Basil, an aromatic plant from the family "Lamiaceae",
is very familiar in it's leaf form used as an ingredient in Italian
cooking. The essential oil of Basil, produced in many areas of the worlk,
is distilled from the leaves and flowering parts.
Relief from menstrual pain: add 5 drops of Basil oil to
2 liters of hot water. Soak a small towel in this and apply as a warm
compress to abdomen or lower back. Repeat as needed but do not add more
oil.
Intestinal Discomfort: add maximum of 5 drops of Basil
oil to a tablespoon of vegetable oil such as olive oil. Massage into
the abdomen starting at the bottom left, and massaging in a clockwise
direction.
Calming the nervous system: add 3-6 drops of Basil oil
to a vaporizer. Initially the smell will invigorate before calming the
nervous system and inducing a restful sleep.