BASIL

Although many know it as a culinary ingredient, basil is widely used in perfumery and has an herbal aroma that provides an elegant and sophisticated freshness.

It is a plant denigrated and revered, in equal parts, by different cultures. Some African legends claim that it protects against scorpion stings, there are European traditions that associated it with the worship of Satan and in India it is considered a sacred plant.  In ancient Greece, it represented hatred, misfortune, and poverty and, yet, in Italy, it is a symbol of love. In the past, maidens placed this plant in the window to attract the love of young men. It's hard to believe that the same plant gathers so much love and hate.

Its essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and flowering tops.

In perfumery, it was a total revolution, initially, for masculine scents; it provides the touch of freshness and the herbal essence –it was an alternative to lavender-. But, for decades, it has also been used for feminine essences, especially, for herbal and fruity fragrances.