It’s been a couple of years since I first posted on the medicinal uses of basil. I have to admit, medicinal uses of this herb aren’t my favorite. I mean, just inhale the delightful aroma of basil fresh from the garden. How can you not want to just eat it? Maybe this will be the year that I have such an overabundance that I can make some medicine as well.
For the most medicinal basil salves, begin by making an oil infusion with freshly dried basil. You can use the slow method given here, or either of the faster methods provided in the article on making oil infusions (link below).
The Slow Method
The most traditional way of infusing oil, the way our grandparents did it, takes longer and requires more patience.
1. Fill a half-pint canning jar halfway with freshly dried, crushed herb.
2. Then fill the jar nearly to the top with oil. Olive is often a better choice than coconut for infusing the oil well. Coconut solidifies at 76°F.
3. Put the lid on the jar, shaking the oil occasionally, and store it in a dark cabinet to let it infuse for 4-6 weeks.
4. Strain out the herbs and pour the infused oil into a clean jar. Label and date.
Basil First Aid Balm
Use this for abrasions, irritations, bug bites and stings, and inflammation. Basil essential oil exerts potent antibacterial effects.[i]
¼ cup basil infused oil
1 ½ teaspoons beeswax pellets
2 drops lavender or tea tree essential oil
In a wide-mouth ½ pint canning jar (or similar vessel to use as a double boiler), combine the infused oil and beeswax. Place the jar in a saucepan with 2 inches of water over medium-low heat. Watch carefully and stir occasionally until the wax is completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in essential oils. Pour into dark glass jars or salve tins. Replace lid. Store in a cool, dry place.
Basil Headache Balm
Ideal for those sinus headaches. Topical application of basil essential oil (diluted in a carrier oil, such as this balm) has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.[ii] Do not apply close to eyes and don’t get it into your eyes or nose.
¼ cup basil infused oil
1 ½ teaspoons beeswax pellets
25 drops eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil
2 drops lavender essential oil
In a wide-mouth ½ pint canning jar (or similar vessel to use as a double boiler), combine the infused oil and beeswax. Place the jar in a saucepan with 2 inches of water over medium-low heat. Watch carefully and stir occasionally until the wax is completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in essential oils. Pour into dark glass jars or salve tins. Replace lid. Store in a cool, dry place.
Basil Joint and Muscle Rub
¼ cup basil infused oil
1 ½ teaspoons beeswax pellets
25 drops peppermint essential oil
5 drops juniper berry essential oil
4 drops rosemary essential oil
In a wide-mouth ½ pint canning jar (or similar vessel to use as a double boiler), combine the infused oil and beeswax. Place the jar in a saucepan with 2 inches of water over medium-low heat. Watch carefully and stir occasionally until the wax is completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in essential oils. Pour into dark glass jars or salve tins. Replace lid. Store in a cool, dry place.
Links to related posts:
Three Methods for Making Oil Infusions
[i] Zhakipbekov K, Turgumbayeva A, Akhelova S, Bekmuratova K, Blinova O, Utegenova G, Shertaeva K, Sadykov N, Tastambek K, Saginbazarova A, Urazgaliyev K, Tulegenova G, Zhalimova Z, Karasova Z. Antimicrobial and Other Pharmacological Properties of Ocimum basilicum, Lamiaceae. Molecules. 2024 Jan 12;29(2)
[ii] Ahmadifard M, Yarahmadi S, Ardalan A, Ebrahimzadeh F, Bahrami P, Sheikhi E. The Efficacy of Topical Basil Essential Oil on Relieving Migraine Headaches: A Randomized Triple-Blind Study. Complement Med Res. 2020;27(5):310-318.
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