Holy Basil (Tulsi) CO2

Holy Basil CO₂ Extract – Ocimum sanctum
Part Used: Leaf
Method of Extraction: Super-critical CO₂ Extraction (a low-temperature process for extracting plant oils. The CO₂ process extracts the 'heavier' therapeutic properties from the raw plant material, rather than steam distilled)
Appearance: Thick, sticky paste (due to extraction method)
Class: Multi
Perfumery Note: Top
Country of Origin: India

Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), is a powerful herb, and scientific study is now validating its health benefits. Holy Basil (Tulsi) CO₂ has a wonderfully earthy sweet, herbal, slightly spicy aroma. There is emerging evidence that Tulsi, through a combination of pharmacological activities, can address physical, physiological, metabolic, and psychological stress. Holy Basil is thought to protect organs and tissues from physical stress caused by prolonged physical exertion, ischemia, physical restraint, cold, and excessive noise.

Holy Basil has also been demonstrated to help with metabolic stress by lowering blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, as well as psychological stress by improving memory and cognitive performance and acting as an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant. This CO₂ solid extract may be a powerful irritant due to its chemical composition, so it should only be used on skin after it has been diluted. Tisserand and Young suggest a dermal maximum of 1% or less.

How Holy Basil CO₂ Extract is Different from Holy Basil Essential Oil
CO₂ Extract is a thick, resinous paste rich in both volatile and heavier non-volatile constituents — especially eugenol, β-caryophyllene, and β-elemene — which are often partially lost or degraded in steam distillation. The CO₂ extract offers broader therapeutic activity (e.g. stronger anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant and adaptogenic effects). It’s also hotter, more pungent, and requires greater caution in topical use due to its high eugenol content. Better suited for targeted therapeutic applications and deep aromatic profiles.

Typical Main Constituents
Eugenol – 40%
β-Caryophyllene – 31%
β-Elemene – 12%

Description
Holy Basil (Tulsi) CO₂ has a wonderfully earthly sweet, herbal, slightly spicy aroma.

Actions
Anaesthetic/analgesic, antiarthritic, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, antifungal, antifertility, antispasmodic, anti-depressant, antiseptic, cephalic, digestive tonic, carminative, adrenal stimulant, nervine, prophylactic, diaphoretic, febrifuge, expectorant, galactagogue, emmenagogue, antimalarial, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic (reduces fat/lipids in blood), antioxidant, hypoglycaemic (lowers blood sugar).

Special Use
Holy Basil/Tulsi may provide cardioprotection because of its antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, and hypoglycaemic properties. Holy Basil is an excellent, perhaps the best, aromatic nerve tonic. It clears the head, relieves intellectual fatigue, and gives the mind strength and clarity. Resembles peppermint but hotter. Hot/cold quality. Excellent for period pain. Tulsi has been traditionally used to protect organs and tissues against chemical stress from industrial pollutants and heavy metals, and physical stress from prolonged physical exertion, ischemia, physical restraint and exposure to cold and excessive noise.

Blends Well With
Bergamot, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lime, Grapefruit, Citronella, Hyssop, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Yarrow, Jasmine, Lavender, Peppermint.

Safety Data
Can be irritating to sensitive skin. Avoid in pregnancy and when trying to conceive. Use in extremely low dose with children and the very sick. Used in low doses it is a tonic with a stimulating effect — however, when used in excess it has the opposite effect. Not to be used in high doses.

Aromatherapy / Home Use
Muscle & Skeletal System: Gout, muscular aches & pains, rheumatism. Eugenol is believed to be responsible for its multitude of therapeutic properties, including strong anti-arthritic effects. Eugenol helps stimulate blood circulation — increased circulation adds to the oxygenation of the blood and organ systems, which increases metabolism and purification of the blood.
Nervous System: Anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, migraine, nervous tension, memory and focus. Good anaesthetic.
Digestive: Flatulence, nausea, nervous conditions of the stomach.
Respiratory: Coughs, sinusitis, and emphysema – inhalant.
Immune: Colds, coughs, bronchitis, fever, flu, infectious diseases.
Genito-urinary System: Cramps, scanty periods, purification of blood.
Skin Care: Can be used for insect bites (mosquito & wasp), insect repellent, irritable skin, shingles, and prickly heat rash, as well as to reduce scars. Combats Staphylococcus bacteria, which can cause acne breakouts, pimples, boils, skin sores, rashes, blisters, impetigo, and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. The high levels of eugenol within this oil have rejuvenating and stimulating properties, which can increase blood flow to the skin and make it look radiant. You will find it in many products for lessening the effects of ageing, e.g. wrinkles, sagging skin, and blemishes. May be used in low dose in a face wash or in a natural moisturiser.

Skincare Actions
Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-acne, circulation-boosting, skin-stimulating, rejuvenating, scar reducing, insect-repelling, anti-ageing, blood purifying, detoxifying.

Perfumery Actions
Sweet-herbal, spicy, earthy, top note, sharp, fresh, aromatic, uplifting, cephalic.

Skincare Dilution
0.25–0.5% in face washes or spot treatments (acne, irritations).
0.5–1% in balms or salves for pain, inflammation, or insect bites.
Maximum dermal limit: 1% (Tisserand & Young) – avoid on broken skin and during pregnancy.
Dilute thoroughly; always patch test due to high eugenol content.

Perfumery Dilution
0.1–1% in natural perfume compositions.
Adds a top note lift with herbal-spicy warmth.
Best in fougères, herbal chypres, sacred/spiritual blends, and energising accords.
Blends well with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Geranium, Lime, Grapefruit, Citronella, Hyssop, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Yarrow, Jasmine, Lavender, Peppermint.

Zurma Essential Oils – Highest Quality Pure and Natural
At Zurma we go to great lengths to ensure that we only sell the highest quality pure and natural essential oils. We have searched the world for the best essential oils. Our in-house quality control system ensures that this high standard is maintained for all our essential oils. Every essential oil comes with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GCMS) test to confirm that they are genuine and authentic essential oils containing their correct active constituents.

The only exception to this is with the New Zealand small-scale essential oil producers we buy direct from — e.g. Lavender, Mānuka, Kānuka, Tea Tree etc. This is because we know and trust these growers who distil their own essential oils.

Finally, all essential oils have to undergo our own in-house smell, appearance, and feel test — and if they are not up to our high standards, we simply send the product back to the supplier. Based on this quality control process, we believe that the 100% Pure and Natural essential oils that Zurma supplies to our customers are of the highest quality and are excellent for use in aromatherapy.

General Essential Oil Safety Recommendations
Do not take essential oils internally unless under advisement by a qualified medical professional.
Do not use essential oils undiluted on the skin. It is always best to try a small patch test first of the diluted essential oil.
People who are pregnant or have serious medical problems are advised to consult with a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using essential oils.
Use extreme caution when using essential oils with children. It is safest to consult with a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using essential oils with children.

General Disclaimer
The product information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only. The information provided is not considered to be complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate. The information contained in this website is not intended to be sufficient to provide diagnosis and/or treatment of medical conditions. It is recommended that treatment of serious health conditions be done with the help of a trained qualified medical practitioner.