Friday, April 9, 2010

Aromatherapy!

Basil Essential Oil
As planting time approaches, I’m looking forward to planting more herbs in my garden. My son loves helping with these, as he can pick the “fruits” of our labor and help fix them for dinner.

One favorite, basil, does really well in my backyard. Beyond cooking, though, Basil provides a multitude of benefits through aromatherapy.

Basil essential oil, Ocimum basilicum, is steam distilled from leaves and flowers. The oil is a golden yellow with a green tone. It helps clear the sinuses, promotes digestion and stimulates circulation, especially in the respiratory system. It has been used successfully for migraines and 1 drop soothes wasp stings.

Its sedative actions wards off anxiety attacks and nervous tension. Its stimulating qualities fights mental fatigue and strengthens memory. Basil oil also increases concentratio
 n, sharpens the senses, clarifies thoughts and clears the head. It produces a sense of joy and happiness.

It has a light consistency, is a top note and has a strong aroma strength. Ithas a clear, herbaceous scent, with a faint balsamic woody backnote. It blends well with bergamot, clary sage, clove, l
 ime, eucalyptus, juniper, lemon, neroli and rosemary.

Don’t be afraid to try this herby essential oil. Stop by our custom blending bar. We sell most of our essential oils by the drop and can help you start blending with basil.

Here are a few recipes to help you get started!

Stimulating Morning Blend
2 drops Basil Oil
2 drops Rosemary Oil
1 drop Juniper Oil
1 drop Peppermint Oil
Add these to an unscented bath gel or lotion to get you moving in the morning! Great as an inhalant.

Brain-Tonic Blend
3 drops Rosemary
2 drops Coriander
1 drop Basil
1 drop Thyme
Use in a lotion or inhaler to get your mind moving!

Energy Inhalant Oil
8 drops Balsam Fir
4 drops Patchouli
2 drops Basil
1 drop Eucalyptus

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