For the treatment of many diseases and the solution of certain problems of appearance, people often resort to the help of essential oils made from different plants and possessing beneficial properties.
One of these plants is basil. It is used to make oil that helps in the treatment of ailments, prolongs the youth of the skin and preserves the beauty of the hair.
You will find out what this oil is, what its benefits are, how to use it correctly and whether it has any contraindications.
What is this product?
Get it from the leaves and the upper parts of the shoots collected during flowering. It is during this period that oily substances are stored the most in parts of the plant. Get the oil by the method of steam distillation.
Beneficial features
Basil oil has:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antimicrobial;
- immunomodulatory;
- antispasmodic;
- anti-allergic;
- antioxidant;
- expectorant properties.
- It can destroy bacteria, fungal infections and viruses.
- Basil oil will also eliminate tension, relax the smooth muscles of the intestines and pelvic organs in women.
- Due to its antioxidant properties, it is used in the care of the skin of the face, rejuvenating it.
- The substance is able to treat colds, gout, arthritis, inflammation of the gums.
- In addition, it strengthens the immune system and copes with depression, migraines.
- It has an indispensable benefit for the hair, preventing hair loss.
- This oil is non-toxic and can only harm in high concentrations. To prevent its high concentration, it is diluted with any other base oil.
Indications and Contraindications
Basil oil is contraindicated in such cases:
- during pregnancy, as it can provoke a miscarriage;
- with allergic reactions;
- with epilepsy and elevated pressure;
- after a heart attack;
- in oncology;
- with thrombosis, thrombophlebitis and high blood clotting.
If you prefer to take baths with this oil, then it does not cost more than 21 days in a row. At the expiration of the period make a break of 7 days.
When taking oil orally, use no more than three drops per day. no longer than three weeks. With prolonged use, there is a risk of thrombosis, and even such use has a negative effect on blood clotting. Use with extreme caution when treating sensitive skin, as it may cause irritation.
Therefore, before applying a test for an allergic reaction. Put a drop of oil on the skin and leave for 5-15 minutes. If redness or itching appears, the oil cannot be used.
Basil oil is not used for the treatment of children up to 1.5 years, and as a dietary supplement - up to 6 years.
What is the frequency of use and dosage?
For cosmetic purposes, it is used only as an additive to various face and hair care products. In order to enrich any care product you need to take 4-5 drops of oil per 10 g of product.
Skin care
Ether of basil is capable of:
- improve skin condition;
- get rid of sagging and flaccidity;
- eliminate puffiness;
- remove pigmentation.
In addition to external healing, it also has therapeutic effects:
- removes acne and warts;
- heals ulcers;
- moisturizes and nourishes the skin;
- eliminates itching and the effects of insect bites;
- eliminates rashes.
The oil is added to creams and body lotions. This tool can be used daily.
For hair
The use of basil oil for hair is:
- strengthening the roots;
- accelerating the growth of curls;
- strand saturation with useful substances.
For hair care, you can add a few drops to shampoo and use this product to wash your hair. This will lead to saturation of the strands with useful substances.
And can make hair care products by yourself according to different recipes. An example of such a tool is a nourishing mask.
Nourishing mask
- 200 g pumpkin;
- 4 drops of basil ether;
- 3 drops of ylang-ylang oil;
- 5 g of olive oil for hair.
- Grate the pumpkin, squeeze the juice.
- Mix with oils.
- Rub the composition into the scalp and hair roots.
- To warm the head and leave for 40 minutes.
- Then rinse with water.
Do 2 times a week to nourish and moisturize the strands.
For face
- It is used to support fading skin. Thanks to the components in its composition, it is able to restore its elasticity and moisturize it.
- Most suitable for oily skin. Narrow the pores, eliminate acne, lead to normal sebum production.
- For other skin types, it is beneficial in that it returns the skin a healthy color and improves appearance.
- With regular use, the oil will not only relieve shallow wrinkles, but also prevent their appearance.
It can be used every day, but only by adding to cosmetic creams and other facial products. You can also make your own homemade basil-based mask..
Night mask
- 20 g of olive oil for the face;
- 5 drops of basil oil.
Mix, apply the composition to a clean face at night. This tool will restore the tone and elasticity of the skin, smooth out the folds. Can be applied daily.
In dentistry
This ester is used to relieve toothache, relieve inflammation in case of extensive flux, and pain relief for acute pain. For this make cotton compresses from 5-6 drops of oil. Apply it to the gums for 7-10 minutes, after which a significant relief is felt.
Such a compress will also kill pathogens. Basil oil is suitable for rinsing the mouth at night. Dentists use it to disinfect the oral cavity before surgery. For rinsing enough 5 drops per 10 ml of alcohol.
In aromatherapy
You can not use basil oil for oil burners in its pure form. It must be diluted with water.
Water is poured into the bowl of the lamp and 6 drops of oil are added to it. If you wear an aromatic pendant, then two drops of the substance are enough.
In the massage
Pure oil is not used.. For massage, prepare a substance consisting of 3-4 drops of basil oil and 10 ml of vegetable oil.
Apply the product with basil oil on the skin and massage in rubbing movements. It is used for reflex massage.
Ether is mixed in a ratio of 1: 1 with any vegetable oil or massage cream. Apply the substance to the skin and carry out the procedure of acupressure.
For insect bites, for itching
A great helper in solving problems with bites and itching. To do this, the substance is applied pointwise to the bite site and soon itching and inflammation will decrease, and later it will completely disappear.
Can be used as applications: 6-8 drops of basil oil mixed with 15 ml of vegetable oil. This composition is impregnated with fabric and applied for 10-15 minutes on the affected area.
How to cook at home?
It is not necessary to buy ready-made butter. It can easily be cooked at home, while it will not differ from the purchase. To prepare you need to take:
- 2 kg of basil leaves;
- 2 liters of olive oil.
Cook like this:
- Dry glass bowl filled with basil leaves.
- Pour over the leaves of unrefined olive oil.
- Close the cap tightly on the container.
- Place the container in a dark place for 30 days.
- After 30 days, squeeze the basil leaves and discard them.
- Filter the oil.
- Pour into a clean glass container and store in the refrigerator.
Purchase
You can buy basil oil in pharmacies, online stores and specialty stores.
What to look for when buying?
- Shelf life.
- Capacity with oil should be dark. This is a kind of sun protection.
- Pay attention to the color and texture (described above).
- Pay attention to the smell. How it should be described above.
Top 3 manufacturers
Now Foods
Manufacturer: USA.
The benefits are:
- natural composition;
- high quality standard;
- color and smell correspond to the raw materials from which it is made;
- large volume.
Disadvantage:
- impractical packaging;
- high price.
Cost of 1450 rubles for 30 ml.
Aura cacia
Manufacturer: USA.
Benefits This oil is 100% pure oil without impurities, natural composition, convenient capacity.
Disadvantages. The disadvantages include only its high cost.
Cost of 1350 rubles for 15 ml.
Aspera
Manufacturer: Russia.
Pros:
- low cost;
- in the composition of 100% basil oil.
Minuses:
- capacity without dispenser;
- small volume.
Cost of from 83 to 105 rubles for 10 ml.
What is combined?
The best aromatic combinations can be obtained with:
- bergamot;
- juniper;
- lavender;
- marjoram;
- Limetta;
- sandalwood;
- melissa;
- citronella;
- geraniums;
- nutmeg sage;
- black pepper.
Now you are familiar with all the benefits of basil oil. Do not be afraid to use it for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. The main thing to remember about the rules of its use and dosages. Then you will feel for yourself all its benefits and you will be very pleased.