The Healing Power of Basil: Depression and More

Even though the sun is shining brightly, we can still suffer occasional bouts of depression. But this essential oil, derived from a well-known cooking herb, will really help! Not only can it lift our mood, it also relieves stress and headaches, and is reputed to improve concentration. In fact, its powers are so great, the Hindus believed it was a passport to heaven and its very name means “king.”

Find out how to use the essential oil of basil to experience relief from some of life’s ills:

For relief of depression, anxiety and stress: Use 2 or 3 drops in a diffuser. You could also add 2 or 3 drops to one ounce of carrier oil and use as a body massage oil.

To improve concentration: Put 2 or 3 drops in a diffuser.

For headaches: Put 2 or 3 drops on a hot or cold compress (depending on your preference).

By Cait Johnson, inspired by Aromatherapy for Everyone, by P.J. Pierson and Mary Shipley (Vital Health Publishing, 2004).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Alicia N.

8:31AM PDT on May 17, 2012

THANK U

send a green star

Barbara P.

12:44PM PDT on Apr 14, 2012

I love the scent of my dried basil...whenever I open the package, I take in deep breaths of it...I guess it's from being part of the mint family, I love the scent of mint.

Lauren W.

9:34AM PDT on Apr 14, 2012

I believe there are other scents we can use to help us be happier. But wouldn't we react individually, based on our body chemistry and depth of despair among other factors? I find mint refreshing, energizing, almost intoxicating in its sweetness and appeal. I wonder what other people have found they respond to when "down in the dumps" or not as happy as they might feel at another time?

Shan D.

11:24PM PDT on Apr 13, 2012

Relieves headaches? Uh-uh. The absolute WORST migraine I've ever had in my ENTIRE LIFE was from merely being in the same room with uncovered raw basil. It felt like somebody was literally pounding spikes into my forehead. I literally had to run out of the house to get away from it. Ever since then, I have forbidden basil to be present in my home. For some people, this stuff is POISON.

Laura M.

4:01PM PDT on Apr 13, 2012

Thanks!

Heidi A.

7:46PM PDT on Mar 31, 2012

I love making a tomato, basil, and cheese pannini(sp?).

Andrea M.

7:36PM PDT on Mar 31, 2012

Any news about NEW treatments for depression are always good.
Depression is an illness that is not talked about enough. Alternative treatments will grab our eye,draw us in...hoping that THIS ONE might be the one to "cure".
Basil oil in a diffuser-worth a try.

jayasri a.

5:07PM PST on Jan 24, 2012

Thank you,

Krystal M.

4:17PM PST on Jan 23, 2012

Thank you, Cait.

Brenda T.

4:13AM PST on Jan 12, 2012

Thankyou.