Basil essential oil has long been a favorite of mine. Its fresh and spicy-sweet aroma brings me back to the times I spent at my grandmother’s elbow watching her make spaghetti sauce from scratch. The scent of basil is just reminiscent of good times and good food.

Today, I want to share with you some of my favorite basil essential oil uses and benefits to help peak your interest. I know that using the more herbaceous oils can seem a bit daunting (because who wants to smell like Italian food, amiright?), but I promise you that after learning these tips and tricks for how to use it, you’ll be hooked!

Basil Essential Oil Uses and Benefits for Everyday Use

Basil, or Ocimum basilicum L., belongs to the Lamiaceae family which includes over 200 different species of basil.

Basil essential oil has a naturally sweet, warming, and slightly spicy aroma that has anise-like notes and balsamic undertones. The herb has been used for hundreds of years in many cultures for its culinary and medicinal qualities and is credited with the ability to ward off evil, imbue mental fortitude, and enhance memory.

Basil essential oil is known to:

• Enhance memory and improve studying
• Improve respiratory capacity by relieving congestion in the lungs and sinuses
• Promote hair growth and strength
• Promote mental clarity and alertness
• Reduce feelings of anxiety
• Reduce stress
• Soothe minor skin irritations
• Soothe sore, stiff, or tight muscles

Basil EO is also an incredible ally when dealing with emotional distress that leaves you feeling anxious, fearful, or nervous. It is strengthening to the heart, mind, and body which allows you to face stress, feelings of overwhelm, mental fatigue, and “the jitters”.

All in all, basil essential oil is another must have in your essential oil collection!

My Top 10 Basil Essential Oil Uses with Recipes

1. Sharpen Focus

Even just taking a few deep breaths straight from the bottle will help reawaken a sluggish brain, but I like to diffuse it while studying, reading, or while working.

Simply add 1-3 drops of basil essential oil along with 3 drops of cardamom and 3 drops of lemon essential oil. Diffuse for 20 minutes 2-3 times a day or as needed to clear away brain fog.

2. Cuts, Scrapes, and Irritations

For minor skin wounds like cuts, scrapes, and abrasions, simply mix 1-2 drops of basil essential oil and 2 drops of lavender essential oil in 1TB carrier oil (coconut oil works well for this), and apply a small amount to the affected area. The oils will soothe irritation, inflammation, and stinging. This also works well on burns after the heat has left.

3. Post-Workout Muscle Soreness

Basil is an excellent sore muscle soother! Mix 2 drops basil EO with 2 drops wintergreen and 2 drops helichrysum essential oil in 1TB of carrier oil. Massage a small amount into sore muscles and joints for lasting relief.

4. Stress Relief

Diffuse 2-3 drops of basil essential oil with 3 drops of rosemary, 3 drops cedarwood, and 3 drops of lavender essential oil. Diffuse for 20 minutes 2-3 times a day. The oils in this blend are known to reduce cortisol levels and instill a sense of calm and relaxation.

5. Oily Hair

Mix 5 drops of basil essential oil in 1TB of coconut oil and massage it into the scalp for at least 30 minutes before showering. Focus on creating healthy circulation as you massage to increase blood flow. The basil essential oil will help control sebum production and will also stimulate hair growth and strength.

Let the oil sit for at least 30 minutes, then shampoo as usual. Repeat 2-3 times per week.

6. Cold and Flu

During times of respiratory illness where there is congestion in the lungs or sinuses, add 1-2 drops of basil essential oil, 3 drops of peppermint, and 5 drops of eucalyptus radiata essential oil to a personal nasal inhaler and use as needed to help clear mucus.

7. Mold Control

In a 16oz spray bottle, add 60 drops basil essential oil, 60 drops tea tree, and 60 drops lemon essential oil. Next, add a cup of white vinegar, then fill to the shoulder with water. You can play around with vinegar and water ratios as you like.

Shake well before each use and spray on shower tile, grout, bathtubs, shower curtain liners, and anywhere else mold may be present. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe away.

This spray also works well as a mold preventative if used after a shower on areas where mold likes to grow and doesn’t need to be wiped away.

8. Digestive Upset

Mix 2 drops each of basil, peppermint, ginger, lemongrass, and patchouli in 1TB of carrier oil and apply a small amount over the abdomen to help alleviate gas, intestinal cramping, nausea, and other digestive distress.

The properties of these oils combined really help settle the stomach and reduce digestive discomfort.

9. Nail Health

Mix 1-2 drops of basil essential oil with 2 drops of tea tree oil in 1 tsp of carrier oil (coconut oil works well) and apply on and around toenails and fingernails to help prevent fungal infections and other forms of yucky nail conditions. Repeat morning and night. This works especially well for hikers!

10. Headaches

Simply sniffing basil essential oil whether straight from the bottle or through a personal nasal inhaler is a great way to help reduce muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and around the head because it is an antispasmodic.

You can even pair it with peppermint and apply it diluted in carrier oil (2 drops basil and 5 drops peppermint in 1-2 tsp of carrier oil) on the temples and back of the neck.

What have been your favorite basil essential oil uses? Please let me know in the comments!

You may also enjoy reading:

Basil Essential Oil Benefits & Properties
Essential Oils for Sore Muscles
Essential Oil Profiles and Therapeutic Uses

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