Basil, a member of the Lamiacea (mint) family, has powerful healing properties as evidenced by its Greek name derivative “basileum”, meaning “king”. This herb was traditionally used in the 16th century to treat migraines and chest infections. Historically, the Hindu people put basil on the dead in order to protect them from evil spirits and Italian women wore basil in order to attract possible suitors.

This chemotype of Basil contains high levels of methyl chavicol, a constituent with strong anti-inflammatory and microbial inhibiting properties. Furthermore, as a phenylpropanoid, it also has the ability to clean receptor sites. Basil’s other constituents of linalol and eugenol provides additional protection from microbial growth. The presence of 1-8 cineol, a terpene, has stimulating properties in the human body and has also been suggested as an agent of allelopathic reactions, meaning it is good in agriculture to suppress or stimulate the growth of other plants surrounding it.

Scientific journals have validated Basil’s antioxidant, anti-tumoral, and microbe suppressing effects. It has also been used relax muscles and support the lungs. Its fragrance is uplifting and helps fight mental fatigue.

References:
Essential Oils Desk Reference
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/CropFactSheets/basil.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnitine
The following articles from www.pubmed.com
PMID: 17924700, PMID 17221914
PMID: 16173941
PMID: 17980946 (linalol)
PMID: 17342533 (linalool)
Metal Chelating properties: PMID 17221941

Disclaimer: This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic, Grade A essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been AFNOR and ISO standardized. There is no quality control in the United States and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. This information is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness.