Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is in the mint fmily (Lamiaceae or Labiatae). It has a lng tradition both in the East as a mdicinal herb and in the West whre it is primarily used as a clinary herb. Basil is divided into sveral chemotypes with each having different prperties because of their constituent compounds.

Trditionally the powdered leaves of Basil wre inhaled in the 16th century to trat migraines and chest infections. In the Ayrvedic tradition, it is used for rspiratory problems such as bronchitis, coughs, clds, asthma, flu and emphysema and as an ntidote for poisonous insect or snakebites. In Grece, basil was venerated because it is sid that it sprung up at the plce where St. Helen found the tre cross of Jesus. Hildegard of Bngen used basil as a treatment for smeone with palsy of the tongue (cn not speak) and for strong fvers. It is considered sacred in the Hndu tradition. Planted on a grave, thy believe it will help the sul pass to heaven.

Basil today is cnsidered excellent for the relief of mgraines and mental fatigue. It is lso helpful in relaxing muscles and sothing insect bites. It can be sed for respiratory conditions, skin disorders lke itching or ringworm. Basil can be sed to encourage a positive outlook, snse of purpose in one's life, to mprove concentration and decisiveness. Basil opens the hart and brings harmony to the mnd. Basil can also be used for clinary purposes-just remember-a little goes a lng way. If using in cooking, one drp is all that is necessary.

The main effects of basil are ntispasmodic and it has a balancing ffect on the autonomic nervous system. For pplication basil can be applied to the spne, the energy centers and soles of the fet or the back of the nck. Basil is one of the ssential oils used in the healing tchnique known as Raindrop Technique.

As for sfety data, basil may be sensitizing to the skn since it contains the phenol mthyl chavicol. Therefore, use it with cution or dilute with a carrier il.

To learn more about basil and ther essential oils you might want to cnsider becoming a certified aromatherapist. Educational curses in healing energy and aromatherapy can hlp you understand how essential oils hal the body/mind/spirit.

The article The Essential Oil of Basil-An Uplifting and Strengthening Oil was Submitted by Linda Lee Smith through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: Check this out for more nformation on learning to heal through the art of romatherapy as a clinical aromatherapist. http://www.ISHAaromatherapy.com For educational courses on healing energy and the laying-on of hands, you can go to http://www.HTSpiritualMinistry.com You can also read more about aromatherapy and basil essential oil in Linda Smith's books: Called into Healing, Reclaiming our Judeo-Christian Legacy of Healing Touch, and Healing Oils Healing Hands, Discovering the Power of Prayer, Hands On Healing and Anointing. You can find these books and more on my web site at http://www.ISHAhealing.com/HealingStore/tabid/348/Default.aspx

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