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Health Benefits of Basil Oil, Uses And Its Side Effects

Last Updated: Sep 03, 2020

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Known as the ‘Queen of Herbs’, Basil is a plant with medicinal as well as culinary properties. It is an incomparable herb which not only has admirable benefits of beauty but to the health as well. People use it as greens or its oil. The basil oil has a sharp minty smell which has warming effects.

Basil oil helps in proper digestion, hair growth, reduce mouth ulcers, aid in earache and improve skin dulling. Basil oil is popular due to its anti-infectious and antispasmodic nature. It also has anti-oxidants. Pregnant ladies use the 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 the tropical areas. If the features of the plant 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 a great importance in medicinal uses too. Mostly, the 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 in health conditions such as, reducing inflammation, treating cardiovascular diseases etc.

Nutritional facts Per 100 gm

22
Calories
0.64g
Total Fat
4 mg
Sodium
295 mg
Potassium
2.65g
Total Carbohydrate
3.15g
Protein

Vitamins and Minerals

264micrograms
Vitamin A
177 mg
Calcium
18.0milligrams
Vitamin C
3.17 mg
Iron
0.155micrograms
Vitamin B-6
64 mg
Magnesium

Health Benefits of Basil Oil

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Mentioned below are the best health benefits of Basil Oil

Basil oil helps in promoting hair growth

Basil oil being a natural stimulant by itself, the oil helps in promoting blood circulation in the tips of hair. This helps in increasing the hair growth and also. Other oils such as, Rosemary and Lavender in combination with basil oil can do miracles to the hair.

Basil oil skin care benefits

Basil oil is just provides nutrition for the 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 it 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 bowel.

Basis Oil reduces grease of hair

Hair becomes greasy due to pollution in the air and other factors. However, there is a solution to this greasy hair by nourishing 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 miracle 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 in 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 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 towards dull-skin. Massaging the skin with basil oil helps to rejuvenate and bring a glow to the skin. It not just brings a glow into the skin, but also treats acne and other skin related issues.

Sometimes basil oil is also used for purifying blood toxin, treating acne, lightening the 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. An infection to 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 asthmatic attack

As per anecdotal evidence, basil and its essential oil are known for relieving asthmatic attacks. It helps in treating the 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 in nature, 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 felling of anxiety. There are many other benefits for which the basil oil is commonly used. Some of the most prominent uses are calming down of mind and heart, relieving stress, reduction of fatigue etc.

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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 is applicable for 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 lowering 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 is applicable for 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 lowering the speed of blood clots.

References

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    Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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    Reviewed ByDt. Ms. Shilpa MarwahB.Sc (Home Science), Post Graduation Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health NutritionDietitian/Nutritionist
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