Sweet Basil is native to the areas surrounding the Mediterranean and used in a lot of Italian cuisine. It is a part of the mint family and has a strong odor. Basil likes a lot of good soil, warmth, water, and sun. It will grow in gardens, planters, or in a cup on your window sill so long as those conditions are met.
An interesting fact about basil: "Basil is a polymorph, meaning it occurs in many different forms, varieties and closely related species. The different types are easily hybridized, producing many different kinds of plants with different essential oil constituents and compositions. There are cinnamon, lemon, clove and licorice scented basils; purple and green, curly and lettuce leafed varieties. Dwarf bush types with tiny leaves are grown as ornamental plants."
Ancient physicians used basil to cure headaches, fevers, digestive and respiratory issues, snake bites, and yet others thought it was a good aphrodisiac for horses. Today it is used in aromatherapy to cheer you up. It is also used for clarity in the mind and positive thinking. The odor is strong in basil and if you don't mind temporarily smelling like an Italian dish you can put a drop or two in a nice hot bath to help relieve muscle pain, gout, and arthritis. :)
In making essential oils from basil the stems, flower, and leaves are used. Basil is steam distilled.
There are many ways in which you can use basil. When diffused it can help the following: Anxiety, addiction, bronchitis, chronic fatigue, mental fatigue, and migraines. When used topically it can help: Adrenal fatigue, autism, insect bites/bee stings/spider bites/snake bites, brusitis, carpel tunnel syndrome, cuts, cramps, ear aches, muscle spasms, mouth ulcers, and wounds.
Note of caution with basil...a little goes a long way and it should not be used with epileptic's.
Next up will be Bergamot essential oil.
http://www.auracacia.com/auracacia/aclearn/eo_basil.html
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