What is Basil?
Basil is an annual culinary herb from the ‘Lamiaceae’ family, or the mint family. This beautifull refreshing plant Originates from Souteast Asia. Basil leaves have many other uses such as a fresh or dry addition to flavour food, salads, sauces (like pesto sauce) and even make tea.
Basil essential oil production
Do you remember the process of steam distillation? As it is one the most common ways to obtain essential oils from plants, we explained this process in a dedicated post here.
In case you are more interested in DIY type of products do not worry! You can store Homemade basil oil (not essential oil) in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. If you are interested in this quick and easy process here is a blog post I have found with a method to do so…
How can it be used for Hair Care?
When was the last time you gave your scalp a massage? Did you know that massaging your scalp increases blood circulation, promoting hair growth? Essential oils are great to massage your scalp, therefore, basil essential oil will do a great job at increasing the blood flow.
As essential oils are very potent, only a few drops will suffice to do the trick! You can always mix it into a carrier oil such as olive oil or jojoba oil, if you would prefer.
Olive oil is one of my favourite oils to use as I love the way it makes my hair feel. On the other hand, why not give jojoba oil a go? It is not only known for its nourishing properties, it can also be used to regulate sebum production.
Common benefits of using Basil Essential oil for Hair Care include:
- Cleanses
- Hydrates
- Strengthens
- Refreshes
How can it be used for Skin Care?
It contains a rich supply of anti-inflammatory properties. This can be useful for skin that often feels irritated and sore. It is recommended to use a basil essential oil with a higher percentage of Linalool and weak Estragole (Methyl Chavicol) content.
What is Estragole anyway?
Estragole is a chemical compound (a natural organic compound to be exact.) It is present in some essential oils, including Basil essential oil. Baseformula.com says: “[Estragole] is converted into a chemical which can be carcinogenic if used in high doses.”
What is Linalool?
Linalool is often mistaken as an unatural, man -made chemical. However, linalool is present in over 200 different essential oils, as it is a natural part of the plant.
Linalool often causes skin reactions, but it really depends on how your skin personally reacts to it. Essential oil containing this compound tend to smell more pleasant and ‘flowery.’ Whereas essential oils that do not conatin linalool tend to smell more ‘earthy’/ more like plants.
Examples of essential oils that contain Linalool
- Coriander
- Rosalina
- Bergamot Mint
- Spike Lavender
- Neroli
- Thyme
- Sage
- Clary
Examples of essential oils that do not contain Linalool:
- Patchouli
- caraway
- clove
- benzoin
- cedarwood
- vetiver
- tea tree
- sandalwood
- hyssop
- frankincense
- sweet fennel
- myrhh
- labdanum
- elemi
- eucalyptus
Basil essential oil will be able to blend with these 8 other essential oils on the list above.
Common benefits of Basil Essential oil for Skin include:
- Nourish
- Balance
- Reapair
- Exfoliate
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Thank you for sharing your favorite products with us. I learned a lot and I am looking forward to trying many of them.