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Lamiaceae
Mint family
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Contents:
Common Names
Parts Usually Used
Plant(s) & Culture
Where Found
Medicinal Properties
Biochemical Information Legends, Myths and Stories
Uses
Formulas or Dosages
Warning
Bibliography
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Common Names
Common basil
Garden basil
Luole (Chinese name)
St. Josephwort
Sweet basil
Tulsi (Sanskrit name)
Arjaka in ancient Sanskrit
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Parts Usually Used
The herb
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Basil is an annual plant; its thin, branching root produces bushy stems growing
from 1-2 feet high and bearing opposite, ovate, entire or toothed leaves which
are often purplish-hued. The two-lipped flowers, varying in color from white
to red, sometimes with a tinge of purple, grow in racemes from June to September.
The plant is very aromatic. Tends to favor sunny banks.
Other varieties: Dwarf Spicy Globe, Dwarf
Bush Basil, Lettuce-leaf basil (O. basilicum crispum), Dark Opal, Purple Ruffles,
Citriodorum, Fino Verde, O. basilicum miminum, O. sanctum, O. kill-mandscharicum,
O. gratissimum, etc.
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Where Found
Found wild in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world; elsewhere
it is cultivated as a kitchen herb.
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Medicinal Properties
Antispasmodic, antidepressant, antiseptic, stimulant, tonic, febrifuge, diaphoretic,
nervine, antibacterial, expectorant, appetizer, carminative, galactagogue, stomachic
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Biochemical Information
Essential oil, estragol with linalon, lineol, tannin, and camphor.
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Legends, Myths and Stories
From its native India, basil was introduced into Europe in ancient times. Views
and traditions associated with the herb have been mixed. Some cultures associated
basil with hatred and misfortune; others regarded it as a love token. Dioscorides
said that it should never be taken internally, while Pliny recommended smelling
it in vinegar for fainting fits. In Ayurvedic medicine, basil is known as tulsi
and the juice is widely used. In India, basil is perhaps the most sacred plant,
next to the lotus.
The scent of basil, they say, is conducive to meditation, and the plant is often used in magic. Also a popular culinary herb.
In China this herb is known as Luole.
Haitian merchants often sprinkle their stores
with a composition made of this fragrant herb soaked in water. According to
creed this chases bad luck and attracts buyers. The herb is much used as a love
charm in voo-doo practice.
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Uses
Basil's usefulness is generally associated with the stomach and its related
organs. It can be used for stomach cramps, gastric catarrh, vomiting, intestinal
catarrh, constipation, depression, menopause, and enteritis. As an antispasmodic,
it has sometimes been used for whooping cough. Basil has also been recommended
for headache. It increases the appetite, tends to increase the flow of milk,
improves blood circulation, enhances the digestion, good for coughs, relieves
gas pains, and is an aid for indigestion. Treats fevers (tea made with basil
and peppercorns reduces fever), colds, flu, coughs, sinusitis, stomach cramps.
The leaves are good for rubbing on insect bites. Externally, it is used to soothe
bloodshot eyes and relieve itching from hives.
In ancient Egypt basil served as a medicine for snakebites, scorpion stings and eye troubles. The fresh leaf juice is used externally to treat fungal infections on the skin. The crushed leaves were applied to painful parts in cases of rheumatism. Pliny recommended basil tea as a remedy for nerves, headaches and fainting spells.
The Greeks used basil not only to prepare aromatic baths to strengthen the nerves, but also for flavoring must (the juice pressed from grapes before fermenting), wine and liqueurs.
Basil is used in northern Germany to season the famous Hamburg eel soup and in the preparation of gherkins (pickled cucumbers).
In Italy, particularly in the south, it is found in practically every garden and widely used for seasoning.
Basil will quell the most violent vomiting and nausea. Particularly good at arresting morning sickness and travel sickness.
A sprig of basil in the wardrobe will keep
moths and other insects at bay. Basil is a good companion to tomatoes; dislikes
rue intensely. Improves growth and flavor. Repels flies and mosquitoes.
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Formulas or Dosages
Harvest before flowering.
Infusion: steep 1 tsp. dried herb in 1/2
cup water. Take 1 to 1 1/2 cups a day, a mouthful at a time. Can be sweetened
with honey if taken for a cough.
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Warning
Do not use the essential oil externally or internally in pregnancy.
