Basil Essential Oil User Guide

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. Nothing on this page has been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and is not intended to provide medical advice for any health condition, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Basil Essential Oil ORAC Value:

The ORAC value of basil essential oil has been reported to measure up to 54,000 μmolTE/100g, demonstrating less potent antioxidant activity when compared to other oils.

ORAC stands for “Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity,” developed by USDA researchers to tell you the antioxidant capacity of a food item. It is a measurement method to note the ability of antioxidants to absorb free radicals, which are molecules responsible for aging and various diseases. You can see our article regarding ORAC values here.

Basil Essential Oil Health Benefits

** WARNING ** If you have epilepsy, avoid using basil essential oil.

Digestion

Supports digestion by relieving bloating, gas, cramps, constipation, and water retention. It also helps with stomach cramps.
May help alleviate nausea and motion sickness

Circulation

Helps to reduce congestion within your arteries and veins

Respiration

Helps support circulation in your veins and pulmonary arteries, making it beneficial for breathing and sinus congestion

Skin Health

Calms red, itchy skin and supports overall skin wellness and healing.
Nourishes and repairs the skin
Balances and calms the skin
Exfoliates and brightens the complexion

Hair Health

Balances the scalp, nourishes hair follicles, and promotes thicker, more lustrous hair by reducing excess oil, treats dandruff, smooths frizzy flyaways, and slows hair loss.

Mental Wellness

Help reduce negative emotions and promote feeling happy and stable while encouraging feeling calm, relaxed, and grounded. It helps your body manage stress, feeling less anxious.
Promotes mental alertness and focus
Helps relieve stress and promotes relaxation

General Wellness

Soothes sore, tired muscles and relieves joint pain.
Supports immunity and reduces inflammation.
Supports prostate health
May relieve menstrual cramps and promotes regular menstrual cycles.
May help reduce occasional headaches

Other Uses for Basil Essential Oil

May be useful in repelling insects
Can be used in a spray bottle to clean surfaces and produce
Effective against bacteria and odor-causing germs
Can be blended with Wintergreen oil for a relaxing massage experience

** PLEASE NOTE ** Don't be fooled by clever marketing. Not all essential oils are created equally. Make sure you're not wasting your money on fake or altered essential oils (even if they're labeled as “pure essential oil”). Don't miss our explosive report outlining the dirty little secrets of the essential oil industry to ensure you're not wasting your money on brands of oils that legally mislead you through deceitful marketing practices.

Basil Essential Oil Scientific And Medical Studies

There are numerous studies found on basil essential oil, whether you're searching on NIH (National Institute of Health) or Google Scholar.

** Please note, none of these studies disclose which brand is used in the study, nor do any endorse any particular brand.

Below listed are the studies I've seen and become the most excited about:

One study shows basil essential oil reduced the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (source)
This study showed that basil essential oil was able to “control the bacterial growth… and markedly inhibit the pH increase of the packaged food.” (source)
Basil essential oil may help with fighting drug-resistant M. Tuberculosis. “The essential oil inhibited the growth of H37Rv and all the nine clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis.” (source)
Basil essential oil improved oxidative stress markers, cytokines, lipid profile, DNA fragmentation, antioxidant enzymes, gene expression, and liver and kidney tissues. Basil essential oil was found to be a potent candidate for protecting against metal nanoparticle hazards. (source)
Basil essential oil could be used as a source(s) of active ingredients in natural antibiotics or cosmetics. (source)
Basil essential oil was shown to have high antioxidant efficacy in combating β-cyfluthrin (pesticide) toxicity because of its high phenolic content. (source)
Basil essential oil contains antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical activities and reduces the excitability of the peripheral nervous system and rat sciatic nerve. (source)
Pyroglyphid house dust mites are the most common cause of allergic symptoms in humans. Basil essential oil was compared with those of two conventional acaricides: benzyl benzoate and N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide. Basil oil applied as a 4% diluted spray provided 100% mortality against the mites, whereas permethrin spray resulted in 17% mortality. Results indicate that basil oil sprays can be used as a practical dust mite control in indoor environments. (source)
Basil and rosemary essential oils were found to be active against all of the clinical strains from the Escherichia coli (E.coli) bacteria, including extended-spectrum β-lactamase positive bacteria, but basil oil possesses a higher ability to inhibit growth. (source)
Basil essential oil served as a significantly better antifungal against candida when compared to nystatin and deionized water. (source and 2nd source)
Basil essential oil exhibited significant anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity effects. (source)
Basil oil provides a good source of bioactive compounds for cancer prevention and treatment. (source)

Basil Essential Oil Uses

The main ways to use basil essential oil are aromatic, topical, and internal (keep scrolling for culinary ideas featuring basil oil).

Raindrop Detox Bath: 1 cup magnesium flakes, 3 drops each Oregano, Thyme, Basil, Marjoram, Cypress, Lavender, 2 drops Peppermint, Wintergreen, Aroma Siez. Add oils and magnesium together in a glass jar and mix. Place the jar under hot, running water to diffuse out into bath water. Soak as long as possible!
Raindrop Roller: 10 drops each Oregano, Thyme, Basil, Marjoram, Cypress, Peppermint, Wintergreen, Aroma Siez, Lavender, Valor. Fill with carrier oil of choice. Apply over lymph nodes, along spine, bottom of the feet as desired
Heal bruising with equal parts of basil, copaiba, lemongrass, and PanAway

Before any topical use of basil oil, be sure to dilute it with your favorite carrier oil. I encourage my clients to dilute one drop of basil essential oil to a pea-size amount or more of carrier oil.

You should dilute one drop of basil oil per one ml of carrier oil, at a minimum (50%), but I've found its better to dilute it more. Before applying topically on a large area, do a small patch test first. If it irritates your skin, you didn't dilute enough and should add more carrier oil. **Basil is known to cause irritation to your skin if it's not diluted properly.

A carrier oil can be any cold-pressed, seed-based oil (ideally organic and unrefined). This includes most cooking oil, like coconut oil, avocado oil, and olive oil. Personally, we LOVE using sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, and the V6 Carrier oil (made by Young Living). This is the best way to dilute your essential oils for topical use.

Essential Oils That Blend Well With Basil Essential Oil

Basil is in the mint family, and has a top to middle note with a herbaceous, spicy, almost anise-like aroma with a moderate intensity.

Basil essential oil blends well with the following oils:

Member-Favorite DIY Basil Essential Oil Blends

Concentration/ Homework Diffuser Blend: 2 drops each of lemon, rosemary, peppermint, black pepper, and basil essential oils
Dewy Morning Diffuser Blend: 5 drops lemongrass, 2 drops basil, 1 drop each of vetiver and spearmint
Into The Forest Diffuser Blend: 3 drops each cypress and copaiba, 2 drops basil
Morning Get Up And Go Diffuser Blend: 2 drops basil, 3 drops spearmint, 4 Drops bergamot, 2 drops copaiba
Put On Your Brave Face Diffuser Blend: 2 drops Grapefruit, 3 drops Stress Away, and 2 drops Basil

Basil Essential Oil Substitute Ideas

A good substitute for basil essential oil could include coriander, eucalyptus, lemongrass, or rosemary

Clary Sage: Sweet and herbaceous aroma, often used in aromatherapy for its calming and relaxing properties, which can be similar to Basil’s effects.
Coriander: Similar sweet and herbaceous aroma, often used in aromatherapy for its calming and uplifting properties.
Eucalyptus: Can be used as a substitute in blends where Basil is used for its decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in respiratory and skincare applications.
Lemongrass: Citrusy and fresh scent, can be used as a substitute in blends where Basil is used for its uplifting and refreshing properties.
Rosemary: While having a distinct piney aroma, Rosemary essential oil can be used as a substitute in blends where Basil is used for its stimulating and cognitive-enhancing properties.

Recipe Ideas for Basil Vitality Essential Oil

Basil Vitality oil has a sweet, citrusy and flavor. This herb is found in a variety of dishes and is popular in both Asian and European cooking. With Basil Vitality™ essential oil, it’s easy to add this well-loved seasoning to whatever you like. Using an essential oil, you’ll get a brighter flavor than dried herbs without the hassle of fresh herbs.

Here are some of our favorite uses:

Flavor your favorite pasta sauce recipes with Basil Vitality. Add Rosemary Vitality or Oregano Vitality for even more flavor.
Add to deli salads, Asian- or Italian-inspired soups, and custom salad dressings or vinaigrettes to share with family and friends.
Boil pasta noodles in basil-infused water for a subtle flavor.
Pair with lime juice and melons, such as watermelon and cantaloupe, for a fresh summer treat. For a more complex flavor profile, garnish with feta.
Mix with a mild tea, such as chamomile. Add a dash of honey to sweeten the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Basil Essential Oil

Is Basil Essential Oil Safe To Ingest?

Yes, in very small amounts that are diluted at least 50%, IF you're using pure basil oil that isn't adulterated in any way (be sure you trust your supplier).

Is basil essential oil safe to use while pregnant?

Basil should not be used while pregnant.

If you're using oils while pregnant, I highly recommend this reference guide. It contains some great advice for using essential oils while pregnant, plus some DIY Recipes you'll love too.

Is basil essential oil safe for kids or babies?

Please only use basil essential oil on or around children over 6. For children under 12, be sure to dilute more than normal before using topically.

While essential oils may be safe for kids to use, please do not have your child use an essential oil internally as a supplement without being under the direct guidance of a naturopathic doctor.

Also, keep in mind that basil essential oil is very concentrated. It is best to keep it out of the reach of children, and stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Can you be allergic to basil essential oil?

There are a few reasons why you would experience an allergy-like reaction to essential oils. Usually, this is caused by not diluting the oil you're applying (or not diluting it enough). Please refer to our essential oils and allergies article for more in-depth information.

Is basil essential oil safe for dogs and cats?

Basil essential oil is safe to use with your dogs.

While many sources contradict whether or not it is safe for cats, I like to use oils more cautiously and recommend my clients to the same. I recommend not using basil on your cats without the direct help of an animal aromatherapist or vet highly knowledgable in essential oils (most are not).

If you're using essential oils around your family pets, be sure to allow them to access out of the room and into a room where you're not diffusing. This way they're able to escape when they feel they've had enough.

Please also consider picking up a reference guide specific to using essential oils with animals. There are also reference guides specific to Young Living's oils too.

How often should you use basil essential oil?

Whether or not to use basil essential oil is also a personal question, as is how often. This depends on what you're using it for and how experienced you are using it.

For beginners, I recommend only diffusing for 30 minutes at a time, then giving your body an hour break. If you diffuse too much, you could end up lightheaded.

Personally, I have a diffuser running most of the day intermittently (using the intermittent setting on our diffuser). Or I'll wear a piece of diffusing jewelry with 3 drops of oil on it throughout the day (those 3 drops usually last a few days). Check out our article about diffusing essential oils safely for more info.

Should you use basil essential oil if you're taking medication?

I have not found any specific medication contraindications for using basil essential oil.

However, basil is extremely beneficial to your liver when it comes to supporting your natural detox processes, so you may want to be careful, understanding it may impact your metabolism, altering how your body responds to medication.

I have an entire article dedicated to known medication contraindications that I highly recommend you check out… in addition to having a lengthy conversation with your local aromatherapist or pharmacist.

Are there any medical conditions that should avoid using basil essential oils?

Yes. Avoid basil essential oil if you have epilepsy.

Where do you purchase basil essential oil?

We purchase our basil oil from Young Living because they set a higher standard for essential oil production than what I've found throughout the rest of the industry.

Their farm-to-table type of approach and testing at every phase of their farming, distillation, and bottling processes has proven to me time and time again to be the closest thing out there to buying from your local farmer or DIYing the oil yourself, only better with their 25+ years of continual research and improvement. I also love their transparency, and how they open their farms so you can see for yourself (or involve yourself in the process).