It’s flu season, and we all have to do all we can to remain healthy. My husband and I choose not to get vaccinated or to vaccinate our son. It’s our choice, and choose that because by the time that the flu vaccine is administered to us, it may or may not be made of the strain that is affecting the U.S. and is made with thimerosal, a Mercury based derivative.
When I first heard of Basil essential oil I didn’t quite understand the attraction anyonewould have to using it. Every time I thought of it all I associated it with was a good Italian sauce, marinara etc.
“There are many benefits of basil essential oil (including the improvement in the following conditions): (1)
- acne 5. colds 9. increase alertness 13. indigestion
- anxiety 6. improve digestion 10. fatigue 14. sinusitus
- enhance mood 7. coughs 11. gout
- bronchitis colds 8. depression 12. soothe muscle aches
Within the last two weeks both my son and I have needed basil essential oils for different reasons. I happen to be quite sensitive around this time of year due to red tide. It doesn’t matter if it is not directly in our county, it matters that it is around us and I go into respiratory distress, especially at night. I had the most difficult time breathing the other night and needed help. I asked my lovely husband to rub carrier oil with a couple drops of basil essential oil on my back in the lung area and within minutes we both noticed a difference. I was breathing clearer and he even commented on how the scent forces you to breathe! I was able to fall asleep and breathe easily through the night.
Our son came home from school run down and ended up going to bed early. He awoke in the middle of the night and after hearing his raspy voice and raspy breathing, I immediately grabbed the basil essential oil. I rubbed it on his throat that was hurting, his back, chest and feet. Because he was having difficulty falling asleep again I rubbed Frankincense essential oil down his spine(think central nervous system) and within minutes not only was he breathing easily, he had fallen asleep. When he awoke in the morning, no one would have known that he had respiratory distress just 4 hours earlier! When asked, he said his throat no longer hurt. I happened to speak with his teacher the next day, who was so impressed on commented how much work he got out of Jack due to his alertness and calmness.
A year and a half ago, Jack was suffering from recurrent ear infections, three almost back to back. It was recommended to us, by someone selling essential oils, to put basil and melaleuca (tea tree oil) on a cotton ball and insert into our son’s ear. At that time, I didn’t have basil essential oil readily available and fortunately, and since then, Jack has not had another ear infection so we have not had the need to try the effectiveness of this solution.
As impressive and effective as basil essential oil proved to be in alleviating our respiratory symptoms, we did use another oil in conjunction: oregano oil. (That will be its own post on its benefits.) The dual combination definitely knocked out all that we were going through.
Please note, that just like any medicine, more is not better when using any essential oil. Although essential oils are homeopathic they are extremely powerful and concentrated. They are potent and definitely need to be diluted with a carrier oil like jojoba, grapeseed, etc. when used. Not all essential oils are made equally, so please select your oils carefully. If you happen to have a reaction, which may occur depending on your sensitivity and oil being used, please do not rinse with soap and water, instead dilute area with more carrier oil. Doug, Jack nor I take any prescription medications. If you do, please speak with your healthcare professional and discuss any possible interactions and possible side effects of mixing the two.
Cynchronisity 