The benefits of basil essential oil
Basil. You know it, but which one?
We’re talking here about Ocimum gratissimum, or perennial basil.
It’s one of the most virtuous and giving of the basil family Lamiaceae.
In this video, watch how I distill fresh-cut basil for its essential
oil and hydrosol, for use in multiple Skyezone products listed below.
Its fragrance is fresh and revitalising—you can almost smell the green colour—and our bees feed on it from dawn till dusk.
How basil's properties contribute to skin care
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Face Toner
Basil has been used traditionally for its wound healing properties, and in a toner helps cleanse pores, reduce acne and speeds up the healing process while reducing the risk of infection. All this without drying out the skin.
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Honey Dew – Intensive Face Therapy
Basil is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the skin from free radical damage. This can help prevent premature aging & improve skin elasticity. The results are reflected in a healthier skin complexion with increased brightening, reduced blemishes and age spots.
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Hand & Body Wash | Hand Repair Lotion
The antimicrobial properties of basil are well researched. it helps fight bacteria that can cause skin infections, while its natural oils help moisturize the skin preventing flakiness and improve overall skin hydration.
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Shampoo & Conditioner
If you've been dealing with dry, brittle hair, the essential oils in basil are rich in fatty acids, which help moisturise, nourish and strengthen your hair. Plus, its antimicrobial properties can help fight off bacteria that can cause skin infections and scalp conditions like dandruff. -
Rosacea Relief
Basil contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce inflammation and redness on the skin, providing benefit for skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema. -
Sore throat Spray
When used in the mouth, basil acts as a breath freshener and retards tooth decay thanks to its antimicrobial properties. Chewing a basil stem sounds like quite the healthy choice! -
Skyeguard Multipurpose & Insect Repellent
Traditionally used as an insect repellent, the essential oil (in combination with others) provides a natural, environmentally friendly, biodegradable solution to preventing and treating mosquito & sand fly bites. -
Herb Teas ( Organic)
Basil’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help to improve digestion and reduce stomach bloating & stomach aches, diarrhoea and vomiting. It also helps reduce blood sugar levels.
Grow your own Basil
Thanks to Adelaide's climate, you can grow this species of perennial basil year-round— your local bees will thank you for it! If you live in Adelaide and would like some basil seedlings or cuttings, let me know! I’m constantly growing them and am happy to share.
Watch this video for some basil-growing tips, along with distilling basil.
- Water frequently in summer, and daily if in a container.
- Expect a cutting to grow into a young plant in about 4 months.
- Once mature, trim bushes to shape and encourage thicker growth.
- Harvest the tallest stems every 3 months to keep bushes lush and productive.
- Mature plants live 2-5 years.
Ready to harvest? Try making your our own basil toner.
So what do you think?
Perhaps give this delightful yet underrated herb a try and see the difference it can make in your hair and skin health!
Interested in the research behind basil's benefits? Check out these journal articles from the National Library of Medicine
As always, thanks for reading my post and please let me know if you have an questions or suggestions.
Contact Jennifer: admin@skyezone.net or call/text 0417 833 240
Posted Feb 2023
