DIY: Basil Spray

Basil Spray

The Spray That I always Carry In My Bag in Summer

As soon as the temperature rises above 25 degrees Celsius, I immediately resort to a refreshing spray that I always keep in my bag. Basil spray is my little survival secret for the hot months of the year.

It is easy to make, protects the skin and offers a sense of coolness, relish and tranquility in moments of intense heat and fatigue.

A favourite herb

I love basil, because I identify its special aroma with the summer, the holidays, the intoxicating smells that come from the courtyards of the houses in the picturesque alleys of the islands. I always have a pot on my balcony and I cut some leaves so that I may add them to my dishes throughout the year, while in the summer I prepare my favourite refreshing basil spray that quenches the thirst of the skin.

Basil is an ally of skin health on multiple levels:

Photo-aging: Basil protects the skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure. It has a strong antioxidant effect that makes it a valuable ally against UV radiation, which is responsible for the premature effects of aging. It fights free radicals, detoxifies the skin and helps it retain its nourishing and moisturizing substances, restoring its shine, freshness and radiance.

Acne: Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, basil contributes to the prevention of acne. Its natural oils remove excess sebum that clogs the pores and soothe the swelling and pain that acne often causes.

Black spots: Basil contains camphene, a substance that fights bacteria and inflammation and acts as a toner for the skin. It removes dead cells and pollutants that clog hair follicles and are responsible for the appearance of black and white spots.

Skin infections: It is a herb with antibacterial and antifungal action. Its natural oils can fight a range of skin infections, such as eczema and dermatophytosis, offering relief from itching and enhancing healing.

Weak hair: Basil nourishes and revitalises the hair. Its oils stimulate blood flow to the scalp, enhance the growth of new hair, and have healing properties for dandruff.

Recipe for refreshing basil spray

½ litre filtered water

8 basil tops

2-3 drops of lemon essential oil

Directions

Take a jug and pour the filtered water. Cut 8 tops (small twigs) from a pot of fresh basil, rinse them and rub them into your hands to stimulate the aromatic and beneficial substances of the herb, before pouring them into the water. After pouring them into the jug, check if the water is sufficient. You may need to add a little more if basil absorbs a large amount of water. Place the jug in the refrigerator for 12 hours in order for the basil to release its beneficial substances. After 12 hours, the water will have taken on a greenish tint. Filter the water in a spray can, draining the basil leaves to take advantage of all their antioxidant substances. Add 2-3 drops of lemon essential oil to the spray as a preservative and it is ready to use. Keep it in the fridge so that it is cool whenever you need it. It lasts about 3-4 days, if used daily.

Tips

You can spray your face as many times as you feel the need for a breath of fresh air during the day. Of course you can also spray your neck, décolleté, hands or feet. It is a 100% natural product suitable for every area of the body, which you can carry with you on the city or the beach.
Basil spray can also be used in winter to protect the skin from pollutants.
Basil is also beneficial for hair health, so you can spray on the hair without second thoughts, especially on days when you opt for a wet look!