Sweet Basil is considered a polymorph since it exits in so many varieties. The flavor and aroma of basil oil come largely from linalool that is also found in lavender oil and clary sage and from eugenol also found in allspice. Sweet Basil is a delicious, nutritious seasoning; its oil mixes well with peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil.
Sweet Basil, Ocimum basilicum, a member of the mint family, is a delicate herb with a bold, spicy-sweet aroma and flavor containing around 1% essential oil. Indigenous to the Mediterranean region, basil is often used in Italian cuisine. This globally popular seasoning is easy to grow with lots of warmth, water, and sun.
Not only has basil had a long term culinary use, but also medicinal. Greek physician Dioscorides, famous for writing one of the most influential herbal books in history, prescribed basil for headache nearly 2000 years ago. Pliny the Elder, an ancient author and philosopher, around the same period of time thought it to be an aphrodisiac with his peers feeding it to horses for breeding. Today, the sweet, energizing aroma of basil is used to cheer the heart and mind by helping relieve sorrow and melancholy.
Basil exists in numerous forms, related species, and varieties. In other words, it is a polymorph. The various types hybridize easily, resulting in plants with different essential oil components. The scents, colors, and textures are varied as well. Basil scents include cinnamon, clove, lemon, and licorice. Basils may be purple or green, curly or lettuce leafed. There are even dwarf ornamental bush types with tiny leaves.
Only two basil varieties are used for essential extraction to a large degree. Reunion Island basil, also called Exotic basil, is indigenous to and distilled on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. European basil originally produced in southern France, is currently cultivated in the U.S. also.
The components in basil that its aroma and flavor are attributed to are linalool, found in clary sage and lavender oil and flowers; methyl chavicol, present in tarragon; and eugenol present in allspice and clove. Harsh, woody Reunion basil oil contains camphor and little to no linalool. It is often mixed with oils containing this component including bergamot, clary sage, geranium, and lavender oil. The slightly energizing, refreshing, and uplifting effects of basil's aroma is inspiring and balancing. Try this refreshing, rejuvenating recipe for relief of physical and emotional fatigue due to stress. This recipe makes about 1 teaspoon of concentrated blend:
* 35 drops of basil oil
* 35 drops of bergamot
* 5 drops of eucalyptus oil
* 10 drops of lavender oil
* 15 drops of peppermint oil
Mix a few drops of this blend in 1/4 cup of distilled water and diffuse using a candle aromatherapy lamp. The fresh, sweet aroma inspires clarity and positive thinking.
Caution: Sensitivity to the methyl chavicol in basil oil may cause redness or burning in some individuals if applied to the skin undiluted or undiluted sufficiently. (2 parts basil oil to 98 parts carrier oil.) Basil oil is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
back to top
