What does the word basil mean?
Basil, also known as royal herb, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Its name comes from the Greek word "basilikon phuton", meaning "royal plant". This aromatic plant originated in India and was introduced to Europe by the Greeks and Romans.
In the beginning...
Basil has a rich history dating back to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used basil as a sacred plant and believed it to have medicinal properties. In the Middle Ages, basil was considered a magical plant, warding off evil spirits and protecting people from disease. In Europe, it was also used to perfume homes, clothes and baths.
Today, basil is still used in traditional medicine for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The growing popularity of basil perfume is testament to the enduring appeal of this aromatic herb, which continues to inspire people in a variety of fields.
Basil originates from India and Southwest Asia, where it has been cultivated for over 5,000 years. This aromatic plant was introduced to Europe by Alexander the Great, when he conquered India in the 4th century BC. The Romans then imported basil to Italy, where it became a key ingredient in Italian cuisine.
Basil is now grown all over the world, mainly in warm, sunny regions. The most common varieties are sweet basil, large-leaf basil and purple basil. Each variety has its own distinctive flavor, ranging from mild and subtle to strong and peppery. Basil perfume often uses its oils to create fresh, herbaceous notes.
Basil cultivation
Basil is an easy plant to grow, provided you give it the right growing conditions. It needs well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Basil needs direct sunlight for at least six hours a day and regular watering to keep the soil moist.
Basil seeds are best sown indoors in March or April, before being transplanted into pots or the garden after the last frosts. Basil can also be grown from stem cuttings, which root easily in water or soil.
Basil is grown all over the world, but the main producing regions are Italy, the United States, Egypt, India and Thailand. In Italy, basil is grown mainly in the regions of Genoa, Campania and Calabria, where it is used to make pesto, a traditional Italian sauce. In the United States, basil production is concentrated in California and Florida, where it is grown in open fields and greenhouses for sale to supermarkets and restaurants.
In Egypt, basil is grown in the Fayoum region, where it is used as an ingredient in a traditional drink called "habak". In India, basil is planted in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, where it is used in Indian cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine. It is also used in Thailand, in the famous "pad kra pao" dish, which is made with minced meat, basil, chillies and garlic.
Planting basil is a simple activity. First of all, it's important to choose a sunny spot. The soil must be prepared by removing weeds and making it loose. Next, a hole suitable for the size of the basil root ball is dug and the plant carefully placed in it. The roots are then covered with soil and lightly compacted.
After planting, basil goes through various stages of development. First, the seeds germinate and small green shoots emerge from the soil. These shoots then develop into aromatic green leaves, forming a compact bush. As the plant grows, new stems and leaves continue to form. Basil can reach a height of around 30 to 60 centimeters, with branched stems and larger leaves. The plant also produces white or pink flowers in late summer, but it is advisable to remove these to encourage continued leaf growth. Basil can be harvested when needed by picking the leaves, encouraging denser, bushier growth. With proper care, basil can continue to grow and provide an abundance of fresh leaves.
Harvesting basil is a crucial step in the production of quality basil fragrances. Basil leaves are harvested early in the morning, when their oil content is highest. They are then steam-distilled to extract the essential oils, which are used in the production of perfumes and other cosmetics.
What do you know about basil in perfumery?
Basil can be transformed into essential oil by steam distillation or solvent extraction. Steam distillation is the most common and environmentally-friendly method. It produces a high-quality essential oil with the fresh, herbaceous fragrance characteristic of basil.
Basil is an aromatic plant with a fresh, herbaceous olfactory profile, with slightly spicy, aniseed notes. Its fragrance is distinctive and easily recognizable, making it a prized ingredient in the perfume and cosmetics industry.
Basil perfume manufacturing involves several stages, each of which is important for obtaining a high-quality product. First, basil essential oils are extracted from the plant's leaves. Next, they are blended with other raw materials, such as carrier oils or alcohols, to create the final fragrance.
The mixture is then left to mature for several weeks, allowing the various aromatic notes to blend and develop. Finally, the perfume is filtered and bottled, ready for use. Basil perfumes can be used in a wide variety of products, such as eaux de toilette, scented candles and massage oils. Thanks to their fresh, herbaceous character, they are particularly popular during the summer months, when they offer a light, refreshing alternative to heavier fragrances.
Basil is an olfactory note much appreciated in perfumery for its fresh, aniseed character. It is often used in unisex fragrances to add a touch of freshness and naturalness. Basil scent can be combined with other olfactory notes such as mint, rosemary or bergamot to create fresh, revitalizing scents. It can also be combined with warmer, spicier notes such as vanilla or pepper to create more sophisticated fragrances.
In perfumery, basil fragrance combines perfectly with other olfactory notes such as mint, rosemary, bergamot, lemon and verbena. Together, these notes create fresh, revitalizing scents. It can also be combined with warmer, spicier notes such as black pepper or vanilla to create sophisticated, bewitching fragrances. Basil perfume blends particularly well with woody and musky notes to bring a touch of freshness and naturalness.
INTERESTING FACT!
In addition to its use in perfumery, basil also has numerous virtues and health benefits. In particular, it is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic properties. Basil essential oils can be used to relieve pain and inflammation, stimulate blood circulation and improve digestion.
Basil is also known for its relaxing and soothing properties, making it an ideal ingredient for infusions and herbal teas. It is particularly recommended for relieving stress, anxiety and sleep disorders. Finally, basil is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it an ideal ingredient for strengthening the body and preventing disease.
Popular basil perfumes
• A Jo Malone fragrance that showcases basil notes is "Lime Basil & Mandarin". This iconic fragrance offers a refreshingly vibrant blend of fresh basil, lime zest and juicy mandarin orange. The combination of aromatic basil and citrus creates a dynamic, invigorating scent, perfect for lovers of fresh, citrusy scents.
• Azzaro pour Homme by Azzaro: Azzaro pour Homme is an emblematic fragrance from the house of Azzaro. Launched in 1978, it has become a timeless classic of men's fragrance. This aromatic woody fragrance uses basil as one of its key notes. Basil brings an invigorating, herbaceous freshness to the composition, complemented by notes of lavender, bergamot, geranium and oakmoss. Azzaro pour Homme is appreciated for its refined, elegant and masculine character.
• L'eau d'Hadrien by Goutal: L'eau d'Hadrien is an emblematic creation of the Goutal perfume house. Launched in 1981, this unisex fragrance is inspired by the story of the Roman emperor Hadrian and the gardens of the villa he owned in Tuscany. L'eau d'Hadrien is a fresh, invigorating composition that incorporates basil among its key ingredients. The basil used here is combined with citrus notes, including lemon and grapefruit, as well as touches of cypress and vetiver. This combination offers a unique sensation of Mediterranean freshness.
• Chrome by Azzaro: Chrome is a men's fragrance launched by Azzaro in 1996. It is renowned for its fresh, energetic character, perfect for modern, dynamic men. Although basil is not one of Chrome's main notes, it is used subtly in the composition to add a green, aromatic nuance. Basil blends with notes of citrus, rosemary, musk and precious woods to create an invigorating fragrance.
• Eau de basilic pourpre by Hermès: Eau de basilic pourpre is a creation of the luxury house Hermès. This fragrance is part of the Hermessence collection, which is characterized by refined, minimalist olfactory compositions. Eau de basilic pourpre features purple basil, a variety of basil with an intense, spicy fragrance. This main note is accompanied by accents of mint, verbena, black pepper and subtle woody notes. Eau de basil pourpre is a unisex fragrance that embodies the elegance and freshness of nature.
• L'Homme Yves Saint Laurent design by Jean Nouvel by Yves Saint Laurent: here, basil plays a significant role in the heart or middle notes of the fragrance. It is one of the key ingredients that contribute to the overall olfactory experience and help shape the character of the scent.
These basil fragrances are fresh and light, and suitable for both summer and winter seasons. They're perfect for those looking for original, refreshing fragrances, ready to explore bold new olfactory experiences.
Basilic X Bon Parfumeur
Bon Parfumeur offers several made-in-France products based on basil. Among them, you'll find:
• Candle and diffuser 01: These two products combine notes of basil with fig leaf and mint, offering a fresh, aromatic ambience.
• Eau de parfum 701: A Bon Parfumeur fragrance that combines eucalyptus with notes of coriander and cypress, creating a fresh, herbaceous composition.
• Eau de parfum 702: This fragrance blends incense notes with lavender and cashmere wood, offering a mysterious yet soothing sensation.
• Eau de parfum 902 : This perfume opens on fresh and zesty notes lent by orange, basil and ginger. Then, the duo of cinnamon and clove spices seduces us. Tobacco leaf and Armagnac emanations reveal a bold and rich trail.
• L’eau de parfum Afterhomework : a striking olfactory immersion. Fresh, strongly spiced and intensely woody, it reminds us of tobacco iced vodka. Burning freshness between juniper berry, cinnamon and patchouli. A truly captivating scent.
Our brand offers responsible, unisex products, with a variety of fragrances combining fresh, aromatic notes reminiscent of the essence of basil. These olfactory creations are ideal for those seeking original, quality fragrances. For more information, please visit our website or come into our stores!
