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When taken by mouth: Basil is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in food amounts. When taken by mouth as a medicine, basil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil herb and basil oil contain estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.
When applied to the skin: Basil essential oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin in concentrations of up to 6% for 12 weeks.
When inhaled as aromatherapy: There isn't enough reliable information to know to know if basil is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Basil is
LIKELY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women in food amounts. But larger medicinal amounts are
POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice.
Children: Basil is
LIKELY SAFE for children in food amounts. But larger medicinal amounts are
POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice.
Bleeding disorders: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
Low blood pressure: Basil extracts might lower blood pressure. In theory, taking basil extracts might make blood pressure become too low in people with low blood pressure.
Surgery: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting. In theory, basil oils or extracts might increase the risk of bleeding during surgical procedures. Stop using basil at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
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