Holy basil has been used for quite a long time, centuries even, as a traditional Ayurvedic medicinal herb with many health properties. Because of this, it makes a potent essential oil that can be used for many real-world reasons. There’s a lot more to this essential oil than just an incredible fragrance.
In this article, we’re going to go over the manifold uses of holy basil essential oil and how it can be a close ally in your journey toward optimal health.
Practical Uses of Holy Basil Essential Oil
Holy basil’s scientific name is Ocimum sanctum, but it is also known widely as Tulsi in India. It is commonly considered to be the “queen of herbs” in regard to Ayurvedic medicine, as it is quite commonly used.
It is also one of the most well-known adaptogens in use in the modern world. An adaptogen is a plant compound or mushroom that assists the body in regulating stress, fatigue, and the rigors of everyday life.
Here are a few key ways to use holy basil essential oil:
Relieves Stress and Relaxes
The most common benefit known about holy basil essential oil is its function as an adaptogen. It promotes relaxation and a calm mind and helps keep one insulated from the constant stressors of the world we live in today.
A few drops into a carrier oil of your choice lightly massaged into the skin can be a great end-of-the-day routine to release tension and buildup before getting a good night’s sleep.
Combats Depression and Mental Fatigue
Holy basil essential oil not only calms, as indicated above, but can also uplift and rejuvenate one’s mood as well. Its scent is said to fight mental fatigue, enhance focus, and help to fortify one’s mind in more positive directions.
An easy way to get this mood-enhancing effect would be to diffuse your office, or other site where you need “inspiration on demand” at times, with holy basil essential oil.
Immune System Bolstering
Holy basil essential oils give a boost to the immune system when used daily as well. Utilizing it, along with a healthy diet and supplement regimen, can ensure that you reduce the number of times you get ill per year.
Respiratory Health
If you do happen to get sick with a cold or sinus infection, then you’re in luck with holy basil. It has innate antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and can fight respiratory infections, such as congestion, coughs, and colds.
If you have a serious case of congestion, a simple technique is to add a few drops of holy basil essential oil to boiling water and inhale the steam that comes off the concoction. You’ll clear up in no time.
Skin and Hair Care
Holy basil oil is antifungal and antibacterial, and it makes a great addition to daily hair and skin care routines.
It can easily be added to shampoo or a hair mask to enhance the scalp’s health, reduce dandruff, and increase the natural sheen of one’s hair.
It can also be added to a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, to treat acne and other skin issues. Just be sure to do a patch test first before coating larger areas of your skin with it in case one is potentially allergic.
Insect Repellent
Last but certainly not least, holy basil can be used as an insect repellent that is as potent as any modern chemical-based version. This is a nature-based alternative that is safe to use and doesn’t contain harsh chemical compounds that one would find in more commercial insect-repellent varieties.
A simple make-it-at-home insect repellent spray could be as simple as adding some holy basil essential oil with water and some witch hazel. Spray on the surface of the body as needed before going into mosquito territory, or worse.
Holy Basil and Your Health
Holy basil essential oil has a proven history of being versatile when it comes to health as well as safe for human consumption. It can provide everything from stress relief to support from the immune system. It is a truly balanced, multifaceted herbal substance.
Holy basil essential oil by Wholesale Botanics is exceptionally high quality and is perfect for those who need to add a little something extra to their lives in order to take their health to the next level. Holy basil is more than just a wonderfully scented essential oil, it is a full health-centered package that can assist the mind as well as the body.