Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)

Basil essential oil, cherished for its potential benefits in promoting a sense of calm and well-being. Refresh the mind and soothe fatigued muscles after a long day.

There is a lot to say about this herb, so let's get into it. Basil has a fascinating history that stretches back over 5,000 years, originating in India where it was revered not just as a culinary herb, but as a sacred plant known as holy basil, or Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum). It holds a significant place in Indian culture, being used in traditional medicine and spiritual practices for its healing properties and its ability to promote wellness and spiritual enlightenment. In Hindu culture, marriages are celebrated between trees.

One of the trees involved in these symbolic weddings is the Holy Basil, a small shrub commonly grown in pots and often present in the homes of esteemed Hindu families. In India, this plant holds great significance as the sacred herb of Vishnu and his reincarnation Krishna. It is believed that every devout Hindu passes away peacefully while holding a basil leaf on their chest, symbolizing a peaceful journey to Paradise. Today, Basil is considered to be the manifestation of the goddess Tulasi, wife of Krishna. It is thought to have great spiritual and healing powers. According to legend, only one leaf of tulsi can outweigh Vishnu’s power. Every devout Hindu home will have a special place for a tulsi plant. It is believed that the creator god, Brahma, resides in its stems and branches, the river Ganges flows through the plant’s roots, the deities live in its leaves, and the most sacred of Hindu religious texts are in the top of holy basil’s branches (Simoons, 1998). Nurturing a tulsi plant ensures that a person’s sins will be forgiven and everlasting peace and joy will be had. (Simoons, 1998). The dried stems of old holy basil plants are used to make beads for Hindu meditation beads. Twentieth-century herbalist Maude Grieve said, “Every good Hindu goes to his rest with a basil leaf on his breast. This is his passport to heaven. It is indeed considered a powerful herb” (Grieve, 1931).

As basil spread from India to other regions, it found its way to ancient Egypt. Here, it was utilized in the embalming process, reflecting the Egyptians’ belief in its magical and protective qualities. The herb was considered a symbol of mourning and was often placed in tombs to help guide the dead on their journey to the afterlife.

In ancient Greece, basil, known as "basilikon phuton" (meaning royal or kingly herb), carried a somewhat dual reputation. On one hand, it was associated with mourning and sadness, while on the other, it was believed to provide strength, especially during fasting. The Greeks also appreciated its medicinal properties, using it in various remedies.

The Romans adopted basil from the Greeks and valued it highly in both culinary and medicinal contexts. They believed that basil could protect against poisons and evil spirits, and it became a staple in their cooking, adding flavor to a variety of dishes.

The Italian love affair with basil began in the 16th century. Italians were captivated by its spicy, refreshing aroma and started incorporating it into their personal fragrances. The scent of basil became associated with Italian nobility. But it also got multiple meanings within folklore. In Italian and Greek folklore, Basil has a double meaning: it is both an erotic symbol and a symbol of mourning. In Tuscany ( and generally southern Italy) , the plant is actually called amorino. It was rare for a young peasant to visit his girl without wearing a sprig of Basil behind his ear; however, he would beware of giving her this sprig, because that would be a sign of contempt. When a man wanted a girl to fall in love with him, he would place the herb on her windowsill. It used to be the custom for girls to wear the herb on their bossom or hang it from their girdle as a sign of purity and virginity; married women wore Basil around the head.

On the island of Crete, Basil is a symbol of mourning, even though it is grown on most windowsills in the countryside. It was also believed to stop the pertifying gaze of Medussa.

Basil used to have the reputation of being a sexuaI stimulant for humans and animals. That is why the Romans gave the herb to horses and donkeys during the rut. In Jewish folklore and the Greek Orthodox Church, basil was seen as a special herb. It was used in holy water and called "St-Joseph’s wort".

In the traditions of the Italians, the southern Slavs, the Romanians and a number of other Balkan peoples, Basil became a popular love herb. It was believed that the scent of this herb was capable of arousing a certain sympathy. In Central Congo, the leaves are still used to ward off fate and to protect oneself from evil spirits.

During the Middle Ages in Europe, basil continued to be seen as a protective herb. It was thought to have the ability to ward off poisons and was used in various herbal remedies. The belief in its protective qualities persisted through the centuries, reflecting its esteemed place in herbal lore. Basil was also thought to bring wealth and luck to those who plant it. In some traditions, carrying basil leaves in your wallet or placing them at the entrance of your home is believed to attract financial prosperity and ward off negative energy. In the Elizabethan era, obstetricians believed that a woman in labour would feel no pain if she held a basil root and a swallow's feather.

Today, basil is beloved in kitchens around the world. Its aromatic leaves are cherished for their ability to enhance flavours and add a fresh, vibrant touch to a wide range of culinary creations. Beyond the kitchen, basil remains valued for its calming and uplifting properties, making it a popular choice in herbal teas and essential oils. Magickal uses: Basil is a versatile herb in ritualistic practices, often used for its protective, love-enhancing, prosperity-attracting, and purifying properties. It's often linked to the element of fire due to its invigorating and energizing properties. It's believed to bring warmth, passion, and transformation.

The herb's protective power is often used in pouches or used in a spray to sprinkle the home's perimeter to guard against unwanted influences or harmful spirits.

Basil is used in love magick to promote harmony in relationships or to attract new love, often as a charm with red thread. Its culinary and magical properties also make it perfect for enchanting romantic meals.

Rituals for good luck in money and business matters is supported by putting basil in wallets or pouches with coins. Sprinkling it near the work desk or entrance of the shop is also a popular ritual.

This herb is often used in baths to rid the self of negative energy as it is believed to be ideal for purification. Diffusing basil around your home or workspace can cleanse and purify the area, creating a more harmonious environment.

Basil can be used in healing spells to promote wellness and balance, making it a valuable addition to any healing practice.

Flying ointments and meditation ointments to provide clarity during meditation or astral projection are often made with basil. During Midsummer or Litha celebrations, fresh basil can adorn altars to enhance the magical energy of the occasion.

Basil's strong protective and healing energies make it a must-have in any witch’s garden or cabinet. Whether you’re seeking to attract love, ward off negativity, or boost prosperity, basil is a powerful ally in your magical practice.

Basil's element is fire, its energy is masculine and it's planet is Mars.

Aroma: herbaceous, fresh, sweet, lively, spicy. Middle to top notes. Enhances a blend.

Extraction: Steam distillation of leaves, stems and flowers. Cleansing and soothing, Basil evokes Italian cuisines for a fresh herbal offering. Belonging to the Labiatae family and originating from Asia, the flowers are pink or white. Add to your lotion, body wash or shower gel for an energising boost of peppery freshness. Elevate mental clarity by inhaling directly from the bottle. Or you may like to blend with coconut oil for a rich infusion, massaging into tired areas for a relaxing treat.

Constituents: Linalool, Eucalyptol

Suggested uses:

Add to coconut oil for an easy massage. Inhalation and diffuse for a quick pick-me-up

Add a few drops into your favourite lotion, for a moisturising burst of freshness.

Add to cotton balls and place inside closets, drawers, or inside garbage bins for a burst of freshness.

Dab onto the neckline, pulse points and chest for a reinvigorating experience. Anoint, sprinkle, incorporate in magick. Flavour your favourite pasta sauce recipes with Basil+. Add Rosemary+ or Oregano+ for even more flavour.

Add Basil+ to deli salads, Asian- or Italian-inspired soups and salad dressings or vinaigrettes to share with family and friends.

Boil pasta in basil+-infused water for a subtle flavour.

Pair Basil+ with lime juice and melons, such as watermelon and cantaloupe, for a fresh summer treat. For a more complex flavour profile, garnish with feta.

Mix Basil+ with a mild tea, such as chamomile. Add a dash of honey to sweeten the experience.

Dilute 1 drop of basil+ with 4 drops of carrier oil. Put in a capsule and take 1 daily.

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All of our advice has been provided on the basis that there are no known contra-indications to treatment. If you have any health problems or are taking any medication you should seek advice from your healthcare provider prior to using aromatherapy.

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Safety Advice: Essential oils are highly concentrated. Their potency must be respected, they can be toxic if used incorrectly. Please note that the upcoming list does not constitute a complete safety reference. If you are uncertain, please contact a licensed aromatherapist for more advices.

Essential oils are flammable liquids.
Keep out of the reach of children.
If you have a medical condition and are taking any medication or undergoing any type of medical treatment you should check with your doctor and a qualified aromatherapist to ensure that it is safe to use aromatherapy in conjunction with your prescribed treatment.
Certain essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy. Please seek professional advice prior to using aromatherapy whilst pregnant.
Always consult a qualified aromatherapist before using essential oils with babies and children.
Avoid all contact with the mouth area and eyes.
Essential oils should never be applied undiluted to the skin as they can cause irritation (there are only a couple of exceptions to this rule i.e. Lavender and Tea Tree). Follow all recipes and methods carefully and do not increase the amount of essential oil quoted.
Certain essential oils (i.e. spices, warm oils) can cause skin irritation for people with sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin we recommend performing a small patch test prior to using any new oil or product.
A few essential oils such as Bergamot and other citrus oils are phototoxic which means they can cause skin sensitisation and skin discolouration in bright sunlight. These oils should be not be applied to the skin before direct exposure to sunlight.