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Alternatives: Basil Essential Oil (Thursday, 5th June 2003) By Pauline Baxter, a qualified aromatherapy practitioner in Berkshire Mention 'basil' and the first thing that comes into my mind is…. Sybil! (For those who have never seen Fawlty Towers, you won't know what I'm talking about! Perhaps you think of 'Brush' instead…. !). Once I get over this initial mental peculiarity, I think of the herb, both in terms of cooking and as an essential oil. The plant itself has very dark green, oval shaped leaves, which are used in cooking. The flowering tops of the plant and the leaves are used to produce the essential oil, through steam distillation. It is a very aromatic plant and has excellent digestive properties, hence its popularity in cooking. Suggetsions for use Obviously basil can be used to help with the digestion. This includes constipation, gastroenteritis, dyspepsia, nervous indigestion, and can also help ease flatulence. Gently massage a blend of basil and peppermint into the abdomen, in a clockwise direction. (Add 3 drops of basil and 3 drops of peppermint to 10 ml of base oil, such as sweet almond oil). Other properties of this essential oil include a stimulant of the adrenal cortex, antidepressant, nervine (strengthening to the nervous system), emmenagogue (induces or assist menstruation), and restorative (generally helps strengthen and restore body systems). Basil is second only to rosemary for helping to provide mental clarity and so can be used in a similar way to help combat mental fatigue and depression. Indeed, they can be combined together to produce a very powerful stimulant. However, it is not recommended for use in the evening as it could make it difficult to get off to sleep, or could disturb rest. It has a somewhat different smell to rosemary and could even be described as being slightly 'aniseedy' in its aroma. Whilst not necessarily the first choice for depression, basil has a crisp, fresh aroma which can help lift a 'cloud' of depression. This can help the individual become more positive through clear thinking. Muscular aches can be eased by applying a massage blend containing basil, rosemary, majoram, and lemon. For massage add 2 drops of each to 20 ml of base oil. This combination of oils can help ease stiffness in the muscles of someone who suffers from Parkinson's disease as the oils work on the central nervous system, and the massage itself helps maintain muscle tone and mobility. There is also the added benefit of the antidepressant qualities of the oils. Hangovers are not pleasant and there are many suggestions as to how to 'cure' them. The obvious problem is dehydration and so lots of pure water should be drunk. An additional way to ease the unpleasantness is to relax in a warm bath with 3 drops each of basil and juniper added to 20 ml of base bubble bath. You will certainly feel more human with this combination. CAUTION: Too much usage can be an irritant to the skin. This is particularly significant for anyone who does have sensitive skin. Basil should not be used during pregnancy. These are only some suggestions on how to use basil essential oil. Generally, the main areas dealt with by basil are problems that concern digestion, fatigue (mental or physical), and the central nervous system. By blending different essential oils together you will come up with a combination that satisfies your requirements, and which you find aromatically pleasing. SOURCE: Clinnix, UK http://www.clinnix.net/news/article.php?id=3139 * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn