Basil Essential Oil Fights Bacteria, Colds &

Bad Odor

Basil essential oil, derived from the Ocimum basilicum plant, is commonly
used to enhance the avor of many recipes today. However, its uses extend
far beyond the culinary world. Basil essential oil (sometimes called “sweet
basil oil”) has been used for centuries to treat all kinds of health concerns.

As a natural anti-in ammatory, antiviral, antibiotic and diuretic, basil has

been used in traditional Asian Indian medicine practices for years. Today,
basil is known for its use in cases of stomach spasms, loss of appetite, uid
retention, head colds, warts and even intestinal worm infections. (1)

Let’s look at more reason why you may want to consider adding basil
essential oil to your medicine cabinet today!

Bene ts of Basil Essential Oil

Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) belongs to the Lamiaceae or mint plant
family, which includes about 200 species of various basil botanical varieties
and forms grown around the world. With a naturally sweet, warm, spicy and
herbal smell, basil oil can be used in multiple ways both internally and
topically.

Basil essential oil bene ts include:

Fighting bacteria
Fighting infections
Reducing disease-causing in ammation
Fighting viruses
Relieving congestion
Increasing urine output
Fighting free radical damage
Stimulating the nervous system
Stimulating the adrenal cortex

While fresh basil herbs are also bene cial and a great way to avor recipes,
basil essential oil is much more concentrated and potent. The compounds
found in basil oil are steam-distilled from fresh basil leaves, stems and
owers to form an extract that contains high levels of antioxidants and other
bene cial phytochemicals.

The aromatic character of each type of basil is determined by the plant’s

exact genotype and major chemical compounds. Basil essential oil (from
sweet basil) is known to contain 29 compounds with the three primary ones
being 0xygenated monoterpenes (60.7–68.9 percent), followed by
sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (16.0–24.3 percent) and oxygenated
sesquiterpenes (12.0–14.4 percent). The reason why there is a range for each
active component is due to the fact that the chemical composition of the oil
changes according to the season. (2)
According to a 2014 review published by the Department of Phytochemistry
at the Indian Council of Medical Research, basil oil has been effectively used
as a traditional medicinal plant for the treatment of headaches, coughs,
diarrhea, constipation, warts, worms, kidney malfunctions and more. (3) The
bene ts of basil also include the ability to ght bacteria and odors in foods
and on skin which is why basil oil can be found in foods, beverages, dental
and oral health products as well as fragrances.

Basil oil and holy basil oil (also called tulsi) are different in terms of chemical
composition, although they do have some uses in common. Just like sweet
basil, holy basil helps ght bacteria, fatigue, in ammation and infections.

13 Basil Essential Oil Uses

1. Potent Antibacterial 
Basil oil has shown impressive antimicrobial activity against a wide range of
foodborne bacteria, yeasts and mold. Researchers have shown that basil oil
is effective against a common food born pathogen known as E. coli. (4 )

Another study has shown that Ocimum basilicum oils can decrease bacteria
due to spoilage and foodborne pathogens when it’s included in the water
used to wash fresh organic produce. (5)

You can use basil oil in your home to remove bacteria from kitchens and
bathrooms, prevent surface contamination and purify the air. Try diffusing or
basil oil or combining it with water in a spray bottle to rub down surfaces in
your home. You can also use the spray to clean produce.

2. Cold and Flu Treatment

Don’t be too surprised if you see basil on a list of essential oils that can help
relieve cold and u symptoms. Reader’s Digest, for example, recently included
basil essential oil on that exact type of list and highlighted its “anti-
spasmodic qualities that work best if you do a steam inhalation or drink tea
made with this.” (6)

So how can basil oil help with a cold or u case? Both the common cold as
well as the u are caused by viruses and research has shown that basil oil is
a natural anti-viral. (7) So it may be surprising but true that basil oil can be
used as a natural cold remedy.

If you’re sick, I recommend diffusing the oil throughout your home, add one to
two drops to a steam bath, or make a homemade vapor rub using
eucalyptus oil and basil oil that can massaged into the chest to open up
your nasal passages.

3. Natural Odor Eliminator and Cleaner

Basil is capable of eliminating odor-causing bacteria and fungus from your
home, car, appliances and furniture thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal
properties. (8) In fact, the word basil is derived from the Greek sentence
that means “to smell.”

Traditionally in India, it’s been used for many culinary applications, including
to eliminate odors and clean kitchen equipment. Run several drops through
your kitchen appliances; combine it with baking soda to remove stains and
bacteria from pots or pans; or spray it inside your toilet, shower and garbage
cans.

4. Flavor Enhancer
You’re probably familiar with how just a couple of fresh basil leaves can
majorly enhance a dish. Basil oil can also infuse a wide variety of recipes with
its signature aroma and avor. All it takes is adding one or two drops to
juices, smoothies, sauces or dressings in place of using fresh torn basil. In
the process, you’ll make your kitchen smell great and reduce the risk for food
contamination, too! Now, there’s a win-win situation.

5. Muscle Relaxant
Thanks to its anti-in ammatory properties, basil oil can help with aching
muscles. (9) Useful as a natural muscle relaxer, you can rub a few drops of
basil essential oil along with coconut oil into painful, swollen muscles or joints.
To further help relax tense areas and feel immediate relief, try soaking in a
warm bath with Epsom salts and a couple drops of lavender oil and basil oil.

6. Ear Infection Remedy

Basil oil is sometimes recommended as a natural ear infection remedy. A
study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases used an animal model
to look at the effects of putting basil oil into the ear canals of subjects with
middle ear infections. What did they nd? The basil oil  “cured or healed” over
half of the animal subjects with ear infections due to H. in uenzae bacteria
compared to about a six percent heal rate in the placebo group. (10)

Rubbing a a couple drops of antibacterial basil oil diluted in a carrier oil like
coconut or almond behind the ears and on the bottoms of the feet may
speed up the time it takes to recover from ear infections while also reducing
pain and swelling.

7. Homemade Toothpaste and Mouthwash

To remove bacteria and odor from your mouth, you can add several drops of
pure basil oil to your mouthwash or toothpaste. You can also include it in a
homemade mouthwash or homemade toothpaste recipe. With its natural
antioxidant and antibacterial abilities, I love basil oil as dental health
boosting ingredient to help protect my teeth and gums.

8. Energizer and Mood Enhancer

Inhaling basil can help restore mental alertness and ght fatigue since it’s
naturally a stimulant that works on the nervous system and adrenal cortex.
Many people nd it bene cial for reducing symptoms like sluggishness, brain
fog and poor moods that accompany adrenal fatigue or chronic fatigue.
Diffuse basil essential oil throughout your home or inhale it directly from the
bottle. You can also combine a couple drops of basil oil with a carrier oil like
jojoba and put it on your wrists for an instant pick-me-up.

9. Insect Repellent
Similarly to other essential oils, including citronella oil and thyme oil,
research has shown that the volatile oils found in basil can repel mosquitoes
and help to prevent bug bites. (11)

To make a homemade bug spray or lotion, dilute several drops of basil

essential oils with carrier oil and massage into skin or swollen bites as
needed.

10. Acne and Insect Bite Remedy

Since skin breakouts are mainly caused by a built-up bacteria, excess oil and
small areas of infections, basil essential oil can act as a home remedy
for acne. Basil essential oil is one of several essential oils that can effectively
kill skin pathogens that lead to acne breakouts. When it come the skin, it’s
also used for natural treatment of insect bites and wasp stings. (12)

Human research also demonstrates that basil essential oil can help to clear
up acne lesions with little little discomfort or side effects after application. If
there was any burning or redness, it disappeared within a few minutes of
application. (13)

Using a clean cotton ball, apply one to two drops of basil oil along with
coconut or jojoba oil to the affected area once or twice daily.

11. Digestive Booster

Basil essential oil is known for helping to stimulate digestion and naturally
relieving constipation. (14) Pure basil oil can be taken internally by adding
one to two drops to warm water or tea, or you can inhale it and massage it
directly into painful areas such as the abdomen and lower back.

12. Stress-Fighter
Basil oil is known to be uplifting and renewing, which makes it useful for
lowering symptoms of anxiety, fear or nervousness. Used for aromatherapy
for centuries to help people deal with racing thoughts and overwhelming
feelings, you can burn basil oil at home to relax and unwind. This can also
work quickly for natural headache relief. Massage one or two drops with a
carrier oil into your feet or over your adrenals nightly to reduce stress.

13. Hair Booster

To strip away excess grease or buildup on your hair while adding shine, add
a drop or two of basil oil to your shampoo. You can also try mixing it with
baking soda and apple cider vinegar to balance scalp pH while removing
grease and residue from hair naturally.

Basil Essential Oil Use and Recipes

Here’s how you can start using basil essential oil at home today:

Aromatically: Basil essential oil can be diffused throughout your home

using an oil diffuser or vaporizer. You can also inhale it directly from the
bottle or rub several drops into your palms and then place your hands
over your face to inhale.

Topically: Basil oil should be diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil in a
1:1 ratio before applying to directly to your skin. Since it’s a potent oil, start
very slowly and use several drops at a time. Basil oil can sometimes
cause skin reactions to people with sensitive skin, so avoid using it on
your face, neck or chest before making sure you react positively.
Internally: The FDA recognizes pure basil oil as safe for consumption (by
21CFR182.20), but this is ONLY the case when using 100 percent
therapeutic-grade, high-quality oil brands. Purchase your oil from a
reputable seller and check the ingredient label carefully. You should only
look for an oil that is made from the Ocimum basilicum. You can add a
 drop to water or take it as a dietary supplement by mixing it with raw
honey or into a smoothie.

Basil oil blends well with many other essential oils, including bergamot oil,
black pepper oil, cedarwood oil, fennel oil, ginger oil, geranium oil,
grapefruit oil, lavender oil, lemon oil, marjoram oil and neroli oil.

For its cleansing and protective qualities, try these simple homemade recipes
below using basil oil, or refer to my Essential Oils Guide for many more
ideas.

Homemade Laundry Soap

Homemade Deodorant
Homemade Rosemary Mint Shampoo
Homemade Bug Spray

Interactions and Side Effects of Basil Essential Oil

Basil essential oil should be avoided during pregnancy since it can have an
impact on hormonal levels as well as muscle and nerve function. It’s also not
appropriate for anyone with epilepsy.

As with all essential oils, especially those that are new to you, always test for
skin sensitivity prior to using them on sensitive or widespread areas. Do a skin
patch test rst on your feet or forearm to make sure you don’t experience
irritation like redness, burning, hives or allergic reactions. Also keep basil oil
away from your eyes and the insides of your ears or nose.

Final Thoughts
 Similar to the way that fresh basil and dried basil have so many uses in
the kitchen, basil oil has such a wide range of possible medicinal uses
including cold and u relief, digestive aid, ear infection remedy and
muscle relaxant.
With its antibacterial properties, basil oil is a great natural ingredient for
homemade toothpastes and mouthwashes as well as home cleaning
products.
Diffusing basil essential oil and using it around your home can help to
naturally freshen the air while also boosting your mood.
A drop or two of basil essential oil can be used in smoothies, juices, soups,
sauces and dressings in place of fresh basil leaves.
Basil essential oil can be used to boost skin and hair health.
Always remember that basil oil, like all essential oils, is very potent so a
little goes a long way.

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