Basil
|
Botanical Name |
Ocimum basilica |
|
Family |
Lamiaceae (Labiatae) |
|
Other Names |
Albahaca, American dittany, garden basil, kiss me Nicholas, our herb, St Joseph's wort, sweet basil, witches herb |
|
Description |
Annual herb Average growing height 45 cm/18 in. Stem-erect, square and hairy. Leaves-pointed ovals, opposite, hairy, stalked, aromatic. Flowers-small, white/cream in July –September |
|
Native to |
India |
|
Cultivated |
Worldwide |
|
Part Used |
Flowery tops and leaves |
|
Cultivation |
Grown by seed yearly preferable indoors Full sun well drained soil Do not over water |
|
Harvesting |
Leaves may be picked at any time. Nip flower heads of being they open to ensure longer life |
|
Preserving |
Frozen, dried or in olive oil |
|
Actions |
Analgesic, antiallergenic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antivenomous, aphrodisiac, bactericidal, carminative, cephalic, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, galactagogue, insecticidal, nervine, prophylactic, restorative, stimulant, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, vermifuge |
|
Extraction |
Steam distillation of whole plant |
|
Constituents |
Volatile oil -linalool (40-45%), estragole, methyl cinnamate, cineole, beta caryophyllene, alpha phellandrene and derivatives, ocimene, borneol, eugenol, geraniol, anethole, cadinals, sabinene, myrcene, limonene, p-cymene, camphor. methyl chavicol (23.8%), citronellol, borneone, cineole, methylchavicol, ocimene, pinene, sylvestrene |
|
Combines with |
Bergamot, geranium, lavender, lime, sandlawood |
|
Culinary Uses |
Salads, sauces, dressings, soups |
|
Traditional uses |
Used in Ayurvedic medicine where it is called tulsi for respiratory problems |
|
Skin |
Insect bites, insect repellent |
|
Circulation, muscle joint |
Gout, rheumatism |
|
Respiratory |
Bronchitis, coughs, sinusitis, asthma |
|
Digestive |
Dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, upset stomachs, colic, constipation, indigestion, vomiting |
|
Genito-Urinary |
Scanty periods, cramp |
|
Immune |
Colds, fevers, flu |
|
Nervous system |
Mild nervousness, anxiety, depression, migraine, insomnia, dizziness, vertigo |
|
Other Uses |
Soaps, cosmetics, food, fly deterrent |
|
Other Notes |
Basil comes from the Greek word Basilikon phuton meaning Kingly herb Symbolizes good fortune Symbol of love to the Romans and Cretons Sacred herb Krishna and Vishnu |
|
Cautions |
Use essential oil with care |
Basil – African Blue
|
Botanical Name |
Ociumum killsmanharicum x basilicum purpurascens |
|
Description |
Sterile hybrid that does not produce seeds. 4-5ft tall 12-16in spikes with pink/lavender blossoms |
Basil –Holy
|
Botanical Name |
Ocimum sanctum |
|
Family |
Lamiaceae |
|
Other Names |
Sacred basil, tulsi |
|
Description |
Erect, annual herb up to 1.5m/5ft. Leaves: opposite, elliptical, oblong. Flowers: very small, purplish long close spikes |
|
Native to |
India |
|
Parts Used |
Leaves, root, seeds |
|
Constituents |
Leaf: Volatile oil –linalool, beta caryophyllene, elemene, eugenol, eugenal, carvacrol, methyl chavicol. Sterols –ursolic acid, campesterol, cholesterol, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol. Flavonoids –vicenin 2, galuteolin, cirsilineol, cirsimaritin, isothymusin, isothymonin, apigenin. Polyphenols-caffeic, gallic, rosmarinic, chlorogenic, vanillin, gallic acid esters |
Basil –Wild
|
Botanical Name |
Clinopodium vulgare |
|
Other Names |
Hedge basil |
|
Habitat |
Hedges, woods, meadows, dry places |
|
Description |
Perennial Square stems 40-75cm/16-30in tall. Slight aromatic, covered in hairs. Leaves opposite, mostly oval. Flowers pink-purple dense whorls at base of upper leaves July- September |
|
Cultivation |
Full sun or partial shade any soil |