(Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum sanctum)

Basil – Sweet:

Basil traditional used anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, colds, constipation, coughs, depression, drug overdose and withdrawal, dysentery, exhaustion, flatulence, headache, nausea, rheumatism, stomachache, vomiting

§      Warning: No uterine stimulant has ever been identified in basil, but given its pervasive multicultural use as a menstruation promoter and labor inducer, pregnant women should probably limit their consumption to culinary amounts. Pesto versus Parasites

∞      Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum, O. sanctum

∞      Chinese Botanical name:

∞      This information clearly states that Basil does have benefit.

—Physiological Character— Antidepressant, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, galactagogue, nervine, sedative

 —Description— Intestinal parasites, acne, immune stimulant

—Family— Labiate; other members include mint.

—Varieties— Sweet Basil, Ocimum bacilicum, and its close relative Genoa Basil, Genova Profumatissima; The High Breeds like Cinnamon Basil, Lemon Basil, Cinnamon Basil, Persian Anise Basil, Thai Basil, etc. high the same qualities as Sweet Basil.

— Synonyms— Sweet Basil, St. Josephwort.   

—Parts Used— Leaves and flower tops.

—Cultivation— Native to India but now found worldwide, basil is a bushy annual with light green, oval opposite leaves on a square stem.  The flowers range in color from white to pink to purple. The plant commonly reaches a height of fifteen inches to two feet.

Basil can be grown in most gardens, both temperate and tropical, and requires moderate amounts of water, warm temperatures, well-draining soil, and full sun.  In temperate climates, start the seeds indoors two to three weeks before the final frost in your area, and transplant the young seedlings outdoors once all risk of frost has passed.  Pinch off the flowers to prolong the life of the plant, as once it blooms, it is quickly spent.  Harvest all the leaves before frost, as frost will destroy the leaves.

In the garden, basil is a natural insect repellent and also can enhance the flavor of tomatoes and peppers if it is grown near them.  In the home, a pot of basil on the table will repel flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches.

—Constituents— Volatile oil (estragol, eugenol, lineol, linalool), caffeic acid, tannins, beat-carotene, vitamin C

—Medicinal Action and Uses— One best-selling herb guide states:  “No modern medical studies have confirmed any of basil's supposed effects.”  This is hardly the case.  Basil's merits have certainly been overblown around the world – putting it in your ear won't cure deafness – but the herb has proven to have definite benefits.

·         INTESTINAL PARASITES – Basil oil really does kill intestinal parasites, thus confirming its traditional use in Malaya and lending credence to its age-old use as a stomach soother and treatment for a broad range of intestinal ailments.

·         ACNE – Indian researchers have reported that basil kills bacteria when applied to the skin.  They have used basil oil successfully to treat acne.

·         IMMUNE STIMULANT – One animal study shows basil stimulates the immune system by increasing production of disease-fighting antibodies by up to 20 percent.  This may help explain its supposed effectiveness against bacteria and its traditional uses in treating many infectious illnesses.

Basil tea stimulates the lungs, warms the body, calms the stomach, and dries dampness.  It also can aid in the expulsion of the placenta after child-birth.

Topically, basil tea can be used as a compress on insect bites, acne, and ringworm.  As a gargle or mouthwash, it will help eliminate thrush. And a bath infused with basil will energize the bather.  Basil tea is also used as an eyewash for tired eyes.

—Nutrient Source— Vitamins A & C

—Flavor— Basil has an aromatic, minty, mildly clove like flavor that could be characterized as pungent and bitter, with a worm, drying energy.  Enhanced by a spoonful of honey, it makes a delicious hot or iced tea.

—Contraindications— Although basil is very safe as a culinary herb, it is not recommended in therapeutic dosages for extended periods of time (more than a couple of weeks).  It is not recommended in therapeutic dosages for infants or toddlers.

—Side Effects or Negative Effects—

Basil is one of many healing herbs containing both pro- and anti-cancer substances.  On the cancer-prevention side it contains vitamins A and C, antioxidants that help prevent the cell damage scientists believe eventually leads to cancer.  But basil also contains a chemical (estragole) that produce liver tumors in mice, according to a report published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

The cancer risk, if any, from basil remains unclear.  Not even the most conservative herb critics advise caution when using basil.

No uterine stimulant has ever been identified in basil, but given its pervasive multicultural use as a menstruation promoter and labor inducer, pregnant women should probably limit their consumption to culinary amounts.

Despite its estragole content basil is on the Food and Drug Administration's list of herbs generally regarded as safe.  For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults who do not have live disease, basil is considered safe in amounts typically recommended.

Basil should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor.  If basil causes minor discomforts, such as stomach upset or diarrhea, use less or stop using it.  Let your doctor know if you experience unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks.

—Deterrent—

—References— “The Healing Herbs – The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature's Medicines” by – Michael Castleman

 Copyright 1991, ISBN: 0-87857-934-6, Page  62 – 65

—References— Wikipedia.org

—References– “Nutritional Herbology” A Reference Guide to Herbs By – Mark Pedersen ISBN: 1-885653-07-7 Copyright 2008

—References— “Healing Herbal Teas” A Complete Guide to Making Delicious, Healthful Beverages.  By – Brigitte Mars, A.H.G. ISBN – 13: 978-59120-110-6 and ISBN – 10: 1-59120-110-1 Copyright 2006

—References—  “Herbal Medicine” The Natural Way to Get Well and Stay Well; By Dian Dincin Buchman, Ph.D ISBN – 0-517-147647-x; Copyright 1996

—References— 

Recipe:

Recipe:

Definition – Estragole or p-allylanisole or methyl chavicol, is a natural organic compound. Its chemical structure consists of a benzene ring substituted with a methoxy group and a propenyl group. Estragole is a double-bond isomer of anethole. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid. It is the primary constituent of tarragon oil making up 60-75% of the oil. It is also found in pine oil and turpentine.

Estragole is used in perfumes and as a food additive for flavor.

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Ocimum basilicum

Ocimum sanctum

Cinnamon Basil

Generated on June 24, 2007

Updated on November 24, 2008