The spice rack has been liberated! Basil is no longer just the spice of great Italian dishes; it’s the spice of all things beautiful from hair to the bath. The green leaves of sweet basil have been steadily making their mark on the bath and beauty industry for years. Today basil is becoming a stamp of quality and pampering in the gamut of health and beauty products.

When paired with other essential oils, herbs and even fruits, basil becomes a well rounded herbal remedy for body, mind and the soul. Start from the top down. Basil extracts are paired with mint in shampoos that can increase scalp circulation. This is crucial for hair growth and re-growth, and results in lustrous, shiny hair that is more manageable and strong. Be sure to look for paraben-free brands.

Here’s one we can all appreciate. Look for products that combine basil, turmeric and mint to treat dark spots on your face. Over time, treatment with this mix of herbs and spices can even your skin’s appearance.

For moisturized skin that feels fresh morning to night, mix fresh basil extracts with avocado and olive oil. This try-at-home paste may be messy, but your skin will thank you. While it might be tasty on toast points in the kitchen; it’s for external use only in the bath. You will find wonderful products that have done all the messy mixing for you, so all you have to do is enjoy fresher, tighter skin.

When body and mind combine, mornings get a real boost. Basil pairs nicely with lemon or lime to tone and deodorize the skin, and invigorate the senses in bath soap found in many trendy bath product lines. Treat your guests to mini soaps that blend the fresh scents of mandarin and lime with sweet basil. They’ll never want to leave… pack a few bars for them to take home.

The clean scent of basil shouldn’t be restricted to the bath. Candles from many upscale shops and boutiques include basil combined floral fragrances for a heady aroma, with cucumber for a fresh scent in your kitchen and jasmine for the bedroom. Fresh basil packs a punch of freshness. Start an herb garden on a windowsill. Simply brush your hand over the leaves and basil will invigorate the senses.

The volatile oils found in basil have been proven to act as an anti-inflammatory agent as well. Basil also boasts pro-vitamin A and vitamin K, both are essential to healthy skin inside and out. The flavonoids in basil have been found to provide protection at the cellular level against bacterial growth. These health benefits not only protect our insides, but help our outside to shine.

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