I’ve got a brilliant idea. Make dinner and have an aromatherapy treatment all at the same time. My choice for today is pesto, vegan of course. This classic Italian dish with a vegan twist is made with fresh sweet basil. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is the kind most used for pesto and other European dishes, and the most common basil essential oil.
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Basil takes its name from the latin ’Basileum’ meaning royal. There are many types of basil, which belong to the herb family that includes lavender, mint, thyme, patchouli, marjoram and many others.
Holy Basil, also known as tulsi is from India (Ocimum tenuiflorum), and also makes a great essential oil and is used in Ayurvedic medicine. This holy plant and is dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna.
Thai basil used across South East Asian has the botanical name (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) but I’ve never used it as an essential oil. It’s used in Vietnamese cooking too and tops a lovely pho.
So what can basil, and essential oil of basil do for you? Sharp and spicy, basil helps clear the head and open avenues of expression. It is a very powerful clearing oil, particularly effective when used in a vapouriser as an inhalation, or when you are cooking. It is used for mental and physical fatigue and its anti-spasmodic properties make it ideal for treating menstrual problems and digestive disorders. It is also used for
* Sinus congestion, asthma and bronchitis are all soothed by basil.
* Fever can be treated effectively with basil.
* In the middle ages it was prescribed for melancholy and depression.
I love the fact that this modest little herb with a big presence has been around for ages. Literally ages. The old herbs of healers and witches alike are still here because they work. Food is medicine, and always has been.Fantastic. Get cooking. Click here for a really easy and authentic pesto recipe.
Remember, treat yourself first, than everyone else benefits!
suzannerbanks 
Great interesting info about Basil (Ocimum basilicum) being a soother for sinus congestion and other lesser known uses. And, I liked the inclusion of Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum var, thyrsiflora), and although I’ve not seen it available as an essential oil, I’d love to find it. Thanks, Suzanne
Thanks to you for always taking the time to read and comment. The Thai basil oil is hard to find but if you do a bit of searching you may find it x