Basil

Botanical Name:    Ocimum basilicum
Synonym:               Sweet basil
Botanical Family:   Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Country of Origin:  Native to Asia and Africa
Plant Part:              Flowering tops and leaves
Extraction Method:     Steam distillation
Characteristics:   Fresh, sweet, herbaceous, aromatic, uplifting
Properties:   Analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, nervine, sudorific.
 
Indications:
Mind & Spirit:
Clears and stimulates the mind
Clears the head, relieves mental fatigue,
Increases concentration.
Useful for insomnia, anxiety, nervous exhaustion and extreme tiredness

Body:             
Beneficial for respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough
Relieves sinus congestion, and sinus related headaches and migraines
Aids in disorders such as vomiting, nausea and gastric spasms
Relieves menstrual problems and regulates menstrual flow
Basil also relieves insect bites and aches and pains

Contraindications:    May cause irritation to sensitive skin.  Best not to be used during pregnancy.
Note:    Top
Blends well with:
Bergamot, black pepper, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, ginger, lavender, lemon, marjoram, neroli, rosemary, peppermint, pine, thyme, tea tree

Traditions:
Basil is used extensively in the traditional Indian medicine Ayurveda.  It has been thought of as an aphrodisiac for centuries and was a popular ingredient in most diets.  It was once also thought to ward off evil spirits in the Mediterranean.