Health Benefits Of Basil Oil Uses And Side Effects
Known as the ‘Queen of Herbs’, Basil is a plant with medicinal as well as culinary properties. It is an incomparable herb that not only has admirable benefits of beauty but health as well. People use it as greens or oil. The basil oil has a sharp minty smell which has warming effects.
Basil oil helps in proper digestion, and hair growth reduces mouth ulcers, aids in earache, and improves skin dulling. Basil oil is popular due to its anti-infectious and antispasmodic nature. It also has anti-oxidants. Pregnant ladies use basil essential oil to nurse their babies.
Basil Oil
Basil’s scientific name is Ocimum Basilicum. It also is known as Saint Joseph’s Wroth. It is a herb belonging to the mint family and is a native plant of India. It is also found in many parts of Asia, mainly tropical areas. If the features of the plant are taken into consideration, then depending upon different varieties grown in various parts of the world, all these varieties have leaves smelling like anise and often give a strong and pungent smell.
In Italy, basil oil is the main part of Italian cuisine, because of the strong smell it has. It makes an integral ingredient of the popular pasta sauce- Pesto Sauce. Other countries where basil oil is commonly included in food are Indonesian cuisine, Vietnamese Cuisine, and Thai Cuisine. But, it is not at all limited to the culinary world; it has great importance in medicinal uses too. Mostly, Basil Oil is used as an essential o¬il.
Nutritional Value of Basil Oil
Basil Oil is rich in Vitamins and minerals which are essential for the human body. It has dietary fiber (1.6g), Energy (22 kilocalorie), Carbohydrates (2.65g), Fat (0.64g), Protein (3.15g) Water (92.06g), Vitamin A (264micrograms), Thiamine (0.034micrograms), Riboflavin (0.076milligrams), Niacin (0.902milligrams), Vitamin B6 (0.155micrograms).
Folate (68micrograms), Choline (11.4milligrams), Vitamin C (18.0milligrams), Vitamin E (0.80milligrams), Vitamin K (414.8micrograms), Calcium (177milligrams), Iron (3.17milligrams), Magnesium (64milligrams), Manganese (1.148milligrams), Phosphorus (56 milligrams), Potassium (295milligrams), Sodium (4milligrams) and Zinc (0.81milligrams).
Basil oil has a huge list of nutritional values. People can also use this oil for health conditions such as, reducing inflammation, treating cardiovascular diseases, etc.
Nutritional facts Per 100 gm
Calories 22
Total Fat 0.64g
Sodium 4 mg
Potassium 295 mg
Total Carbohydrate 2.65g
Protein 3.15g
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamin A 264 micrograms
Calcium 177 mg
Vitamin C 18.0milligrams
Iron 3.17 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.155micrograms
Magnesium 64 mg
Health Benefits of Basil Oil
Basil oil helps in promoting hair growth
Basil oil is a natural stimulant by itself, the oil helps in promoting blood circulation in the tips of the hair. This helps in increasing hair growth and also. Other oils such as Rosemary and Lavender in combination with basil oil can do miracles to the hair.
Basil oil skincare benefits
Basil oil just provides nutrition for dull skin. If the skin is massaged gently with basil oil, it makes the skin glow. If there is any symptom of infection, acne, and hyperpigmentation, the oil may help to treat them too.
Basil oil helps in correcting the digestion
Basil oil is very popular for relieving constipation, stomach cramps, flatulence, and indigestion. Basil oil can be like a tonic for bad digestion; bowel pain can also be alleviated. The colic qualities of this oil make it capable of relieving the gas from the stomach and reducing pain during the bowel.
Basis Oil reduces the grease of hair
Hair becomes greasy due to pollution in the air and other factors. However, there is a solution to this greasy hair nourishing it with basil oil. A drop mixed in the regular shampoo used can cleanse the grease of the hair and can make it silky and shiny.
Basil lowers stress level
Basil oil is great for relieving stress, fatigue, depression, and nervousness. In many cases, it helps in relieving melancholy by calming the mood. Its aroma is enough to do miracles for uplifting the mood.
Basil oil soothes mouth ulcers
Basil oil has properties that help soothe ulcers and for better results, basil oil has to be applied 2 to 3 times a day. People can also chew on basil leaves if the oil is not available.
Basil oil treats earache
A drop of basil oil would help to reduce the pain from an earache. Simply massaging the ached area with basil oil will do wonders. However, make sure that the oil does not enter the ears, as this may cause problems
Basil oil cosmetic uses
Basil oil from this tropical herb is primarily known for its benefits for dull skin. Massaging the skin with basil oil helps to rejuvenate and bring a glow to the skin. It not just brings a glow to the skin but also treats acne and other skin-related issues.
Sometimes basil oil is also used for purifying blood toxins, treating acne, lightening skin tone, and treating skin diseases. In many cases, it is also known for treating any ringworm infection.
Basil oil treats various types of body infections
Basil oil has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. For an infection of the bladder, skin, wound, or cut, the use of basil oil will treat everything. Studies have shown that it is also good for treating virus infections.
Basil oil reduces the asthmatic attack
As per anecdotal evidence, basil and its essential oil are known for relieving asthmatic attacks. It helps in treating respiratory disorders by improving respiration and reducing congestion.
Basil oil helps in alleviating pain
Basil essential oil contains analgesic properties and hence, it helps in relieving pain. Pain related to arthritis, burns, injuries, bruises, and wounds can be easily alleviated with the help of basil oil.
Basil oil benefits for cold /cough
Basil oil is anti-spasmodic, which helps in curing cough and cold which are associated with fever. It is best known to treat whooping cough systems and treating influenza.
Uses of Basil Oil
Basil leaves, though used for culinary purposes, are also well known for their medicinal purposes. The essential oil of basil is only used for medicinal purposes. It is also used to soothe joint and muscle pains, clear breathing passages, cool the skin, and reduce the feeling of anxiety. There are many other benefits for which basil oil is commonly used. Some of the most prominent uses are calming down of mind and heart, relieving stress, reduction of fatigue, etc.
Side-Effects / Allergies of Basil Oil
Usually, basil is safe for adults, but there could be side effects if not used properly. It is believed that parts above the ground are unsafe if taken by mouth; the same applies to basil oil too. It possesses a chemical called Estragole, which can even cause cancer.
Some side effects of basil oil include bleeding disorders, low blood pressure, and a lowering of the speed of blood clots.
Origin And Cultivation of Basil Oil
Usually, basil is safe for adults, but there could be side effects if not used properly. It is believed that parts above the ground are unsafe if taken by mouth; the same applies to basil oil too. It possesses a chemical called Estragole, which can even cause cancer.
Some side effects of basil oil include bleeding disorders, low blood pressure, and a lowering of the speed of blood clots.