Believed by Hindus to be a passport to heaven, and by one Greek author to exist only to drive men insane, basil has had quite the reputation throughout history. However, basil is most associated with food, where it is used as an herb to punch up dishes because of its aromatic, mildly pungent flavor. Basil is a favorite among Italian cooks, and can be found in a variety of native dishes. Though many people associate basil with Italy, it is actually native to India and Iran. In India, basil was considered sacred. In fact, the very name comes from the Greek word basileus meaning "king." Currently, there are over 150 varieties of basil, however the variety named ociumum basilicum is most used in aromatherapy.

Mixes well with: Camphor, citronella, citrus oils, clove, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, myrrh, oregano, peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood, spearmint, and tea tree.

Parts used: Leaves and flowering tops.

Extraction method: Steam distillation.

Safety Information: Avoid if pregnant. Can irritate skin, therefore do not use without diluting. Use a patch test before using on skin.