Basil essential oil is used to treat wounds and infections. The name sweet basil oil is often used. It is a favorite spice in Italian cuisine, Thai and some Eastern European dishes.
Basil has very useful vitamins for health. It is rich in vitamin K, iron and beta carotene. It is known that the leaves of the plant were used to treat migraines and chest infections.
It contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and diuretic properties.
This essential oil is used in aromatherapy by inhalation, topically (by applying it to the skin) and orally.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an annual herbaceous spice plant. It originates from India and today it is widespread in the wider Mediterranean area.
It can grow up to 80 cm in height, with purple shoots covered with long curly hairs. The effect of basil is exactly the same as the effect of sage, lemon balm and mint.
There are two ways you can prepare basil oil yourself. Both are very simple. From the ingredients for the preparation you will need:
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1 liter of fresh water
¾ glasses of sunflower oil
¼ glasses of extra virgin olive oil
Preparation
Take a larger bowl on which you will put a strainer and fresh basil leaves in it. Pour boiling water over these leaves and then rinse them immediately with cold water. This stops the process of cooking basil. You will leave them to dry for a while.
Place them between two paper towels and press lightly to remove all the water. If necessary, change a few napkins until you have drained all the water from them. Put the blanched leaves in a blender, add oil and mix until you get a combined mass.
Pour this prepared mixture into a bowl with a thicker bottom and put it on a moderate heat. Stir the mixture constantly so that it does not burn. In a few minutes the color will change to emerald green and then the oil is done. Remove from the heat, allow to cool and ready to use.
Another way of preparation
You need:
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1 cup olive oil
Pinch of salt
Wash the leaves of the plant under a stream of lukewarm water. Soak them in boiling water for a minute. Stir a few times so that they do not boil and then transfer them to cold water.
Put the sheets in a paper towel and tap on them until you remove all the water from them. Put olive oil, salt and dried plant leaves in a blender and then make a puree. In addition to olive oil, you can use rapeseed oil for preparation. When everything is nicely combined, pour the mass into a glass jar with a lid.
Store the mass in the refrigerator. It needs to stand for 24 hours for the aroma to come to the fore. You can use basil essential oil prepared in this way for 7 days.
Ways to use:
You can use it for topping grilled chicken, shrimp or vegetables
If you add a little freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt and pepper to it, it serves as a dressing for salads
Small amounts of this oil can add a special flavor to soups
It gives a fantastic taste to tomatoes and boiled corn
Great and tasty sauce for which you only need a little more French bread
Side effects and precautions
Basil oil should be avoided during pregnancy because it can affect hormone levels and muscle function. Not suitable for use in people with epilepsy.
If you are using the oil for the first time, test for sensitivity. Apply a small amount on the forearm and rub. If redness occurs there is a high chance that you are allergic to basil.
Keep it away from the eyes and inside the nose.
i like basil and i like a lot of other herbs as a seasoning, excellent way to use them is as oil extract, my favorite is when i made combination of garlic, oregano and basil