Basil essential oil offers not only a captivating scent, but provides amazing health benefits, too. You may have used basil oil in a cooking recipe. But like many natural cooking ingredients, basil boasts some powerful medicinal qualities. Basil essential oil is a natural anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibiotic substance that has been used in traditional Asian Indian medicine for years. As these properties suggest, this oil has the ability to fight bacteria and infections as well as reduce inflammation. Furthermore, basil oil can even relieve congestion.
Learn more about this deliciously-smelling, healing essential oil by reading the list of uses below.
Basil Essential Oil Uses
1. Cold and Flu Treatment
Basil essential oil helps naturally detox bacteria and viruses from the body. What's more, it does this all while fighting inflammation and fatigue. If you're feeling under the weather, diffuse the oil throughout your home. Alternatively or in addition to this, you can also add 1-2 drops to a steam bath. Another option is to massage basil oil and eucalyptus oil into your chest. This will help open up your nasal passages, making is much easier to breathe. (1)
2. Muscle Relaxant
Basil essential oil can be used to heal fatigued and aching muscles, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Mix a few drops of basil oil with some coconut oil.Then, rub the mixture onto swollen or painful muscles or joints. You can also try soaking in a warm bath with basil oil, lavender oil and Epsom salts. The benefits of these practices include more than just relieving physical pain--it's a great way to induce a relaxed state of mind, too! (You'll see more on this benefit outlined below.) 
3. Ear Infection Remedy
Ayurvedic medicine has been using basil oil for centuries as a natural ear infection remedy. You can do the same to help relieve ear infection pain. To do this, combine frankincense, coconut and basil oil. Then, place the mixture behind your ears and on the bottoms of your feet. This will help reduce pain and swelling. (2) Never place the essential oil mixture directly into your ears.
4. Homemade Toothpaste or Mouthwash
Prone to toothaches? Try basil! Yep, that's right, basil essential oil also provides dental benefits. It can help remove bacteria and odor from your mouth. Add a few drops of basil oil to your natural mouthwash or toothpaste. The oil will help protect your teeth and gums and reduce the development of toothaches, ulcers, sores and blisters. 
5. Mood Enhancer
As mentioned above, basil can help your mind slip into a state of relaxation. Along the same vein, it can also improve your mood. Basil essential oil is a natural stimulant that can work to reduce brain fog and fatigue. Diffusing the oil throughout your home or inhaling it can help naturally heal adrenal fatigue to reduce stress and brighten your mood.
Wear Your Essential Oil as a Necklace!
You might also consider purchasing an essential oil necklace. Many of them come in fashionable and attractive designs, plus they enable you to tote your favorite essential oil with you wherever you go. You can fill the pendant with basil essential oil and sniff it whenever you need a mental lift. Wear it daily to help keep your mood elevated. Alternatively, you can carry the bottle itself with you, but this method can be a bit more cumbersome.
6. Acne Remedy
Thanks to the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of basil oil, it can be used as an acne remedy. Many store-bought acne remedies contain unpleasant scents and overwhelming ingredients. Basil, however, while strong-smelling, contains a more relaxing scent, improving your skin-care routine. For a great acne solution, start by applying 1-2 drops of basil essential oil to a clean cotton ball along with some coconut or jojoba oil. Then use on the affected area 1-2 times each day. 
7. Insect Repellent
The oils found in basil can repel mosquitoes and subsequently help prevent bug bites. Furthermore, using essential oils like basil as an insect repellent is much more preferable over using store-bought varieties, which are often laden with harmful ingredients. To make a homemade natural bug spray, dilute several drops of basil oil with a carrier oil. Massage the mixture into the skin or on swollen bites to reduce inflammation.
8. Stress Reliever
If you're feeling overwhelmed or need a time-out, reach for your bottle of basil essential oil. Using basil oil in aromatherapy can help reduce stress and boost mood. Basil oil can also help relieve painful headaches. Diffuse the oil or massage 1-2 drops with a carrier oil onto your feet to promote relaxation. Make this "you" time by incorporating it into your relaxation routine. Kick up your feet, put on some soothing music, or maybe try some meditation. 
9. UTI Treatment
Basil essential oil can be used to help speed up the healing process and remedy painful infections. The antibacterial, antiviral and disinfectant properties of basil oil make it a natural remedy for urinary tract infections. (3) The FDA recognizes basil essential oil as safe for consumption, but only if you're using the 100% therapeutic grade variety. Furthermore, you should only use the kind that states it's made from Ocimum basilicum. Add a drop to your water to take as a supplement, or mix a drop into a smoothie. Alternatively, add a few drops to a warm compress and place it directly over the abdomen for relief from discomfort.
10. Shiny Hair Treatment
If you want to get rid of excess grease in your hair but keep the shine, add 1-2 drops of basil oil to your natural shampoo. You can also mix basil oil with apple cider vinegar and baking soda. The mixture will help naturally remove grease and bacteria from your hair. If you struggle with dandruff or an itchy scalp, be sure to try this superb homemade anti-dandruff shampoo! It's absolutely the best! Caution: As a caution, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use basil oil. Before using any essential oil topically for the first time as a natural remedy or otherwise, you should test it, first. Apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area on your skin, then wait to ensure you don't have an allergy to basil essential oil.
