Basil


Nomenclature
Ocimum basilicum
Family
Lamiaceae (formerly Labiatae)
Parts Used
Leaves, flowers, and essential oil.
Identification of Genus/Species
Part | Identification |
Stem | Grows 3 feet high. Obtusely quadrangular. |
Leaves | Leaves grow opposite, are 2 to 3 inches long, oval, and bright green. |
Flowers | Flowers are white or pink whorls |
Taste | Pleasant, strong, and peppery |
Odor | Highly fragrant |
Cultivation
Sweet basil, ocimum basilicum, is an annual herb that is very easy to grow. It prefers light, well-drained soil in warm climates with full sun. It will also grow in a container. The top shoots should be clipped to promote fuller, healthier growth. Cuttings can be rooted in water and grown in pots indoors.
Collection
Optimal harvest is just before the blooms open.
Constituents
The exact chemical profile of basil depends on the particular cultivar. Sweet basil contains many chemical compounds in the essential oil: estragole, methyl cinnamate, ocimene, cineole, linalool, thymol, and camphor. The leaves contain tannins, vitamins, and minerals, such as: calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, B2, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C.
Actions
Analgesic, antibacterial, antiflatulent, antifungal, antiemetic, anticmicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antivenom, antiviral anxiolytic, circulatory stimulant, digestive, diuretic, galactogogue, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, insecticide, kidney tonic, nervine, orexigenic, sedative.
Medicinal Use
Basil has both topical and internal use. Taken orally, basil helps with digestive issues, stomach spasms, kidney issues, and blood sugar issues. Multiple Ocimum species have exhibited a hypoglycemic effect. Basil may also help with headaches, appetite stimulation, circulation, and fevers.
Topically, basil can be used for bites, stings, and may be helpful for acne. Basil can be used as an astringent mouthwash.
Basil essential oil exhibits antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, making it useful for cleaning and disinfecting.
Contraindications & Side Effects
Basil essential oil is not safe while pregnant, breastfeeding, or lactating. Sweet basil should not be consumed in doses higher than a culinary dose while pregnant, breastfeeding, or lactating and should be avoided entirely by infants and toddlers.
Basil should be avoided by those with an allergy to the Lamiaceae/Labiate families.
There are very few adverse effects reported. Those with allergies to the Lamiaceae/Labiate families could have an allergic reaction to basil.
Dosage
Infusion: 1 cup of tea
Essential Oil: 1 drop
Tincture: 4 millimeters
Fluid Extract: 2 millimeters