Basil oil is obtained from the herb known as Ocimum basilicum. Basil oil is known to be originated from Asia -Pacific Islands but is currently grown all over the world. Basil oil is considered to have several beneficial medicinal properties and is traditionally used to treat common ailments cough, allergies, nervous disorders and headaches. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, basil oil is also used to cure cuts and wounds.
Furthermore, basil oil has a naturally sweet taste and is widely used as a flavor enhancer in food industries. Basil oil is known to have anti-microbial properties and also finds major applications in applications in cosmetics. It is used in skin treatments for cure of acne and other skin infections. It is also used in various hair care products either directly or in the form of blended oil with other medicinal ingredients.
On the basis of type, the market is segmented into holy basil, tropical (exotic) basil and Sweet Linalool Basil. Holy basil is native to India and is commonly referred to as Tulsi and is considered a holy plant with a wide variety of medicinal values. Sweet linalool basil is a relatively non-toxic variant of basil oil and is used extensively in the personal care products. Tropical basil oil is characterized by a strong, camphor like aroma and is used as a rejuvenant and to treat respiratory conditions.
Based on the applications, basil oil market can be segmented into food & beverage, cosmetics and personal care products, home care products, therapeutic massage oil, pharmaceutical and other Industrial Applications. Basil oil is used in pharmaceuticals because of its properties which include its use in treatment of arthritis, nervous disorders, use as an anti-depressant, against allergies etc. due to all these medicinal properties, the pharmaceutical segment of basil oil products is expected to grow at a strong rate.
Basil oil is used as a massage oil and is known to reduce inflammation and for the treatment of muscle and joint pains. Basil oil is also used in aromatherapy as it helps in reducing stress. Due to the increasingly hectic lifestyle of people and associated health concerns, there is always an increased demand of stress reducing solutions. This plays a major role in strengthening the basil oil product market globally.
