Scent Almanac
Basil
Ocimum basilicum (linalool type, 'sweet basil')
Sweet, green and peppery with a licorice-anise facet, like torn fresh leaves. Can smell sharp and 'kitchen' on its own.
- Made from
- Steam-distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of sweet basil.
- Strength
- ●●●●○
- Cost
- Moderate
- Moods
- FocusingUpliftingRefreshing
- Seasons
- Summer, Spring
- Rooms
- Kitchen, Office
Cautions
- Can irritate skin or mucous membranes
- Commonly advised against in pregnancy
Can irritate skin, so keep it low in soap. Buy linalool-type sweet basil: the methyl chavicol (estragole) type is restricted and commonly advised against in pregnancy.
How it behaves
CandlesWorkable
Lovely in 'lime, basil and mandarin' style blends. Alone the essential oil throws weakly and smells a bit savory.
Wax meltsGood
Reed diffuserGood
Room & linen sprayGood
Electric (water) diffuserGood
Cold-process soapWorkable
As a top note it softens over cure. Blend it with lime and a base note, and keep it low because it can irritate skin.
Melt-and-pour soapGood
Laundry & cleaningWorkable
Pairs well with
Lime
Top · Citrus
Essential oil
Lemon
Top · Citrus
Essential oil
Bergamot
Top · Citrus
Essential oil
Spearmint
Top · Herbal
Essential oil
Lavender
Middle · Floral
Essential oil
Geranium
Middle · Floral
Essential oil
Black Pepper
Top · Spicy
Essential oil
Tomato Leaf
Top · Green
Fragrance oil
Fig Leaf
Middle · Green
Fragrance oil
Grapefruit
Top · Citrus
Essential oil
Don't have it? Try Sweet Marjoram.
A little lore
The name basil comes from the Greek basilikon, meaning 'royal'.