Holy Basil Essential Oil: Unveiling Tulsi
Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, sets itself apart from other basil varieties with its unique properties. Unlike the sweet basil commonly found in kitchens, Holy basil essential oil has a woodsy scent tinged with a robust hint of clove. This distinctive aroma, warm and spicy, envelops you in a sense of coziness.
What makes Holy basil exceptional is its high eugenol content, up to 85 percent. Eugenol is the same compound responsible for the spicy allure of clove oil. As a result, Holy basil not only carries the essence of cloves but also boasts an array of potential health benefits.
Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) is an herb with green or purple leaves. The arrangement of its leaves, growing opposite each other on a hairy stem, distinguishes it from the culinary basil varieties seen in grocery stores.
Holy basil has cultural and medicinal significance, especially in Ayurveda, India's traditional system of medicine. Beyond being grown for aromatic purposes, Holy basil is revered for its potential health benefits and spiritual applications.
Benefits of Holy Basil/Tulsi Essential Oil
Extracted through steam distillation from the leaves and flowering tops of the Ocimum tenuiflorum plant, Holy basil essential oil is a pale yellow elixir. With a thin consistency and an intense aroma, this oil becomes a powerhouse of holistic well-being.
Holistic Health Benefits
- Antibacterial and Antiviral Potency: Diluted Holy basil oil becomes a potent defender against external infections, showcasing its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It stands as a natural shield against microbial threats.
- Joint Pain and Arthritis Relief: Applied with care, Holy basil oil can relieve arthritis and joint pain. Its soothing properties extend to calming gastric discomfort when used in warm compresses.
Aromatic Help for Mental Wellness
- Stress and Anxiety Relief: Holy basil essential oil is a stress-buster. Its calming and stress-relieving properties promote relaxation and mental well-being.
- Cognitive Clarity and Memory Enhancement: Diffusing Holy basil or incorporating it into candles can purify the air, reduce anxiety, and enhance mental clarity. It aids in memory retention, making it a valuable ally for cognitive well-being.
Synergistic Wellness for Body and Soul
- Respiratory, Nervous, and Digestive Support: Beyond its aromatic charm, Holy basil essential oil benefits respiratory health. It may alleviate congestion and coughing, making it an ally for asthma, bronchitis, and colds. Additionally, its diffusion contributes to relief from nervous and digestive discomfort.
- Boosts Immunity and Reduces Inflammation: Tulsi protects against infections and diseases. Its anti-inflammatory prowess offers relief from inflammatory disorders, promoting overall wellness.
- Nurturing Skin Health: Rich in antioxidants, Holy basil essential oil becomes a natural shield for the skin and contributes to vibrant skin health.
Therapeutic Properties of Holy Basil Essential Oil
- Adaptogen: helps the body cope with stress
- Antibacterial: kills bacteria
- Antidepressant: helps to prevent and treat depression
- Antiviral: treats viral infections.
- Carminative: settles the digestive system and relieves flatulence
- Diuretic: increases the discharge of urine
- Expectorant: expels mucus from lungs
- Galactagogue: promotes the flow of milk (lactation)
- Immunomodulator: affects the immune system
- Radioprotective: protects against the damaging effects of ionizing radiation.
Aromatherapy Recipes Using Holy Basil Essential Oil
Aromatherapy can be a powerful tool for promoting relaxation and creating a serene atmosphere. Holy Basil, or Tulsi, transcends its aromatic essence, weaving a cultural, medicinal, and aromatic significance tale. From its roots in Ayurveda to its role as a holistic well-being elixir, Holy basil oil is a fragrant part of holistic health.
Holy Basil Tulsi Tranquility Diffuser Blend
This blend combines Holy Basil essential oil with complementary scents to bring a sense of calm and balance to your space.
Ingredients:
- 4 drops of Holy Basil (Tulsi) essential oil
- 3 drops of Lavender essential oil
- 2 drops of Bergamot essential oil
- 1 drop of Frankincense essential oil
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Diffuser: Fill your essential oil diffuser with water according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Add Essential Oils: Carefully drop the specified number of essential oil drops into the diffuser's water reservoir.
- Diffuse and Enjoy: Turn on your diffuser and let the aromatic blend permeate your space. Breathe deeply and allow the calming scents to create a tranquil ambiance.
Benefits of Tulsi Tranquility Diffuser Blend:
- Stress Relief: Holy Basil and Lavender work synergistically to alleviate stress and tension, promoting a sense of calm.
- Uplifting Atmosphere: Bergamot's citrus notes uplift the mood, creating a positive and refreshing environment.
- Grounding Presence: Frankincense adds a grounding element, encouraging a connection to the present moment.
- Mental Clarity: These essential oils may enhance mental clarity, aiding relaxation and focus.
Holy Basil Bug Repellent Bucket Candles
This is an excellent blend for making outdoor candles that scent the air and protect from bugs and mosquitoes. These candles have a green, woodsy, and dark scent. The essential oils also reduce stress and anxiety, an added benefit for those summer get-togethers.
You will need 1 to 1½ ounces of essential oil to 1 pound of wax.
Essential Oils
- 2 parts Citronella essential oil
- 2 parts Cedarwood essential oil
- 1 part Eucalyptus essential oil
- 1 part Rosemary essential oil
- 1 part Holy Basil essential oil
Other Supplies
- 4-inch diameter metal buckets: Get enough buckets for your wax. You can paint the buckets beforehand or decorate them to match the theme of a party.
- Wax: You can use wax scraps or buy a pound of paraffin wax. You can also add a couple of crayons for wax color. Note: Crayons are not usually used to color candles because they don't burn well and cause the candle to smoke. However, this is ideal for citronella candles, as smoke helps keep the bugs away.
- Wicks: Measure from the bottom of the bucket to about an inch above and cut your wick.
Directions
- Mix the essential oils. The easiest way to do this and keep the proper proportions is to get a container that is exactly 1½ ounces. Drop in each oil, remembering to keep the ratio the same—there should be twice as much citronella and cedarwood as the other oils. Continue until the container is full, then start with a new container until you mix enough essential oil for each pound of wax.
- Melt your wax. I put the wax in a metal coffee can and then in a pan about half full of boiling water. I do this on the outside patio of my little hibachi. You can do this in the house; just be very careful. Only use pots or utensils you want to keep using for making candles.
- Once the wax has melted, dip it in the wick to prime it, then set it on aluminum foil to dry. (You can also buy pre-primed wicks.) Put one end of the wick in a wick tab and drip a couple of drops of wax on the bottom of the bucket in the center. Stick the wick in the bucket.
- If using, break up a crayon and add a little until you get the desired color.
- Add the essential oil to the mix. Blend well with an old, long wooden or metal spoon that you only use for stirring wax.
- Use oven mitts or pot holders to hold the coffee can while pouring the wax into the bucket. Ensure you have enough wax to top off the candle after it cools.
- Straighten the wick and use two pencils across the top of the bucket to hold the wick up straight. The wax takes about 4 or 5 hours to cool and set completely.
Using Holy Basil with Other Essential Oils
Holy basil essential oil blends well with any citrus or floral oils. Try mixing with these other types:
- Bergamot
- Citronella
- Clary Sage
- Geranium
- Hyssop
- Lime
- Opopanax
- Oak Moss
Safety and Use With Holy Basil Essential Oil (Tulsi)
Holy basil essential oil is generally considered safe when used correctly. Consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any new natural remedies.
The oil of holy basil is extremely harsh on the skin. You should not use this essential oil undiluted. Tulsi should not be taken internally. Do not use holy basil oil if you are pregnant, suffer from epilepsy, or use it on children under two. Make sure it is sufficiently diluted before using.
