Basil Essential Oil, Undiluted (Ocimum Basilicum)

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail (*CAUTION: Essential oils are NOT safe for internal use.  For external use only.  Do not apply directly to skin without first properly diluting with a carrier oil.) Basil, sweet (Ocimum Basilicum) Essential Oil 1 Dram, Undiluted HERB COMMON NAME :  Basil, sweet HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Ocimum Basilicum OTHER NAMES :  Sweet Basil, St. Joseph’s Wort, St. Josephwort, Albahaca, American Dittany, Our Herb, Witches Herb, Njilika, Balanoi, Feslien, Krishnammal, Witches’ Herb, Alabahaca FAMILY :  Lamiaceae METAPHYSICAL / SPIRITUAL ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES :  Element: Fire Planet: Mars Day:  Tuesday Direction:  South Zodiac Sign: Scorpio / Aries Chakra: Heart Energy:  Yang Gender: Masculine Rune:  Dagaz Tarot:  The Strength Tarot (8) Sabbat or Holiday:  Imbolc / Candlemas (February 1 – 2) Deity or God / Goddess Association: Vishnu, Ezrulie, Tulasi, Krishna, Lakshmi   Parts Used:  leaf Description:  In the Philippines, Basil poultices are applied to ringworm infections. The oil is known to kill parasites. It also relieves bites and stings from insects. In El Salvador, the herb is placed in the ear to treat deafness. Mystical Attributes:  The scent of fresh basil causes sympathy between two people, and this is why it is used to sooth tempers between lovers.  It is added to love incenses and sachets, and the fresh leaves are rubbed against the skin as a kind of natural love perfume. Basil is used in love divinations.  Place two fresh basil leaves upon a live coal.  If they lie where you put them and burn quickly to ashes, the marriage (or relationship) will be harmonious.  If there is a certain amount of crackling the life of the pair will be disturbed by quarrels.  If the leaves fly apart with fierce crackling the projected relations is undesirable. If you want to know if someone is chaste or promiscuous, simply lay a sprig of fresh basil on their hand.  It will immediately wither if that person is “light of love.” Basil brings wealth to those who carry it in their pockets, and is used to attract customers to a place of business by placing some in the cash register or on the doorsill. The basil is used to ensure that one’s mate remains true.  Sprinkle basil powder over your body thoroughly while he or she is asleep, especially over the heart, and fidelity will bless your relationship. Basil drives off hostile spirits. It is strewn onto floors, because where it is, no evil can live.  It is also used in exorcism incenses and in purification baths.  Small amounts are sometimes placed in each room of the house to bring protection. Sprinkle Basil in a hot bath to wash yourself in protective energies. Carry Basil with you to maintain a positive manner despite nearby danger. Basil is also used to keep goats away from your property, to attract scorpions, and to prevent inebriation. Basil given as a gift brings good luck to a new home. (ancient Rome) The name “basil” comes from the Greek word “basilikon,” which means king (Latin name “basilikum”). The Romans believed that basil was the only cure for anyone unfortunate enough to be bitten or stung by the basilisk (the great reptilian serpent from ancient mythology, often depicted with a beak and wearing a kingly crown, that was said to be the king of all snakes and could kill with a glance).  In medieval Europe, the basilisk was reimagined as a fire-breathing dragon. (India) Holy Basil is sacred to the Hindu religion as a manifestation of the Goddess Tulasi. According to lore, the God Vishnu seduced her in her husband’s guise and, horrified when she realized she’s been unfaithful, however unknowingly, she killed herself.  Another version claimed that the mortal Tulasi, whose name was Vrinda, threw herself onto her husband’s funeral pyre because she was so upset that he died. Either way, Vishnu deified her and declared that she should be worshiped by wives and would prevent them from becoming widows. Her burnt hair was turned into the Holy Basil, which is called Tulsi in reference to her, is a Hindu symbol of love, fidelity, eternal life, purification, and protection.  Sacred India basil was considered a powerful protector and was often planted around temples and laid with the dead. (India) In some courts, people swore oaths by a basil bush. Some Hindu households keep their own basil plant, pray to it, and keep a lamp burning by it at night. (England) Basil was used in English folk magic to ward off harmful spells as well as to keep away pests. Legend says that witches drank basil juice before flying on their brooms, perhaps aiding in astral projection. (medieval Europe) Useful in traveling spells, during Tudor times, small pots of basil were given to guests as a parting gift. (medieval Europe) People used basil for a variety of love-related purposes, such as to determine whether a new lover would be faithful, to encourage attraction, and to soothe arguments. Basil remains one of the most commonly used herbs for love spells today.  In Eastern Europe it was once thought that a young man would love any woman from whose hand he accepted a sprig of basil. (Moldavia) According to folklore, if a woman gives a man a sprig of basil, he will fall in love with her. (Romania) Some say that if a gift of basil is given to a member of the opposite sex, he or she will fall deeply in love with the giver and be forever faithful. In Romania, this act is representative of an official engagement. (Crete) Basil was considered an emblem of the devil and was placed on most window-ledges as a charm against his influence. (Italy) It is a symbol of love. A pot of basil placed on a balcony meant that the woman who lived there was ready to receive suitors. (Haiti) Soak basil in water for three days and then sprinkle the water over the threshold of your place of business to bring in customers and keep away thieves. (South America) Dust the upper half of your body, especially over your heart, with powdered basil to keep your lover’s eyes only on you. (Hindu) Once known as the Toolsee plant, basil was held by the Hindus to be sacred to all gods with no oblation being considered truly sacred without the inclusion of basil leaves. (Hindu) Keep a bit of basil in each room to protect the home and family. To protect you when leaving the house, rub some basil on your forehead. (Voudou) Basil is sacred to Erzuli, goddess of love, and used in love spells.   Mystical Intentions:  ward off harmful spells, deter pests, astral projection, flying, meditation, mental abilities, steady the mind, trance work, traveling spells, protection while traveling, love, attract love, love magic, fidelity, faithfulness, engagement, marriage, fertility, eternal life, purification, attract money (carry a leaf in your pocket or wallet, place in cash register), wealth, abundance, prosperity, success, luck, keep away thieves, protect the home, family protection, bring happiness, peace, peacemaking spells, tranquility, harmony, courage, protection against insanity, to make up after a fight, war magic, soothe arguments, exorcism, addiction healing spells, trust, courage, discipline, attraction Other Uses: An infusion or tincture of basil, applied with a cotton ball to freshly washed skin can help with acne. For an infusion, use 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried basil leaves per cup of boiling water.  Steep 10 to 20 minutes.   Smell:  Basil has a rich, warm and spicy, slightly peppery aroma. Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Basil is originally native to India and other tropical regions of Asia, having been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years.  Basil is a part of the Lamiaceae, or mint family, and has a large number of varieties. Basil is a beautiful annual, with waxy green leaves and purple or white flowers.  While most common varieties of basil are treated as annuals, some are perennial in warm, tropical climates.  The thin branching root produces bushy stems growing from 1-2 feet high and bearing opposite, ovate, entire or toothed leaves which are often purplish-hued.  The two-lipped flowers, varying in color from white to red, sometimes with a tinge of purple, grow in racemes from June to September. Basil is very sensitive to cold, with best growth in hot, dry conditions.  It does well in containers.  Basil prefers a well-drained rich soil, and grows easily from seeds or transplants.  The plant can also be propagated very reliably from cuttings with the stems of short cuttings suspended for two weeks or so in water until roots develop.  Be sure to avoid frost and make sure the soil is warm.  Basil behaves as an annual if there is any chance of a frost.  In sunnier climates it will thrive and may self-sow the next year if you let it go to seed.  Leaves can be picked fresh, be sure to pinch off flower buds to encourage more leaf production.  Otherwise, when the plant starts flowering and producing seeds the leaves will be smaller. The fresh leaves can be kept for a short time in plastic bags in the refrigerator, or for a longer period in the freezer.  Some prefer to blanch the leaves quickly in boiling water before freezing.  Leaves may also be dried and kept whole or chopped.  Store in a cool dry place. How to Grow Basil: Barely cover to germinate in 5-10 days at room temperature. After they germinate, expose to indirect sunlight or use grow lights 2-3″ above the seedlings. Pot up when they get their first true leaves (the second set of leaves).  Transplant during the waxing moon to an area where they can get 6 hours of sun a day, preferably morning sun. This is a traditional companion plant for tomatoes. You can start harvesting basil once it gets past its second set of true leaves; then harvest every 3-4 weeks for optimal amounts. Cut off flowers to keep the plant producing leaves. Harvest in the morning after dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot if using that day. If harvesting to dry and store, harvest at night between 6-10 PM. When drying, keep leaves whole to preserve flavor.  Or you can chop  fresh leaves in oil in a ration of 4:1, pour into ice cube trays, and freeze. You can also lay fresh whole leaves between layers of salt and store in the fridge in a closed jar. They should stay fresh for months.   Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product. PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. 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