“Warm and spicy” would be the apt way to describe the aroma of an essential oil called Basil. This essential oil is derived from a “herb” known as Basil, and is even is referred to as the great basil. Furthermore, this essential oil is mainly used as a flavoring agent in food. In addition, this oil has been commonly used as medicine in the ancient Indian medical system known as “Ayurveda”. Moreover, it is also commonly used as an antiviral, antibiotic, and diuretic.
A. Chemical components of the Basil Oil:
This oil is extracted from a “herb” known as “Basil” belonging to the “Ocimum Basilicum” species in the “plantae” kingdom. In addition, this herb comprises of a variety of organic compounds such as citronellol, linalool, myrcene, pinene, ocimene, terpineol, linalyl acetate, trans-ocimene, 1,8 cineole, methyl eugenol, methyl chavicol, eugenol, and beta caryophylline.
B. The uses/benefits of the Basil Oil:
The use of Basil oil benefits a few body systems in a major way, and they are as follows:
- Gastrointestinal system: This oil possesses medicinal properties capable of clearing the gastric system. And so issues such as indigestion, stomach cramps, constipation, and flatulence can be resolved using this oil.
- Respiratory system: This oil when used is also capable of resolving respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and sinus infection.
- Urinary system: This oil when used is capable of treating serious bladder infections.
- Nervous system: Issues such as migraines, mental fatigue, melancholy, and depression can be cured by using this essential oil.
- Ophthalmological system: This oil also possesses medicinal property that is capable of resolving issues such as bloodshot eyes.
C. The adverse effects of the Basil Oil:
Apart from its usefulness there are however a few adverse reactions that could result from the use of Basil Oil. These reactions are as follows:
- The use of the oil can cause slowing down of “blood clotting” which could result in increase of excessive bleeding during and post surgery.
- A diabetic individual should avoid using this oil, since using it could cause lowering of the blood pressure i.e. hypoglycemia.
- This oil could interact with drugs such as NSAID’s, and hence it must not be used along especially with products containing acetaminophen.
