |
| Latin Name | Ocimum basilicum |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Country of Origin | Europe, Asia, Middle East, North America |
| Volatility | Top note |
| Extraction | Steam distilled from leaves |
| Colour | colourless, pale amber |
| Aroma | liquorice, sweet, |
| Caution Contraindications | Do not use during pregnancy. May cause skin irritation. |
| Primary Uses | Digestion: digestive upset, gas, bloating, inflammation, liver congestionRespiratory: sinus, flu, congestion, coughs, colds,Nervous: Stress, fatigue, mental, physical.Head: headaches, earache(external use only), migraines
Used as insect repellent and for treating insect stings and bites.
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| Properties | Anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anticatarrhal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, digestive, expectorant, emmenagogue, relaxant, stimulating/relaxing nervine, hepatic, stimulant, warming, tonic |
| Constituents | Methyl ester: methyl cinnamate,Monoterpene alcohols: linalool, geraniol, Oxide: cineoleSesquiterpenes: caryophyllene, terpinolene,Phenol: methyl chavicol-40-50%
Phenylpropanoids: eugenol, trans methyl isoeugenol, Monoterpenes: pinene, camphor, ocimene, mycrene, terpinolene,
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