Basil

Botanical Name: Ocimum Basilicum 

Botany and Origins: Basil is an aromatic annual herb with white to pink flowers that grows up to .5m high. It comes from the Lamiaceae (Labiatae) family which are a family of flowering plants commonly known as the mint or deadnettle family. Basil is cultivated throughout Europe, the USA and as a popular garden herb worldwide. There are over 70 different species and subspecies and one of the most popular is our sweet basil which has a higher percentage of linalool.

History: Basil originates from the Greek word basileus meaning 'royal' or 'king like'  because of its commanding royal fragrance. According to Indian tradition, basil protects from unfortunate destinies and evil spirits. The sixteenth century herbalist John Gerard wrote 'the smell of basil... taketh away sorrowfulness and maketh a man merry and glad.' In the middle ages it was prescribed for melancholy and depression.

Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Plant Part: Leaves and Flowering Tops

Aromatic Scent: Fresh, sweet, spicy and balsamic

Fragrance Note: Top

Blending: This fragrant essential oil blends well with Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Fennel, Ginger, Grapefruit Pink, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Peppermint and Rose Geranium.   

Aromatic blending is a combination of creativity and science. Essential oils will evaporate at different rates because of their molecular compositions. Oils that evaporate the quickest, usually within 1-2 hours, are called top notes. Oils that evaporate within 2-4 hours are considered middle notes and oils that take the longest time to evaporate - up to a few days - are referred to as base notes. Each of our oils have the fragrance 'Note' listed on the bottle. We recommend the following formula in creating your personal blend: Top note: 2-3 drops; Middle note: 4-8 drops; Base note: 1-3 drops.

We can feel a little different each day, so follow your nose and intuition when blending for your personal preference.

Use: 2-3 drops in diffuser, full body bath, foot bath or diluted in 10ml carrier oil for massage. A few drops in cooking.

Plant Compounds: a-pinene, camphene, B-pinene, myrcene, limonene, cis-ocimene, camphor, linalool, methyl chavicol, a-terpinol, citronellol, geraniol, methyl cinnamate, eugenol.

These are beneficial natural plant compounds and they differ between each essential oil, giving each oil its distinct natural properties.

Note: Australian Body essential oils are 100% pure & natural and are stringently tested for purity. Please consult a qualified practitioner for specific advice on the use of this 100% pure essential oil.