Sweet basil is not just a herb for cooking, it is used for many ailments. This article gives details on how sweet basil is used in today's aromatherapy.
Sweet basil is an annual herb with dark, oval leaves that has pale pink flowers. Basil is a cooking herb that has a strong scent. Basil is sought after for its aphrodisiac, insect repellent and mentally-uplifting characteristics. Basil can be found in North Africa, France, Cyprus, United states and South America. It originally came from Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands. Sweet basil's essential oil is steam distilled using all of the plant. Sweet basil is used for its antidepressant, antiseptic, digestive, expectorant, stimulant and tonic properties. Sweet basil's essential oil has a powerful sweet, spicy aroma. Sweet basil can be blended with other essential oils such as lime, lavender, neroli and sandalwood to prepare many different mixtures for many different ailments and purposes.
Sweet basil has been used for many centuries in many different cultures. It has been held in high regards as an aphrodisiac and a popular herb. The Greeks used sweet basil in high ceremonies, like the anointing of new kings. In India, sweet basil is believed to contain a divine spirit and is held sacred to the god Krishna. The Chinese still use sweet basil for its cleansing effects and stomach and kidney ailments. The Romans used sweet basil in massages to relieve achy muscles.
In today's modern world it is used to aid in healing and preventing acne and other skin inflammations. Sweet basil is often used to revive and stimulate concentration. It can be used to balance nervous disorders and depression.
Herbalists, for many different ailments, prescribe sweet basil. It is prescribed mostly for headaches, especially migraines, and chest infections. It is very useful to subdue respiratory allergies, hay fever and asthma. It also helps with stomach ailments such as nausea and diarrhea. Sweet basil can be made into a paste and applied to insect bites to remove the sting.
When using sweet basil on the skin remember to apply to directly on infected area; due to the fact it may be harsh on sensitive skin.
