He basil oil It has become one of those essential oils that should not be missing at home, since it has hundreds of different applications. If you have a pimple on your face before an important event, you can trust him to help it go away. If what happens to you is that you have gastric discomfort, it will also be good for you to resort to this solution.
Basil essential oil is a great ally, and the best thing is that you don’t have to go to the supermarket to buy it, because you can make it entirely at home.
Properties of basil oil
Get ready to find that planting basil at home has more benefits than you thought. See what an oil made from basil leaves can do for you.
antimicrobial properties
Bacteria, fungi and viruses fall in love with basil. It is precisely for this reason that its oil has been used for centuries as natural remedy for flu, colds, respiratory infections and topical problems like acne.
For example, if you have a pimple, dilute a few drops of this oil in another that acts as a carrier (almond oil is a good choice) and apply it directly to the affected area. Let it air dry and start to take effect.
If you suffer from nasal congestion, put a few drops in a container with hot water and perform steam inhalations. If you have a humidifier at home, add a few drops and let it do its thing while you relax on the sofa, or directly while you sleep.
antioxidant properties
Basil oil is rich in antioxidants, chemical compounds that are responsible for neutralize free radicalsthus preventing them from causing harm to our body.
Free radicals are responsible for the symptoms of premature aging on our face, but they are also They are linked to the onset of serious diseases such as cancer. Therefore, it is better to take all possible precautions against its performance.
The action of this oil is more effective if it comes from inside our body, so what we can do is add basil oil in some of our recipes. It can be a wonderful dressing for salads, but also for pasta, sauces and, of course, for dishes containing tomato.
anti-inflammatory properties
If you notice that your legs are swollen from the heat or you spend a lot of time on your feet, if you have had an overload during exercise, if you suffer from arthritis or if you suffer from inflammation of the stomach or of the intestine, trust basil oil. Because it has excellent natural anti-inflammatory properties.
You can add it to your recipes, as we saw a moment ago, but you can also apply it to massage areas where you feel pain or inflammation. For better results, you can mix a few drops of this product with another vegetable oil of your choice.
Mental Health Benefits
We all live under constant stress, and it makes us feel unwell physically or mentally. Fighting this phenomenon is complicated, but you have to try to lead a more relaxed life.
If you are going through an episode of stress or anxiety, or just need to relax, use basil oil. Add a few drops to an aroma diffuser, turn off the lights, put on some relaxing music, and focus on your breathing. Five or 10 minutes will be enough to make you feel much better.
How to make homemade basil oil?
With all the properties it has, it is clear that we should never lack it in our homes. We are therefore going to see a recipe for homemade basil oil, so that you have it on hand whenever you need it.
The ingredients to make a liter of basil oil are:
- 950 ml extra virgin (i.e. good quality) olive oil.
- 30 leaves of fresh basil and, if possible, add some flowers.
As you can imagine, if you want to do more or less, you just have to adjust the proportions according to what I indicate.
Recipe 1 for making basil oil
Start by cutting off about 30 smooth leaves from your basil plant. Clean them a little with a clean cloth. If you find it necessary, wash them under the tap. Afterwards, put them in a glass with a few tablespoons of water and cover with plastic wrap. Leave to rest for half an hour.
Transfer the mixture of leaves and water to a airtight container (make it out of glass, don’t use plastic so there’s no risk of it adding flavors from other foods it has previously contained) and add the oil. Cover this container with plastic wrap, then put the lid on it.
Let the mixture sit in a cool, dark place, like your pantry, for 10 days.. Every other day, mix the contents well so that the flavors blend. You don’t need to open the bottle, just give it a little shake.
After this time, strain the oil and save it for use when you need it. If you want, you can add several basil leaves to the bottle you keep it in.
Basil Oil Recipe 2
As with all recipes, there are always multiple ways to achieve the same end result. Here you have another alternative to make homemade basil oil.
Start by cleaning the basil leaves under running water. Then put a saucepan with water on the fire and warm them up for a minute (they do not need to boil).
Cool them in a container with ice water, drain them well and crush them in a blender or mortar, Do you prefer. As you crush the leaves, add the olive oil. When you’re done, you can strain the mixture through a strainer to remove any remaining leaves, or leave it as is.
You can use it immediately or put it in a glass jar and macerate two weeks to one month to enhance its flavor. If you choose the latter option, you can add some fresh leaves which you will need to change every two weeks. Also remember to keep the bottle in a cool, dark place, but never in the refrigerator.
Delicious and full of good properties, the basil oil it will become one of your favorites both for cooking and for taking care of yourself. Have you ever tried? Tell me about your experience in the comments!