Ingredient Glossary

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Basil, Sweet*

June 11, 2009 By Ocimum basilicum

Family Name: Lamiaceae, mint
Origin: Egypt

Also known as Albahaca, sweet basil is a unique member of the mint family. It is considered the “king of herbs” by many cookery authors, and in addition to its culinary use, sweet basil has a long history as a medicinal herb. For example, the Greek physician Dioscorides prescribed sweet basil for headaches. Some of basil’s active constituents are: terpenes, methyl cinnamate, tannins, flavonoids and caffeic acid. The essential oil of sweet basil has excellent cleansing properties, is particularly effective against cellulite, and stimulates healthy hair growth. Used in massage oil, sweet basil has a warming effect. In modern aromatherapy, it is used to cheer the heart and mind and has a spicy, sweet herbaceous top-middle note with anise-like undertones. This oil is stimulating, warming and energizing, yet at the same time soothing and calming. Its aroma helps relieve sorrow, melancholy, emotional/mental/physical fatigue and eases indecision. See basil linalol.

* Essential Oil

Main Properties

  • PERFORMANCE
    • antioxidant
    • cleansing
    • detoxifying
    • stimulating
    • Warming
  • MIND
    • calming
    • clarifying
    • energizing
    • restorative
  • FUNCTIONAL
    • preservative

Skin Types

Best for oily skin

Related Products

BODY LOTION

[Egyptian Basil & Mint Hand & Body Lotion](/product/mint-egyptian_basil-body_lotion/egyptian_basil_and_mint

BODY WASH

Egyptian Basil & Mint Body Wash

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