| Basil exists in many varieties and is generally believed | | | | mandarin, bergamot, geranium, orange, neroli, |
| to have originated in India over 2000 years ago; it | | | | peppermint, clary sage and petigrain. |
| was cultivated there and held in great esteem, being | | | | Basil is a popular and versatile oil making it a widely |
| used in many religious and magical ceremonies. It later | | | | used essential oil by aromatherapists, it is especially |
| became very popular throughout the Greek and | | | | suitable for reducing fevers and easing colds and flu. |
| Roman civilisations (the word basil comes from the | | | | It can also be helpful for treating headaches, |
| Latin word basilica meaning royal). It now grows wild | | | | migraines, flatulence, depression, anxiety and nervous |
| in many Mediterranean regions. Basil is a versatile herb | | | | tension. It has been used for many years as an |
| and exists in many different species. The versatility | | | | insect repellent and helps draw the poison from |
| of Basil makes it a great favourite with | | | | insect bites and stings, it has high antioxidant |
| Aromatherapists it is also widely used in cookery, in | | | | properties and is used as a massage oil to ease |
| many countries, used to add flavour to many dishes. | | | | general aches and pains. It can also bring relief to |
| Basil has long been used in India in Ayurverdic | | | | people suffering from arthritis or rheumatism. |
| medicine. Of the many varieties of Basil the one | | | | Some of the more popular ways of using the oil is |
| favoured for use in aromatherapy is French Basil (also | | | | for massaging, in baths, as an inhalant or a room |
| known as true sweet basil). It has a spicy and clean | | | | fragrancer. |
| aroma with a faint hint of aniseed. The essential oil is | | | | Basil oil can sometimes irritate sensitive skin in such |
| usually extracted, by a process of steam distillation | | | | circumstances cases a low dilution is recommended, |
| of the flowering tops of the herb and the leaves. | | | | also it is generally not used for babies, very young |
| The oil produced blends well with frankincense, | | | | children or during pregnancy. |