Basil

Basil or Sweet Basil is a perennial found in warm climates or can be cultivated as an annual since it does not thrive well with frost.  It is native to Asia but is now common in Europe and other areas.  

In Asia it has been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes being known in India as tulsi and is a common part of their herbal medicine.  


DōTerra Basil is from the family Lamiacea (Labiatae), the oil comes from the leaf of the plant, is steam distilled, and is grown in the United States.

Typical Applications

From migraines to bug bites, Basil evokes a broad range of biologic and physiological responses. Basil can be restorative to the nerves while calming to the central nervous system. 

Basil is safe and ample for use in respiratory and conditions of asthma. When used topically it is commonly referred to as a cooling herb and is used for rheumatic pain, irritating skin conditions and can easily be applied to sore muscles and joints.

Basil oil can be used topically, internally and diffused into the environment. 

Considered to be the “King of plants” by the ancient Greeks, basil was once used to anoint kings.  In both ancient and modern times, basil oil has been used to help treat migraines, relieve muscle spasms, stimulate the mind, and aid in digestion.  Basil’s fresh, spicy scent is said to help open the mind and increase the clarity of thought

Extraction Method

Steam distilled from leaves, stems and flowers

Aromatic Influence

It helps one maintain an open mind and increases clarity of thought.

Uses

Alertness, anxiety, bronchitis, chills, chronic colds, concentration, nervous depression, digestion, earache, fainting, fatigue, headaches, coughs, insect bites, insect repellent, insomnia, intestinal problems, rhinitis, loss of smell, snake bites, vomiting, wasp stings, whooping cough

Application

1. Diffuse into the air
2. Apply to temples, tip of nose, reflex points, and / or directly on area of concern
3. Dilute one drop oil in 1 tsp honey or 4 oz of beverage

Dr. David Hill suggests these uses for doTERRA Basil:

•  Arthritic pain

•  Calms nervous system - helps when there is excess cortisol

•  Cholesterol, lowers - helps get off Lipitor or other cholesterol drugs. Works at the cellular level to stop the oxidation of cholesterol.

•  Circulation, improves

•  Diabetes

•  Earache - put on cotton ball and place in or behind ear

•  Gastric spasms - apply topically to tummy

•  Gastric ulcers - take orally in a capsule

•  Gout

•  Headaches - apply topically to base of skull

•  Menstrual cramps

•  Muscle spasm

•  Muscle tension

Precautions:   Consult professional advice before use by those who are pregnant or nursing mothers.  Can be a skin irritant.  Use a skin test.

Properties
Antibiotic
Antidepressant
Anti-inflammatory
Antiseptic
Decongestant
Disinfectant
Expectorant

Wellness Uses

Calm & Stress Relief
Cold and Flu Season
Disinfect House Areas

Common Health Concerns

Bronchitis
Colds and Flu
Depression
Earache
Migraine
Insect Bites
Stress

Common Carrier Oils

1. Coconut Oil

Whole coconut oil is solid at room temperature and has long unsaturated fatty acid triglycerides.  This oil has a high percentage of completely saturated triglycerides (no double bonds).  When the smaller fatty acids and long-chain triglycerides are separated from the whole coconut oil, it leaves only saturated fats or a fraction of the whole oil.  This is then known as "Fractionated Coconut Oil."

Advantages of Fractionated Coconut Oil
With no double bonds, there is no oxidation.  Thus, fractionated coconut oil is a carrier that never goes rancid.  It basically has an indefinite shelf life and is in a perfectly clear liquid form. Other advantages of fractionated coconut oil are:

·  It is odorless and colorless.  It won’t stain and easily washes out of clothing and sheets.

·  It absorbs into the skin while reducing essential oil evaporation.

·  It is excellent on skin; a natural and very safe moisturizer, softener and safe, non-irritant lubricator. 

·  It leaves skins smooth with no greasy feeling.

·  Low production costs make it cost effective.

·  It can be mixed with other, more expensive, carriers to increase shelf life.  It can also be used it to create different cream textures.

·  It does not aggravate skin problems or clog pores.

·  It is fully digestible and considered an excellent and healthy cooking oil.

·  It is truly one of the best multi-purpose carrier oil products on the market. 

Advantages of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO - not fractionated)
DoTerra's coconut oil is a great product with a great shelf life and is liquid at room temperature but it does not include all the fat chains. VCO on the other hand has its own advantages and some real followers that are adamant about its health and wellness attributes. A little internet research and you'll see the passion out there. I have personally seen it do amazing things by itself, especially in the area of skin care, but when you blend VCO with doTerra essential oils you create a synergizing product that I believe is far superior that just either product alone.

2. Grapeseed Oil

Obviously from its name, grapeseed oil is made from the seed of the grape.  Its production prior to the 20th century was limited because grape seeds contain such a small quantity of oil.  The process of extraction therefore is labor intensive.  It is most widely known for its healthy culinary applications.  It is beginning to be recognized as a massage oil, lotion base, hygiene cream, and lip balm.  It is relatively odorless and is an excellent carrier oil.  It is mostly clear with a very light yellow/green tinge and has a slightly sweet taste.

Other advantages of grapeseed oil are:

·  It offers regenerative and restructuring characteristics that offer quality skin moisturizing.

·  It is considered an excellent lubricant for massage and shaving.

·  It leaves a glossy film that protects essential oils from evaporation.  Saturation takes longer than some other carriers. 

·  Some claim it has astringent qualities that tighten and tone the skin.

·  It does not aggravate acne or clog pores.
 

 3. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is found in the seed of the Jojoba plant.  The oil makes up nearly 50% of the seed in weight.  It is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.  It is considered a natural wax.  It is nearly colorless (slight yellow tint) and odorless.  It is normally liquid at room temperature; its melting point is just over 40° F.
Other advantages of jojoba oil are:

·  It has a very stable shelf life and when mixed with other carriers, increases their shelf life.

·  It is known for its nourishing qualities for the skin. 

·  It closely resembles the natural oils of our own skin

·  It absorbs well into the skin, with no greasy feeling.

·  It is naturally protective to sensitive skin.

4. Olive Oil

Olive oil is universally known a one of the most quality culinary oils. It has a multitude of uses however, including a quality carrier oil.  Depending on the press, it has a full-bodied flavor and a strong aroma, and can also have a golden brown or green color.  If it is a color and odor that is pleasing then enjoy its healthful benefits to the skin and hair.

Other advantages of olive oil:

·  It has a high vitamin and mineral count.

·  It is a quality lubricant.

·  It has approximately a one-year shelf life.

·  It is an excellent conditioner for hair.

5. Safflower oil

Safflower oil is extracted from the seeds of the safflower plant grown in great abundance for this commonly used vegetable oil and is relatively inexpensive.  It has a high content of unsaturated fatty acids and can go rancid quickly.  Its best shelf life (about 1 year) is guaranteed if it is mixed with another quality carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil.  It is a pale yellow, nearly colorless, and has very little odor.

Other advantages of safflower oil:

·  It has excellent moisturizing qualities.

·  It is a good lubricant.

·  It is easily absorbed.

·  Quality safflower does not stain.

Premixing Salves, Ointments, and Spritzers

Sometimes it is wise to have a premixed salve, ointment, or spray for emergencies that may come up or for a concern that requires periodic application.  Here are some hints on premixing: 

·         If making a premixed spritz for applications, it is usually done with water as a carrier, because the two will separate, therefore, shake vigorously before using and continue shaking often.  Typical use of 4-6 drops of oil per 1/2 cup of water is sufficient.  Use a quality spray container and apparatus. 

·         A common ointment to have handy is 6-8 drops of Peppermint to a teaspoon of a carrier oil for headaches.  A small amount of this mixture placed on the temples, forehead, or back of the neck is very effective for many people.

·         If a carrier/essential oil ointment is pre-made, be sure to use a tight sealing and low light container, or store them out of the light.

·         It is handy to keep a pre-made, relaxing foot rub ointment next to a child’s bed so that a parent can quickly and easily give a child a relaxing and calming foot rub at bed time.

Carrier Oils

Essential oils need not be applied “neat” (or undiluted) for every use.

It is quite reasonable to hearken to the axiom that ‘less is more’ when we work with these powerful therapeutic grade healing essences.

One common mistake with oils is the assumption that more is better.  Quite the opposite, it is reasonable to hearken to the axiom that ‘less is more’ when we work with these powerful therapeutic grade healing essences.

Essential oils are usually distilled from aromatic elements of plant life including the leaves, flowers, bark, and roots.  These essential elements have a concentrated aroma and never go rancid.  However, most carrier oils or fixed oils usually have minimal aroma and minimal color.  This is due to being pressed from the fatty portions of botanical such as the nuts and seeds.  Some carriers go rancid with time and therefore have a shorter shelf life.

Carrier oils are useful when working with essential oils because it is sometimes necessary to dilute a neat oil. One example is when applying to the skin.  Powerful, highly concentrated essential oils may cause skin irritations.  Another use for carrier oils blended with essential oils is that they are often applied during massage, acting as a needed lubricating agent when working larger areas and muscles. 
One advantage of carrier oils is that they do not evaporate like essential oils that tend to evaporate quicker when applied neat.  Carrier oils actually aid in absorption.

Incorporate carrier oils for massaging, making lotions, rubs, and creams for use on babies, children, elderly, and sensitive areas.

For Common Carrier Oils, click HERE