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Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

A Fresh Summertime Herb

Ladybug on a vibrant green basil leaf, bathed in sunlight. Lush foliage in the background creates a tranquil, natural setting.
Basil leaves

As summer warms up, basil (Ocimum basilicum) shines as one of the most enjoyable herbs in both kitchen and apothecary. Its distinctive, warm, and slightly spicy aroma paired with its remarkable therapeutic properties make it a delightful and useful summertime herb.


About the Plant

Basil is a tender annual in the Lamiaceae (mint) family, known for its soft, fragrant leaves and its strong association with summer gardens and Mediterranean cuisine. It prefers full sun, warm weather, and regular watering, making it a perfect summer garden companion.


Pro tip: Harvest basil regularly by pinching just above a leaf node to encourage bushy growth. Harvest in the morning before the sun gets too hot for the strongest aroma and flavor.


Traditional & Practical Uses

European herbalists have long used basil to support digestion, calm the nervous system, and ease respiratory complaints. As a pungent herb, it is ideal for warming you and getting things moving

Parts Used - leaves & flowers

Taste - sweet, warm, pungent, with hints of anise and clove

Energetics - warming, drying


Key Benefits

  • Digestive Support - Basil's carminative properties help ease gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort. Its antispasmodic action soothes stomach cramps and promotes healthy digestion

  • Anticatarrhal - Basil helps the body eliminate excess mucus and reduce inflammation, especially in the respiratory system; helpful for sinus congestion, colds & flu, and allergies

  • Respiratory Support - Basil's warming, expectorant properties help clear congestion and support healthy respiratory function

  • Antimicrobial - The essential oils in basil, particularly eugenol, linalool, and methyl chavicol, exhibit strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, making it valuable for respiratory support, immune support and wound care

  • Nervous System Support - As a gentle nervine, basil helps calm anxiety, uplift mood, and support mental clarity, especially helpful when you are feeling depleted or overwhelmed

  • Mild Sedative - Helpful in easing symptoms of anxiety and depression in connection to insomnia and fatigue

  • Anti-inflammatory - Supports pain relief, especially for headaches and joint discomfort

  • Insect Repellent - Fresh leaves and essential oil help deter flies and mosquitoes


Ways to Use Basil

  • Tea - Fresh or dried leaves make a warming, digestive tea. Use 2-3 tsp fresh leaves or 1-2 tsp dried per cup of hot water, steep covered for 5-15 minutes

  • Fresh Leaf Chew - Chewing 2-3 fresh leaves can help freshen breath and provide quick digestive support

  • Steam - Basil in a steam can open airways and reduce congestion

  • Poultice - Crush fresh leaves and apply directly to minor cuts, insect bites, or inflamed skin for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory relief

  • Tincture - Add a dropperful to water or tea for digestive support, stress relief, or immune support; take 2-3 times daily as needed

  • Infused Oil - Infuse dried basil in olive oil for about 4 weeks to create a warming massage oil for sore muscles or cold joints

  • Culinary - Fresh basil is essential in Mediterranean cuisine, perfect in pestos, salads, sauces, unique drinks, and as a garnish for summer dishes


Basil Essential Oil

Steam-distilled from the leaves and flowering tops, basil essential oil captures the plant’s most concentrated therapeutic compounds. Its fresh, herbaceous aroma with warm, spicy undertones both energizes and grounds the mind and body. Like rosemary, basil essential oil comes in different chemotypes (variations in dominant chemical makeup), which influence its effects and safety considerations.

  • Linalool (basil ct linalool) - most common chemotype in aromatherapy, gentle, uplifting, calming, antimicrobial

  • Estragole (basil ct estragole/methyl chavicol) - most stimulating, with a sweet, anise-like scent, excellent for sluggish digestion, fatigue, and easing muscle tension

  • Eugenol (basil ct eugenol) - spicy, similar to clove bud, strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but can be irritating topically


Key Benefits

  • Analgesic & Anti-inflammatory - Calm, tight sore muscles with the warming, anti-inflammatory properties make it excellent for muscle tension, cramps, and circulation issues

  • Mental Fatigue - Basil essential oil is excellent for recovering from feelings of mental burnout, poor concentration, and brain fog; its stimulating properties help sharpen focus and improve cognitive function

  • Stress Relief - Basil oil helps calm nervous tension and anxiety, particularly when stress manifests as mental overwhelm

  • Antimicrobial - Highly effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Useful for cleaning, air purification, and immune support

  • Respiratory Support - Helps break up and clear congestion, along with antispasmodic action to ease coughs and bronchial tension

  • Digestive Aid - Supports healthy digestion and can help relieve nausea and stomach discomfort


Common Uses

  • Mental Focus Blend - Diffuse or inhale directly to combat mental fatigue and improve concentration

  • Stress Relief - Add to a personal inhaler or diffuser blend for daily stress management

  • Muscle Rub - Dilute in carrier oil for warming muscle relief after exercise or long days

  • Respiratory Steam - Add 2-3 drops to a bowl of hot water for sinus and respiratory support

  • Immune Support - Diffuse during illness or add to cleaning blends for antimicrobial action

  • Digestive Massage - Dilute and massage onto the abdomen for digestive support


Safety Considerations (dependant on chemotype)

  • Use basil ct eugenol and estragole in low dilution for topical applications (0.5%)

  • Can be sensitizing for some individuals - always patch test

  • Do not use basil ct eugenol and estragole with children under 5 years old


Recipes


Summer Relaxing Tea

  • 1 tsp basil leaves (fresh or dried)

  • 1 tsp lemon balm (fresh or dried)

  • lemon and honey to taste

  • fresh berries for garnish

Steep in hot water, covered for 5-15 minutes. Drink warm or chilled to help ease tension and promote a sense of calm.

Add lemon, honey, and a few fresh berries as desired for an extra touch of summer flavor.


Garden Vinaigrette

  • 1/2 cup apple cider, red wine, or rice vinegar

  • 1 cup olive oil

  • 1 Tbsp honey (optional)

  • 3 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh rosemary

  • 2 Tbsp fresh blackberries, smashed

  • mason jar with plastic lid

Fill the mason jar half to 3/4 full with fresh herbs and fruit, top to the should with vinegar and place on plastic lid. Store vinegar in a cool dark place for 2-4 weeks while infusing, shaking occasionally. Strain off the solids, and add honey as desired. Once strained, the infused vinegar can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Mix with olive oil just before serving and use within 1–2 weeks, stored in the fridge.


Basil Steam Blend

Steaming with basil, fresh or dried, is a simple, effective way to clear the sinuses, ease tension, and support respiratory health. Add other herbs to enhance the benefits and create a more customized experience.

Suggested Herbs to Combine with Basil:

  • Lavender - Eases stress and tension, relieves headaches, helps with acne

  • Thyme - Antimicrobial and excellent for clearing sinus congestion

  • Chamomile - Calming, decongesting, soothes irritated or inflamed skin (eczema, psoriasis)

  • Rosemary - Mentally stimulating, antimicrobial, and decongesting

  • Rose Petals - Gently astringent, calming, moisturizes and reduces inflammation

Add a small handful of herbs to a bowl of steaming hot water. Create a tent over your head with a towel, close your eyes, and breathe deeply for 5–15 minutes. Use as needed to ease congestion, relax, and refresh the skin and mind.


Mental Clarity Diffuser Blend

  • 3 drops rosemary essential oil

  • 2 drops basil essential oil

  • 1 drop lemon essential oil


Refreshing Salt Scrub (1% dilution)

  • 10 drops lavender essential oil

  • 6 drops basil ct linalool essential oil

  • 4 drops mandarin essential oil

  • 1 cup of fine Himalayan salt

  • 1/2 cup of jojoba or sweet almond oil (optionally infused with basil and/or lavender)

Combine salt and oil in a PET plastic jar. Add drops of essential oils and stir well with a spoon. Cap and label. For a gentler exfoliation, swap the salt with brown sugar. Avoid introducing water into the jar to help preserve freshness. Store in a cool, dry place and use within 1-3 months.


Calm the Nerves Tincture

  • 2 parts dried and cut basil leaves

  • 2 parts dried and cut lemon balm leaves

  • 1 part dried and cut linden leaves and flowers

  • Vodka or similar (80-100 proof)

Fill a mason jar half-full with herbs, cover completely with alcohol. Seal, label with date, and shake periodically for 4 weeks. Strain through fine mesh and store in labelled, dark glass bottles. Take 1 dropperfuls in water or tea 2-3 times daily, as needed to soothe frayed nerves.


Basil Headache Oil (2% dilution)

  • 1 oz basil infused oil

  • 6 drops lavender or basil ct linalool essential oil

  • 3 drops peppermint essential oil

To make the basil infused oil, fill a small mason jar about half full with dried basil, then top off with your favorite carrier oil (jojoba, olive, almond). Allow the basil to infuse into the oil for 4 weeks, or if you are short on time, place the mason jar in a double-boiler and heat over low heat for 4-6 hours. Strain off the basil and store in a labeled, dark glass bottle, in a cool dark place.

To make the headache oil, in a 1 oz labeled, glass dropper bottle, add the infused oil up to the shoulder, then add the drops of essential oil, cap and shake well. Use to massage on the neck and temples as needed for easing tension headaches.

To create a general muscle ache massage oil, try swapping the peppermint essential oil with black spruce essential oil.


Final Thoughts

Basil is truly an enjoyable summer herb that offers year-round benefits. Its unique blend of flavor, fragrance, and therapeutic benefits make it a rewarding addition to your garden, kitchen, and apothecary. Whether you are using it fresh from the garden, dried, or in concentrated essential oil form, basil provides a delightful treat.


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