10 Natural Health Benefits of Basil Oil

Discover the top 10 Natural Health Benefits of Basil Oil. Natural Herbal Remedies for you and your family.

 

 

 

What is Basil Oil?

Basil oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves and flowers of the basil plant (Ocimum basilicum). This popular culinary herb has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. The essential oil contains a variety of active compounds like linalool, eugenol, citronellol, that are responsible for the many health benefits of basil oil.

The oil has a sweet, fresh, herbaceous aroma and can range in colour from pale yellow to almost brown depending on the species and country of origin. Basil oil is commonly used in aromatherapy, personal care products, and as a flavouring ingredient in foods. Here are 10 evidence-based ways that basil oil may improve your health.

 

How is Basil Oil Produced?

Therefor, there are a few methods used to extract the essential oils from basil leaves:

 

Steam Distillation

This is the most common method. The leaves are placed in a distillation unit and steam passes through them, breaking down the plant material and releasing the potent oils. The oils are then collected and separated from the water.

 

Solvent Extraction

Especially, dried basil leaves are washed with a solvent like hexane or ethanol to dissolve the essential oils. The solvent is later removed, leaving behind pure concentrated basil oil.

 

CO2 Extraction

Carbon dioxide under high pressure is used to extract the oil. It yields very pure essential oil free of chemical residues from solvents. This method is more complex and expensive.

Now let’s look at the top ways basil oil can benefit your health.

 

 

 

 

1. Fights Bacteria and Infections

Basil oil contains antibacterial compounds that can help fight infections and bacteria.

 

Effective Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria

Studies have found basil oil effective against some drug-resistant bacteria like Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). MRSA, a deadly infection that’s become resistant to many antibiotics.

 

Treats Skin and Wound Infections

Applying diluted basil oil can deter the growth of skin-infecting bacteria. It may also speed up wound healing when applied topically.

 

Guards Against Foodborne Illnesses

The antibacterial effects of the essential oil make it useful for preventing contamination and spoilage of foods like meat. This can decrease instances of food poisoning.

Otherwise its anti-infective properties, basil oil can be a useful addition to hand sanitizers, household cleaners, acne treatments, and more.

 

 

 

2. Contains Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds

Basil contains antioxidant flavonoids like orientin and viceninare that can help counter oxidative stress from free radicals. This cellular damage linked to aging, chronic diseases, and cancers.

The anti-inflammatory compounds in basil oil like eugenol, citronellol, and linalool can reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation throughout the body. This makes basil useful for treating inflammatory conditions like arthritis, muscle aches, and inflammatory bowel disease.

 

 

 

 

3. May Support Liver Function and Detoxification

Alternatively, your liver filters toxins, drugs, hormones and processes nutrients in the body. Basil may enhance liver health and support detoxification in a few ways.

 

Protects Liver Cells

Animal studies reveal basil oil protects liver cells from chemical toxins and damage from painkillers like acetaminophen. Basil extracts also increased bile secretion and fat breakdown by the liver.

 

Antioxidant Protection

The rich antioxidants in basil oil neutralize free radicals that can damage liver cells.

 

Boosts Detoxifying Enzymes

Research indicates basil can increase levels of some detox enzymes like glutathione S-transferases (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD).

For those with fatty liver disease or exposure to toxins, basil oil may offer protective, detoxifying benefits for liver function.

 

 

 

 

4. Fights Depression and Anxiety

The essential oil of basil has apoptogenic properties that may help relieve depression, anxiety, and stress:

 

Uplifts Mood

Such as, Inhaling basil oil triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter that boosts motivation and happiness.

 

Calms the Nervous System

Certainly, the oil can calm the nervous system and relieve nervous tension making it useful for relaxation and treating anxiousness.

 

Safe Alternative to Anti-Anxiety Drugs

Studies show basil oil works as well as some anxiety medications for reducing stress levels without the risk of dependency and side effects.

Adding a few drops of basil oil to a diffuser, bath or perfume may lift your spirits and calm your mind.

 

 

 

 

5. Provides Pain Relief

 

Basil oil works as a natural analgesic and muscle relaxant, making it useful for relieving pain in several ways:

 

Soothes Headaches

Rubbing diluted basil oil on the temples, forehead and back of the neck can ease tension headaches and migraines.

 

Reduces Arthritis Pain

Massaging joints with basil oil may alleviate pain and swelling from arthritis and injuries due to the anti-inflammatory action.

 

Treats Stings and Bites

The antimicrobial properties help treat pain and itching from insect bites, stings and skin irritations when applied topically.

 

Muscle Relaxant

Eugenol in basil relaxes muscles allowing the oil to treat tight, tense, strained muscles when massaged into the affected area.

Including basil oil in massage oils, vapor rubs and pain relief creams can enhance their ability to alleviate aches and discomfort.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Fights Respiratory Infections

Regarding, Basil’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for treating respiratory conditions like colds, flu, allergies and asthma:

 

Kills Airborne Bacteria and Viruses

Diffusing basil oil can kill airborne germs and prevent illnesses from spreading through the air.

 

Opens Airways and Relieves Congestion

Inhaling the vapours relieves sinus congestion and opens airways making it easier to breathe.

 

Soothes Coughs and Sore Throats

It acts as a cough suppressant and provides relief for sore itchy throats due to its soothing, anti-inflammatory effects.

 

Treats Asthma Symptoms

Studies indicate basil oil can reduce asthmatic attacks and ease symptoms like chest tightness and difficulty breathing.

Equally, Basil oil can be inhaled, applied topically on the chest or used in steam inhalation to obtain relief from respiratory discomforts.

 

 

 

 

7. Promotes Healthy Hair and Skin

There are many dermatological uses of basil oil for promoting beauty and health of hair and skin:

 

Stimulates Hair Growth

Massaging diluted basil oil into the scalp may stimulate circulation, boost hair growth and slow greying of hair.

 

Moisturizes Skin

In addition, Basil oil gets easily absorbed into skin to increase moisture retention, softness and lustre.

 

Heals Skin Infections

It can be applied undiluted on Cuts, wounds, stings, ringworm due to its antimicrobial action.

 

Clears Acne

The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects help clears acne, pimples, blackheads when used in face wash, toner or spot treatment.

 

Reduces Signs of Aging

Regardless, Antioxidants in basil oil combat free radicals that damage skin cells and cause wrinkles.

Although,  healthy vibrant skin and hair consider including basil oil in your skincare routine.

 

 

8. Promotes Healthy Digestion

 

Here’s how basil oil can improve digestion and gut health:

 

Relieves Indigestion

Then again, It stimulates bile flow and aids digestion. The carminative effect relieves bloating, gas and stomach cramps.

 

Treats IBS Symptoms

Additionally, Antispasmodic and antibacterial properties help ease abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea linked to IBS.

 

Increases Appetite

Furthermore, Aromatic compounds in basil stimulate the salivary glands and gastric juices boosting appetite.

 

Antimicrobial Effects

Basil oil kills harmful bacteria like E. coli and H.pylori that can cause stomach infections.

Then again, for digestive discomforts, rub 2-3 drops diluted oil over abdomen or add to warm bath water.

 

 

9. Boosts Immunity

Uniquely, Basil oil offers several immunostimulatory effects to keep your body’s defences strong:

 

Antimicrobial Protection

Fighting bacteria, viruses, fungi prevents infectious illnesses.

 

Rich in Antioxidants

Nevertheless, Antioxidants like Vitamin A, C and polyphenols protect against cell damage from free radicals.

 

Anti-inflammatory Action

Equally, reducing inflammation boosts immunity and speeds up healing.

 

Adaptogenic Effect

Adaptogens like basil oil counteracts stress which suppresses immune function.

Besides, using basil oil aromatically, topically or internally may offer protective effects against pathogens and toxins that make you ill.

 

 

10. Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Here are some cardioprotective abilities of basil oil:

 

Lowers High Blood Pressure

Eugenol and linalool help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels allowing blood to flow more easily.

 

Antihyperlipidemic Effect

Basil extracts reduced elevated blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels in research. High lipids increase risk of heart disease.

 

Prevents Blood Clotting

Although, Blood thinning properties decrease chances of platelet aggregation and thrombosis.

 

Antioxidant Protection

Additionally, the oil neutralizes free radicals that contribute to atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Also, the versatile health benefits of basil oil make it a useful supplement for staying in good health. Be sure to use good quality, 100% pure essential basil oil for safety and effectiveness.