Basil Essential Oil (Ocimum basilicum)

Steam-distilled essential oil of Ocimum basilicum, sweet basil. The bright herbaceous aroma of basil oil is dominated by linalool with characteristic notes from methyl chavicol (estragole) and 1,8-cineole. Basil oil is used in aromatherapy, perfumery, and as a culinary aromatic.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Ocimum basilicum

Plant part

Leaves and flowering tops

Extraction

Steam distillation

Primary aromatic compounds

Linalool, methyl chavicol (estragole), eucalyptol (1,8-cineole)

Aromatic character

Fresh, herbaceous, sweet, slightly spicy

Common uses

Aromatherapy, diffusion, blending, perfumery

What is Basil Essential Oil?

Basil essential oil is the concentrated volatile aromatic extract of sweet basil leaves and flowering tops, captured by steam distillation. The composition varies by chemotype: linalool-rich basil oils (from European cultivation) are sweeter and less pungent; methyl chavicol-rich basil oils (from "exotic basil" sources) are sharper. Either form delivers the unmistakable fresh herbaceous character of basil.

How to Use Basil Essential Oil

Diffusion: 3-5 drops in a diffuser. Topical blending: dilute to 1-2% in a carrier oil (about 6-12 drops per fluid ounce of carrier oil) for skin application. Blend with: bergamot, lemon, lavender, rosemary, peppermint, lime. For culinary aromatherapy: a single drop in olive oil for finishing pasta or salad.

Safety Information

Always dilute essential oils before topical application. Patch test before broad use. Basil oil is high in methyl chavicol in some chemotypes; not recommended during pregnancy or for use with infants. Keep out of reach of children. Do not apply undiluted to skin or take internally without expert guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does basil oil smell like?
Fresh, herbaceous, sweet, with subtle spicy and licorice-like undertones.

How do I dilute basil oil for skin?
1-2% in a carrier oil (about 6-12 drops per fluid ounce of carrier).

Can I use basil oil in cooking?
Yes in tiny amounts (a single drop in olive oil) by expert use; do not consume essential oil directly.

What are good blending partners?
Bergamot, lemon, lavender, rosemary, peppermint, and lime all blend well with basil.

Is basil oil safe during pregnancy?
No; not recommended during pregnancy or with infants.

What's the difference between linalool and methyl chavicol basil oils?
Different chemotypes of the same species. Linalool-rich is sweeter; methyl chavicol-rich is sharper.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.