Essential oils: Basil

Essential oils, basil (Ocimum basilicum) and its benefits

In the fast-paced business world, it is crucial to maintain stable health and a clear head. Using basil essential oil can be a natural way to promote personal well-being and focus. This oil is often valued as it is perceived to be supportive to the body and mind. In this blog post, I explain how you can integrate your performance and wellbeing into your daily routine by using basil oil to help you get through the day more successfully.

What is basil essential oil?

Both the leaves and the flowers of the basil plant (Ocimum basilicum) are used to extract basil oil. This essential oil is known for its invigorating yet relaxing fragrance, which combines sweet, refreshing and slightly peppery notes - I'm sure you know this scent from your last summer holiday?
The most important ingredients of the oil include eugenol, estragole and linalool. These components offer numerous health benefits and contribute significantly to the positive properties of basil oil.

The benefits of basil oil for working people

Less tension and better mental clarity

Daily work in the business world is often challenging and stressful. Essential oils like basil can help relieve tension, and it can have a relaxing effect on the neurological system. A few drops in an office diffuser can purify the air and create a peaceful environment. This promotes focus and mental clarity, which are necessary for critical decision-making and strategic planning.

Increase in productivity

Productivity increases with mental clarity. Basil oil can help relieve fatigue and improve mental clarity. If you take a quick sniff of the oil during breaks at work, you can refresh your energy and concentration, which is particularly helpful after a long day at work.

Strengthening the immune system

A strong immune system is essential to reduce downtime and ward off infections. The antibacterial properties of basil essential oil can boost the immune system. A small amount in a massage oil blend or a warm bath can boost immunity.

Promotion of the digestive process

The basis of general health is a healthy digestive system. Digestive difficulties can be alleviated by using basil essential oil. Flatulence and pain can be relieved by gently massaging the abdomen with diluted basil oil.

Use of basil essential oil 

• Diffuser: Add three to four drops of basil oil to a diffuser to create a calming and revitalising atmosphere in your workplace.
• Topical application: To promote relaxation, you can mix a few drops of basil oil with a carrier oil (e.g. jojoba or coconut oil) and apply gently to the neck or temples. This can relieve tension headaches.
• Aromatic inhalation: To promote a feeling of freshness and alertness, put a few drops of basil oil in your hands or on a handkerchief and inhale deeply.
• Bath additive: To relax better after a hard day's work and strengthen your immune system, you can mix five to six drops of basil oil into your running water. It is important to always use a base salt with the essential oils so that the oils dissolve in the water and don't just float on top of it.

With clarity and presence through everyday business life: basil oil as a supportive companion

Incorporating essential oils like basil into your daily routine is a simple and effective way for successful business people to reduce stress, increase productivity and promote overall well-being. Quickly apply a few drops of basil oil to your pulse points, take a deep breath and then walk into your next meeting with confidence. You can be sure that you will be noticed more at that meeting and your presence will be strengthened. This essential oil can provide organic support to overcome everyday obstacles with more strength and better clarity. Try it out and see for yourself the many benefits it offers.

And have I aroused your interest? Then take Contact us with me or visit me on LinkedIn or Instagram. I am at your disposal with help and advice during a free initial consultation. For a successful result, it is important to use pure oils. I have opted for the brand Doterra and if you would like to stock up on essential oils, you are welcome to do so via my shop.

The scientifically explained role of basil oil in aromatherapy:

Basil oil plays an important role in aromatherapy due to its diverse effects on body and mind. From a scientific point of view, the role of basil in aromatherapy can be explained as follows:

1. neurochemical effect:

The ingredients of basil oil, especially the essential oils and flavonoids, can have an influence on the neurotransmitters in the brain [3]. This interaction can lead to an improvement in mood and a reduction in stress and tension, keeping you more focussed and concentrated.

2. anxiolytic properties:

Studies suggest that basil oil may have anxiolytic properties, [3]as the compounds contained in the plant can be effective in relieving anxiety and agitation, similar to some prescription drugs, but without their typical side effects.

3. adaptogenic effect:

Basil oil is used in aromatherapy as an adaptogen[2]. This means that it helps the body to adapt to stress and normalise bodily processes, which can lead to better stress management and mental clarity.

4. mood enhancement:

The essential oils of basil can have a mood-enhancing and revitalising effect [1][2] and can help to dispel negative thoughts and promote general well-being.

5. relaxation and calming:

In aromatherapy, basil oil is often used to promote calmness and centredness[2], as it can help to create a feeling of relaxation and is therefore often used in relaxation baths or as a room fragrance.

6. cognitive functions:

Some studies suggest that basil oil may be able to improve cognitive function. In aromatherapy, this potential is specifically utilised to promote mental clarity and concentration. Thanks to its unique composition, basil oil can help to sharpen the mind and increase mental performance. These properties make it a valuable aid, especially in stressful and demanding professional situations where mental clarity and concentration are of paramount importance.

7 Physiological effects:

Basil oil can also have physical effects. It is described in aromatherapy as an antispasmodic and can be used for cramps, coughs or hiccups[4].

It is important to note that the effectiveness of basil oil in aromatherapy is based on the complex interaction of its ingredients with the human body and nervous system. The exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood and require further scientific research.

Sources:
[1] https://www.florascent-shop.de/Basilikum-Aromatherapy-Spray-15ml
[2] https://www.aroma-elite.de/products/basilikum-ol
[3] https://lexicanum.de/gesundheit/basilikum-wirkung-auf-die-psyche/
[4] https://aromapraxis.de/oele-lexikon/basilikum-ocimum-basilicum/
[5] https://taoasis.com/basilikumoel-bio-demeter