Basil oil smells like crushing fresh basil leaves between your fingers: green, herbal and a little sweet. It's an underrated oil that adds a fresh, clean note to blends and is a great pick for clear-headed focus.
What is basil essential oil?
Basil oil is steam-distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of Ocimum basilicum, sweet basil, the same herb you use in pesto.
Benefits of basil oil
1. Supports focus and mental clarity
Basil's fresh, herbal scent is a traditional choice for clearing your head. It pairs especially well with citrus and mint for a study or workday blend.
2. Freshens kitchens and living spaces
Its green, garden-fresh scent is perfect for kitchens and adds a nice twist to citrus cleaning sprays.
3. A refreshing massage oil
Well diluted, basil adds a cool, herbal note to massage blends for tired muscles.
How to use basil oil
- Diffuser: 2–3 drops, ideally with a citrus oil.
- Massage oil: 2 drops in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of carrier oil such as argan oil.
- Kitchen spray: 5 drops basil + 10 drops lemon in a spray bottle with 1 cup of water and a splash of vinegar. Shake before use.
Basil blends well with
Lemon, peppermint, lemongrass, orange and lavender. For a "get it done" diffuser blend, try 2 drops basil + 3 drops lemon + 1 drop peppermint.
Side effects and safety tips
- Use low dilution on skin (about 1% or less) and patch test first.
- Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Sweet basil oil contains estragole, which is best avoided at these times.
- Not for use on young children.
- Don't swallow essential oils. Keep away from children and pets.
- Check with your doctor if you have a medical condition.
More on safe use: Essential oil dilution guidelines.
Frequently asked questions
Is basil essential oil the same as holy basil (tulsi) oil?
No. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) and holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) are different plants with different scents and compounds. Ours is sweet basil.
Can basil oil help with headaches?
It's used traditionally for tension, but there's little research. Peppermint has more evidence for tension headaches; see our peppermint oil guide.
Can I cook with basil essential oil?
No. Don't swallow essential oils. Use fresh or dried basil for cooking.
Shop organic basil oil
Our Organic Basil Essential Oil is 100% pure, undiluted and certified organic, in a 10 ml glass bottle.