Basil oil
Basil Oil is an essential oil derived from the basil plant, scientifically known as Ocimum basilicum. It is commonly used in aromatherapy, cosmetic products, and culinary arts.
Extraction[edit | edit source]
Basil oil is typically extracted through a process known as steam distillation. This involves heating the basil plant material to create steam, which then passes through a condenser. The resulting liquid is a combination of water and oil, which are separated to obtain the pure essential oil.
Composition[edit | edit source]
The primary constituents of basil oil include linalool, eugenol, and methyl chavicol, among others. The exact composition can vary depending on the variety of basil and the extraction method used.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Aromatherapy[edit | edit source]
In aromatherapy, basil oil is believed to have a calming effect and is often used to reduce stress and anxiety. It is also thought to enhance mental clarity and alertness.
Cosmetic Products[edit | edit source]
Basil oil is often used in cosmetic products due to its potential skin benefits. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products.
Culinary Arts[edit | edit source]
In the culinary world, basil oil is used as a flavoring agent. It adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to dishes and is often used in Italian cuisine.
Safety and Precautions[edit | edit source]
While generally considered safe for use, basil oil can cause skin irritation in some individuals, particularly when used in high concentrations. It is recommended to perform a patch test before using basil oil topically. Ingesting basil oil should be done with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
See Also[edit | edit source]
This aromatherapy related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.
This herbal medicine related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
