Idyllism

Botanical Name: Ocimum Basilicum
Note: Top   
Country of Origin: Italy  
Plant Part Used: Flowering Tops & Leaves 
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled

Properties: Analgesic, Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antivenomous, Aphrodisiac, Bacteriacide, Carminative, Cephalic, Digestive, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Galactogue, Insecticide, Nervine, Stomachic, Sudorific, Tonic, Restorative, Stimulant, Vermifuge.

Mind: A good tonic for the nerves, especially when feeling fragile, sharpening the senses and encouraging concentration.  Apparently calms hysteria and nervous disorders yet seens to have an uplifting effect on depression.

Body: First rate with headaches and migraine, probably due to its cephalic properties.  Claimed to help nasal polyps and earache. Could reduce allergies as it has an effect on the adrenal cortex which controls allergies related to stress.  Basil seems to have a beneficial action on the respiratory tract and is often used for sinus congestion, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, influenza and whooping cough.  Restores sense of smell lost through catarrh.  Effective in digestive disorders such as vomiting, gastric spasm, nausea, dyspepsia and hiccups.  Seems to cleanse the intestines and kidneys through its antiseptic action.  Imitates the oestrogen hormone and is often useful with menstrual problems such as scanty periods, egorgement of breasts and gives rapid expulsion of afterbirth.  Could well have some effect on cenception difficulties. Useful for wasp and insect bites, once reduced severe fevers like Malaria caused by parasites in the blood from mosquito bites.  May help to minimise uric acid in the blood and relieve gout as well as muscular pain generally.  Stimulates blood flow and useful for deep muscle spasm.

Skin: A refreshing and tonic action benefits sluggish and congested skins and may also help to control acne.

Precautions: Usually stimulating but has a stupefying effect when used in excess.  An emmenagogue, so perhaps best to avoid in pregnancy.  Also might be irritant to people with sensitive skin.