Basil Oil -- Oregano, VETIVER

What Is Sweet Basil Oil?

Sweet basil oil comes from basil (Ocimum basilicum), a plant with a thick foliage and small white flowers. Fresh basil leaves taste sweet and pungent, and exudes a fresh and floral aroma, while the dried ones have a spicy and earthy scent.

The “dot-like” oil glands in fresh basil leaves produce the essential oil of the herb. Its dried leaves and stems are used in food flavorings and in the production of essential oil. However, it is believed that oil obtained from the flowers is superior in quality compared to the oil from the whole plant.

There are several types of basil oil such as European type or sweet basil, reunion type, methyl cinnamate type, and eugenol type.1

The commonly used basil oils in aromatherapy are the sweet basil and the exotic type. Sweet basil oil is produced in the US, France, Italy, and Spain, while the exotic type is from Comoro Islands or Seychelles.2

Uses of Sweet Basil Oil

Basil, especially its leaves and seeds, is used mainly for culinary purposes all over the world. It’s a well-known fact that basil leaves are widely used in Italian cuisines like salads and pasta.

However, the essential oil from sweet basil is also often added in various foods such as spiced meats, sausages, tomato pastes, ketchups, pickles, and fancy vinegars. Dental creams and mouthwashes also use sweet basil oil as one of their ingredients.3

Sweet basil oil is used in making perfumes, and can act as an insect repellent in your home as it possesses insecticidal agents that can repel flies and mosquitoes.

Composition of Sweet Basil Oil

Sweet basil oil is made up of d-linalool with 55% and estragole (methyl chavicol) with 70%. A variety of the essential oil contains methyl cinnamate of 28%.

Sweet basil oil contains other properties such as 1,8-cineole, eugenol, borneol, ocimene, geraniol, anethol, 10-cadinols, B-caryophyllene, a-terpineol, camphor, 3-octanone, methyleugenol, safrole, sesquithujene, and 1-epibicyclosesqui-phellandrene. It also contains juvocimene 1 and juvocimene 2. Take note that variations of these chemical properties may exist depending on the source of the plant.4

Benefits of Sweet Basil Oil

Sweet basil oil has diaphoretic, stimulant, carminative, and expectorant properties. It is effective in revitalizing dull hair and skin, and is also used in treating acne and skin infections.

Sweet basil oil also offers health benefits for your:

• Digestive system. Due to its carminative properties, basil oil helps reduce indigestion, constipation, stomach cramps, and flatulence. It helps expel gas from your stomach and intestine.5
• Immune system. The herbal oil works great in treating sinus congestion, asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. It also helps effectively cure infections in wounds or cuts.
• Nervous system. Sweet basil oil is known to alleviate mental fatigue, migraine, and depression. It is commonly used in aromatherapy for its calming effect. Basil oil clears the mind and provides mental strength.

How to Make Sweet Basil Oil

Basil is harvested from mid-February until the end of September. The essential oil is produced through steam distilling the flowers or the whole basil plant. Hydro-distillation can also be used, but the former is much preferred as it saves time and produces better oil quality.

Steam distillation takes about one to one and a half hour. The oil obtained from the flowers is 0.4 percent while the whole plant yields 0.10 to 0.25 percent oil.

How Does Sweet Basil Oil Work?

Applying a few drops of sweet basil oil to strained muscles can alleviate the pain. You can rub two to three drops of the essential oil on your forehead to promote alertness. Add sweet basil oil to your shampoo to reduce excessive hair oiliness.6

Receiving a massage using this oil may help stimulate blood flow and soothe muscle pain and spasms. In case of earache, dilute sweet basil with three drops of a carrier oil then massage it over and around your ear.7 

Sweet basil oil can be added to baths when combined with other essential oils such as jojoba, sweet almond, or avocado oil. The herbal oil can also be inhaled using a diffuser or vaporizer.8

Is Sweet Basil Oil Safe?

Sweet basil oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Although it doesn’t have any known side effects, it may cause skin reactions to those who are sensitive to methyl chavicol.9 I advise you to always dilute it with a carrier oil before application.10 I also suggest conducting a skin patch test first to know if you are allergic to the essential oil.

Be aware that the estragole content of sweet basil oil is found to produce tumors in mice. The German Commission E prohibited the use of basil herb for therapeutic purposes due to its estragole content and the risks it may bring, as it is a possible carcinogen.11

Side Effects of Sweet Basil Oil

Even though it is generally considered safe, I suggest that pregnant and nursing women avoid using this essential oil due to its potential carcinogenic component. If you have a terminal illness or any chronic ailment, consult first with a professional aroma therapist or licensed physician prior to using sweet basil oil.

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What Is Oregano Oil?

Oregano oil is derived from the leaves and flowers of oregano (Origanum vulgare), a hardy, bushy perennial herb, and a member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family. It's native to Europe, although it grows in many areas around the world 1  The plant grows up to 90 centimeters (35 inches) high, with dark green leaves that are two to three centimeters long.2

The ancient Greeks and Romans have a profound appreciation for oregano, using it for various medicinal uses. In fact, its name comes from the Greek words "oros" and "ganos," which are words for mountain and joy,– oregano literally means "joy of the mountain." It was revered as a symbol of happiness, and it was an ancient tradition to crown brides and grooms with a laurel of oregano.3

There are over 40 oregano species, but the most therapeutically beneficial is the oil produced from wild oregano or Origanum vulgare that's native to Mediterranean regions.4 Beware, though, as many of the oregano oils sold in grocery stores are not made from this variety, and may have little to no therapeutic value. Opt only for oregano oil made from Origanum vulgare and Thymus capitatus, a variety that grows in Spain.5

To obtain oregano oil, the dried flowers and leaves of the wild oregano plant are harvested when the oil content of the plant is at its highest, and then distilled.6The resulting oil is golden to dark yellow, with a strong spicy odor.7

Uses of Oregano Oil

I highly recommend adding oregano oil to your arsenal of natural healing tools, as it has a wide range of uses. This herbal oil is a powerful antimicrobial that can help fight off infections. Oregano oil also has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

Other ideal uses for oregano oil are:8

• Treating foot or nail fungus. Put a few teaspoons of oregano oil in a basin of water and soak your feet in it. You can also dilute the oil (mix a drop with a teaspoon of olive or coconut oil), and then apply it on your nails or skin.
• Killing parasites and infections. Dilute the oil (mix a drop with a drop of a carrier oil such as coconut oil), and place it under your tongue. Hold it there for a few minutes, and then rinse it out. Repeat this at least four times a day.
• Alleviating sinus infections and colds. Put a few drops of oregano oil in a pot of steaming water, and then inhale the steam.

I also encourage using the antiseptic powers of this herbal oil to clean your home. Here's one way how: combine four drops of oregano oil with 10 drops of lemon oil and a quarter-cup of white vinegar, and then add to a bucket of water. Use this mixture to wipe and clean surfaces.9

Composition of Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is high in phenols, which are natural phytochemical compounds with beneficial antioxidant effects. The two most abundant phenols in it are:

• Thymol - a natural fungicide with antiseptic properties. It helps boost your immune system, works as a shield against toxins, and even helps prevent tissue damage and encourages healing.
• Carvacrol – found to be effective against various bacterial infections, such as candida albicans, staphylococcus, E. coli, campylobacter, salmonella, klebsiella, the aspergillus mold, giardia, pseudomonas, and listeria.

Other healthful compounds in oregano oil include:10

• Terpenes – known for their powerful antibacterial properties.
• Rosmarinic acid – an antioxidant that prevents free radical damage and has shown promise in treating allergic asthma and preventing cancer and atherosclerosis. It also works as a natural antihistamine that reduces fluid buildup and swelling caused by allergy attacks.
• Naringin - inhibits the growth of cancer cells and helps boost the antioxidants in oregano oil.
• Beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP) - this substance inhibits inflammation and is also beneficial for conditions including osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis, as well as metabolic syndrome.11, 12

Nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, manganese, copper, boron, and niacin are also found in oregano oil.

Benefits of Oregano Oil

Oregano oil has wide-reaching health benefits, but is most associated with respiratory and immune system health. It is known for helping prevent and treat infections, such as:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by bacteria like E. coli, Proteus,and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.13
• Respiratory infections brought on by Klebsiella pneumoniae andStaphylococcus aureus bacteria strains.14
• Yeast infections, even those that are resistant to the commonly used antifungal drug Diflucan.15
• Parasitic infections caused by the amoeba giardia – it was even found to be more effective than antibiotics like Tinidazol.16
• oregano oil has strong antibacterial properties that can kill this deadly superbug.
  Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection – A team of Indian and British researchers found that oregano oil has strong antibacterial properties that can kill this deadly superbug.17

Oregano oil has also shown promise in preventing foodborne illnesses caused by pathogens like listeria,  salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella dysenteriae. Adding it to foods not only helps kill the bacteria, but may also alleviate food poisoning symptoms. An animal study from University of Arizona researchers also found that oregano oil can help kill norovirus,18 which causes gastroenteritis.

Oregano oil is also a prized antiseptic essential oil in aromatherapy because its proportion of phenols is said to be the highest of all aromatic plants. Aside from using the steam method to relieve coughs and other respiratory illnesses, you can also use it to:

• Ward off insects. Carvacrol in oregano oil works as a natural insect repellant. Try putting a few drops on outdoor furniture, or apply a diluted mixture on your skin when heading outdoors.
• Relieve bug bites and rashes, including poison ivy rash. Apply oregano oil diluted with olive oil on the affected areas.19
• Help heal cold sores, dandruff, and other skin conditions. Some experts also advocate using a diluted version to treat acne and rosacea.
• Ease sore throat. Simply add a few drops to a glass of water. It can help alleviate toothache as well.
• Relieve muscle and joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), sprains, and cramps.20

How to Make Oregano Oil

Extracting oregano oil requires a special distillation process. However, there is a simple way to make your own oregano oil at home. Here's a basic recipe from HomegrownandHealthy.com:21

Ingredients:

• Oregano leaves, chopped or crushed
• Olive oil, almond oil or grape seed oil
• Sanitized jar with lid

Procedure:

1. Boil some water in a sauce pan. Once it has reached a rolling boil, turn off the heat.
2. Place your oil of choice and chopped oregano leaves in the jar.
3. Put the jar in the hot water and let it sit for about five to 10 minutes. This heats up the oil and helps the oregano release its natural oils.
4. Remove the jar from the water bath and place beside a sunny window for one to two weeks. Shake the jar every few days.
5. Once the two weeks is up, strain the oil from the leaves and place into a sanitized jar. Store the oil in a dark, cool place.

To preserve the oil, add a few more drops of grapefruit seed oil.

How Does Oregano Oil Work?

The compounds in oregano oil work together to provide the antimicrobial effects this oil is so well-known for. Carvacrol is its most important component, and is responsible for many of its health benefits. Carvacrol has powerful antimicrobial properties, and has been shown to help break through the outer cell membranes that help protect bacteria from your immune system.22

Oregano oil can either be applied topically or ingested, depending on the condition you're using it for. However, I advise against using the oil full-strength, as it can irritate your skin. Do not apply it to broken skin and open wounds as well.

Oregano oil is meant for short-term use only, and, if using orally, should be taken in small doses of four to six drops for only seven to 10 days.23

Is Oregano Oil Safe?

Yes it is, as long as it's diluted in water or with a carrier oil (some of my top choices are jojoba, olive, and coconut oils). Clinical herbalist Michelle Lynde says the ideal ratio when diluting this herbal oil is one part oregano oil to three parts carrier oil.24

I recommend doing a spot test as well to check if you have any allergic reactions to oregano oil. Simply apply a diluted drop on your arm and see if any irritation occurs.

Be careful when buying oregano oil because some manufacturers sell adulterated oils and oils made from thyme, Spanish oregano, or cultivated oregano, which DO NOT provide any health benefits.

Side Effects of Oregano Oil

Some people may experience stomach upset when ingesting oregano oil (or even the herb itself). Those who are allergic to plants from the Lamiaceae family (mint, lavender, sage, and basil) should also avoid this oil, as they may also develop an allergic reaction.

Oregano oil is also NOT advisable for infants and children. Pregnant or nursing women are also discouraged from using oregano oil both topically and orally, as it can encourage blood circulation within the uterus, which deteriorates the lining that encompasses the fetus within the womb. Oregano oil also has a potential to induce menstruation, and may be dangerous to your unborn child.25

etiver oil, also known as khus oil, is a lesser-known plant oil that offers a heavy, earthy fragrance, which is reminiscent of patchouli but with a touch of lemon. It is believed to be very grounding, calming, and stabilizing, and provides a range of essential oil uses and benefits. Learn more about this herbal oil.

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What Is Vetiver Oil?

Chrysopogon zizanioides, commonly known as vetiver, is a perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family, which is native to India.1 Western and Northern India know this plant as khus. Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides), derived from a Tamil word that means "hatcheted up," can grow up to 1.5 meters, and have tall stems and long, thin, and rigid leaves. Its flowers are brownish-purple. Vetiver hails from India but is widely cultivated in the world's tropical regions.

Vetiver essential oil is derived through the steam distillation of the plant's roots. It has a strong initial aroma and is described as woody, smokey, earthy, herbaceous, and spicy.2 While not widely known, it dates back centuries and, in the 12th century, even became a taxable item in India.3

Perhaps the most valued quality of vetiver oil is that it is deeply grounding,4 and often used for promoting sleep. It is said to also be equally helpful for restlessness.

Uses of Vetiver Oil

Almost the whole vetiver plant is used for various applications. The roots have been particularly used since ancient times.

Vetiver essential oil is extensively utilized in perfumery, including the creation of perfumes for the body, room fresheners, and coolers, as well as soaps, cosmetics, and oils. It is also a flavoring agent in beverages, sorbets, and other foodstuff.5

Its aromatic effect on the mind is grounding, calming, and balancing, while its other notable actions are antiseptic, antispasmodic, immune-stimulating, warming, sedative to the nervous system, and stimulating to the circulatory system, to name a few.6

Vetiver oil's calming and soothing properties are said to dispel anger, hysteria, and irritability, and reduce neurotic behavior.7 This in turn reduces stress and tension. These revitalizing qualities make it helpful with physical and mental exhaustion, and for addressing issues ranging from general aches and pains to insomnia and anxious feelings.

Composition of Vetiver Oil

According to a paper by U. C. Lavania from India,8 the chemical composition of vetiver oil is extremely complex. It mainly comprises sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpene derivatives, of which vetiverols, their carbonyl compounds and esters, serve as the main constituents. Their relative abundance normally dictates the quality of the oil.

Three carbonyl compounds are deemed the primary odor-influencing components of this essential oil, which is used extensively to blend oriental-type perfumes and floral compounds, along with other cosmetic and aromatherapy applications. Vetiver oil is also a main ingredient in 36 percent of all Western-quality perfumes and 20 percent of all men's fragrances, says Lavania. The author adds that the main fibrous smooth roots are important for oil quality.

A separate study, published in the Journal of Essential Oil Research,9 looked at the chemical composition of selected vetiver essential oils. It found about 110 constituents, mainly sesquiterpenes. The characteristic constituents were beta-vetispirene (1.6 to 4.5 percent), khusimol (3.4 to 13.7 percent), vetiselinenol (1.3 to 7.8 percent), and alpha-vetivone (2.5 to 6.3 percent).

Benefits of Vetiver Oil

According to Organic Facts,10 vetiver essential oil provides the following health benefits:

• Enhances libido and awakens sexual desire
• Provides relief to insomnia patients
• Speeds up eradication of scars and other skin marks
• Has antiseptic properties
• Provides relief from all types of inflammation
• Improves and maintains good nerve health
• Rejuvenates the body and helps boost immunity
• Helps heal wounds by promoting growth of new tissues

This plant oil is also believed to benefit those who are suffering from the following conditions:11

Insomnia	Anxiety	Absentmindedness
Acne	Arthritis	ADHD
Depression	Joint stiffness	Menstrual cramps
Mental fatigue	Sore feet	Tendonitis
Vitiligo

One specific area that vetiver oil can potentially address is ADHD, in large part because it is a calming essential oil.12,13 A 2001 study conducted by Dr. Terry Friedman found that the oil's aroma improved the performance of children with ADD and ADHD by 100 percent. The results emerged as much stronger than lavender's performance increase of 53 percent and cedarwood's 83 percent.

To harness these benefits, vetiver oil can be administered different ways. It can be applied topically (recommended diluted with a carrier oil), directly inhaled, diffused, or used as a supplement. The oil blends well with the essential oils of benzoin, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, and ylang-ylang.

How to Make Vetiver Oil

The roots of the plant undergo steam distillation in order to produce the oil. Vetiver essential oil is painstaking and labor-intensive to manufacture, which drives its price up.14 To reduce cost, it is often diluted with less expensive and therefore less effective oils, or even synthetic fragrance oils. This is why I advise you to make sure you are buying the oil from a reputable source and getting only the real deal.

Easy Aromatherapy Recipes provides several essential oil recipes for specific health concerns. Here are three you can try:

• Injury blend – Blend 4 drops vetiver, 3 drops lavender and 2 drops bergamot in 1oz carrier oil. Massage into affected area.
• TMJ blend – Blend 4 drops helichrysum, 3 drops white fir and 2 drops vetiver in 1oz carrier oil. Massage into jaw muscles morning and night.
• Arthritis blend – Blend 4 drops frankincense, 3 drops marjoram, and 2 drops each rosemary and vetiver in 1oz carrier oil. Massage into affected area.

Here is an eHow blend15 you can also try:

You will need:

• 4 drops Vetiver essential oil
• 4 drops Clary Sage essential oil
• 4 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
• 5 drops Lavender essential oil
• 1/2 cup grapeseed oil

Combine oils well and store in an airtight container.

You may use this as an all-purpose massage oil, which can be massaged at your temples to calm an anxious mind. I recommend using it in a neck or shoulder massage to ease tension. This recipe also works in a standard massage for creating a more uplifting experience. Use it externally only and consult your doctor if you are pregnant or have any health condition.

How Does Vetiver Oil Work?

Since essential oils are extremely potent, I advise vetiver oil to be diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. You can start with one drop to one to three teaspoons of carrier oil. With caution, increase the essential oil as needed.

Vetiver oil works in vapor therapy16 – it can address nervous complaints, dispel anger and irritability, and relieve insomnia this way. It can also be blended in a massage oil or diluted in the bath. Through this mode of administration, it can assist with mental and physical exhaustion, nervous complaints, rheumatism and arthritic pain, and skin healing.

This essential oil also works in a cream or lotion, moisturizing and nourishing skin. It especially benefits dry, irritated, and dehydrated skin, and helps reduce wrinkles and stretch marks. On the other hand, it is generally NOT recommended to be taken internally.

Is Vetiver Oil Safe?

This essential oil is deemed non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and non-toxic, and therefore generally safe. But it should not be used by pregnant women, and you should use extreme caution and consult a doctor before using it on children. Prior to widespread use, always test for skin sensitivity by doing a patch test.

Always dilute vetiver oil using a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. Given their quality and composition, most brands should not be ingested.

Side Effects of Vetiver Oil

Web MD17 says that that the possible side effects of vetiver oil are not known. However, it adds that it is unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding women to take vetiver, as it might cause a miscarriage.