Ocimum basilicum L. leaves and flowers, steam distilled, from India.

Aroma: Sweet vaguely anise-like minty smoky odour. Herbaceous, slightly campherous. I find the fresh and intriguing scent to be addictive - TTF.

History: In Greek, its name means 'royal remedy' or 'king'. Beloved culinary plant of Indian, Asian and Mediterranean countries.

Common Uses: Prized in Ayurvedic medicine for its ability to strengthen compassion, faith and bring clarity. Basil clears the sinuses, promotes digestion and stimulates circulation, especially in the respiratory system.

Possible Uses: Bronchitis, colds, coughs, exhaustion, flatulence, flu, gout, insect bites, insect repellent, muscle aches, rheumatism, sinusitis. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 58-67.] Basil is used spiritually to strengthen compassion for self and others and has an affinity for the bronchial passages.-TTF

Colour: Clear

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Constituents: Linalol, Fenchol, Eugenol, Methyl chavicol, Beta-caryophyllene [Shirley Price, The Aromatherapy Workbook (Hammersmith, London: Thorsons, 1993), 54-5.]

Main Constituents:
Methyl chavicol: 70-78%
Linalool: 17-22%

Cautions: May irritate sensitive skin. Avoid during pregnancy. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 186.]

Safety Information: Use sparingly with caution. High doses may be carcinogenic due to their methyl chavicol content. Avoid in cases of liver problems. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 120.]

Photo thanks to Castielli, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons