BASIL - essential oil

Basil, also called great basil or Saint-Joseph's wort, is a herb in the mint family. The name "basil" comes from Greek basilikón phutón - "royal/kingly plant". Basil has been cultivated in India for more than 5,000 years, where it is believed to originate from. While It is best known as a culinary herb in Italy, it is also present in southeast Asian cuisines.

There are many varieties of Basil, as well as several related species also called basil, and there are also many rituals, beliefs and healing properties associated with basil. Jewish folklore suggests it adds strength while fasting. African legend claims that basil protects against scorpions, while Orthodox Greek and European churches use it to prepare and sprinkle holy water, and place pots of it below church altars. In Europe, basil is placed in the hands of the dead to ensure a safe journey. In India, they place it in the mouth of the dying to ensure they reach God. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks believed it would open the gates of heaven for a person passing on. In central Mexico, basil is used to draw fortune by hanging a bunch of the plant in the door or window of the shop. The plant's growth reflects the wealth of the business, showing how dutifully the owner cares for his shop and the herb.

Health benefits
• Nausea, motion sickness, vomiting
• Digestion: indigestion, constipation, cramps, colic, flatulence, digestive tonic
• Respiratory: cough, mucous discharges, influenza
• Skin: tone, acne, infections (cuts/wounds), scars
• Diabetes
• Anti-spasmodic: digestive system, respiratory system (asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis)
• Bladder infections
• Stress: nervous tension, mental fatigue, melancholy, migraines, depression
• Mental clarity
• Improves blood circulation and metabolic function
• Analgesic: burns, bruises, wounds, sprains
• Arthritis
• Itching : stings, bites, has even been used on snake bites
• Blood shot eyes