Description Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled Part Typically Used: Leaves and Flowers/Buds Color: Clear Consistency: Thin Perfumery Note: Top Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium Aromatic Description: Sweet, herbaceous, licorice-like, slightly camphorous. Basil Essential Oil Uses: Bronchitis, colds, coughs, exhaustion, flatulence, flu, gout, insect bites, insect repellent, muscle aches, rheumatism, sinusitis. Basil Essential Oil is an energizing oil and is best used during the morning and daytime hours. It is considered anti-bacterial/anti-viral, it acts as an expectorant and it also helps keep people alert. Basil Oil is also said to help with headaches. The chemical composition of Basil Essential Oil can vary greatly between varieties, batches and suppliers. Ideally, look for Basil Essential Oil that has a a significant percentage of Linalool and that is weak in Methyl Chavicol (Estragole), a suspected carcinogen. Basil Oils that are higher in Linalool tend to have a more appealing aroma. Additionally, Linalool is said to act as an insect repellent.
