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BASIL - HERBAL OVERVIEW
BASIL
Ocimum Basilicum Common Basil, Sweet Basil, Garden Basil, Royal Herb, French Basil, Luole, St. Josephwort, Arjaka (Sweet Basil is not to be confused with Holy Basil (Tulsi) used in Ayurvedic medicine),
BASIL, HOLY
Ocimum Sanctum Holy Basil, Tulsi (Sanskrit Name)
BASIL PLANT DESCRIPTION
Basil varieties are known for their distinctive flavor and essential oil. Bush and Sweet Basil have tender green foliage. Its leaves have a spicy, clove-like scent and an aromatic taste. Sweet basil leaves have a stronger smell than bush and the leaves are a bit smaller. Both types have small, white, flowers in autumn. The leaves are usually the part used for medicine and food. The seeds and roots are seldom used, but they can be. In India, Basil is one of the most important plants, second only to lotus.
A member of the labiate family, basil can grow to a height of 24 inches and is related to peppermint. Basil grows in North America as an annual garden herb, where it loves heat and hates frost. The herb does best in sunny areas that are protected from the wind. It is believed to been native to India, but today more than 150 varieties are grown worldwide.
Sweet Basil: Common Basil: Fresh basil leaves have a unique aroma not even approximated by any other herb, making them an essential ingredient in cuisines of countries all over the world. There are hundreds of species and their hybrids marketed as basil, but the herb most commonly used in herbal medicine is the Mediterranean or "sweet" basil (although arguably Thai basil is sweeter). Basil produces its essential oils in glands in its leaves that have to be activated by UV-B rays from the sun; the best quality basil is grown in hot, sunny climates. Basil is used as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes, soaps, shampoos, and other body care products. Reportedly it has been used in the Far East for centuries for a variety of ailments, including head colds, a cure for warts, worms, as an appetite stimulant, carminative, and as a diuretic, among others.
Holy Basil: Tulsi: Holy Basil is commonly grown in Hindu homes and it is a sacred plant in the Hindu religion. In fact a Hindu household is considered incomplete if there is not a Tulsi plant in the courtyard. Native to India, it grows wild in Asia and Malaysia, and has a long tradition of use in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is considered the most sacred herb in India. Devotees of Vishnu may wear necklaces made of Tulsi seeds because it is written that it is the plant that pleases him the most. It is also written that Tulsi was the incarnation of a princess who fell in love with the Lord Krishna, but had a curse laid upon her by his consort Radha. The Latin name Ocimum sanctum means "sacred fragrant lipped basil" or "the incomparable one". Holy Basil has also been called by many other names including the "Queen of Herbs", "The Elixir of Life", and the "Mother Medicine of Nature". Ayurvedic medicine teaches that Tulsi is classified as a "Rasyana": an herb that nourishes a person's growth to perfect health and promotes long life. There are three distinct varieties of Tulsi: Vana, which grows wild in the forests, Krishna, which is entirely purple, and Rama, the most commonly found type. The type offered by Mountain Rose Herbs is of the Rama variety.
PLANT PARTS USED
Basil leaves are used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Dried leaf in teas or essential oils for topical application. Basil essential oil is used for various external medicinal purposes, such as compresses for treating arthritic conditions, massage oils, and as a hair tonic. As a spice leaves can liberally be used in foods.
Tulsi is traditionally taken as an herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf, or mixed with ghee.
BASIL CONSTITUENTS / COMPONENTS
Basil leaves are rich in an essential oil called estragol that is comprised primarily of methylchavicol. The oil is credited for basil's antispasmodic and germicidal effect. Basil also contains saponines, tannins, flavonoids, and a great deal of calcium.
Sweet Basil; Common Basil: Basil has a unique aroma because of the many constituents of its essential oil. The oil contains 1,8-cineol, citral, eugenol, linalool, methyl chavicol, methyl cinnamate in relatively large quantities and bisabolene, camphor, cryophyllene, geraniol, and ocimene in smaller quantities influencing taste and action in the body.
Holy Basil; Tulsi: Eugenol app., B-caryophyllene, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes viz, pinene, sitosterol, elemene, bornyl acetate, methyleugenol, neral, camphene, a-pinene, ursolic acid, campesterol, cholesterol, stigmasterol, and methyl esters of common fatty acids.
BASIL HISTORY
Basil is an aromatic annual, native to tropical Asia and Africa and introduced into Europe in ancient times. The herb grows to a height of two to three feet and is now widely cultivated not only for its medicinal properties, but also for its culinary value as a flavoring agent. The high esteem in which this herb is held may be derived from its word origins. Its English name and botanical specific may come from the Greek, basilikon, meaning king, or the Latin basilicus, meaning royal.
Once believed to possess magical powers, basil was considered by ancient people to be an elixir of love and a charm. Others, such as the Romans, recognized its healing properties and used it to aid digestion and counteract poisons. It also enjoyed a royal history having been buried with Egyptian kings in the great pyramids. It was used as an embalming herb.
While basil dates back to biblical times when it was allegedly seen growing or strewn around Christ's tomb, some cultures associated it with hatred and misfortune; others regarded it as a love token and a powerful protector.
The first century AD Roman naturalist Pliny reported that basil relieves flatulence and stomach cramps, he also recommended smelling Basil in vinegar for fainting. American colonists considered Basil the essential ingredient in a snuff used to ease headaches.
Haitian merchants have been known to sprinkle their toes with it to ward off bad luck and attract buyers. In the Caribbean and parts of Mexico, Basil was used to return a lover's roving eye and to attract money. It has been called "Herb Royal" to the French, a sign of love to the Italians and a sacred herb in India.
There is a strange old superstition that connected the plant with scorpions. Parkinson tells us that being gently handled it gave a pleasant smell but being hardly wrung and bruised would breed scorpions. It is also observed that scorpions did rest and abide under the pots where Basil is planted. It was generally believed that if a sprig of Basil were left under a pot it would in time turn to a scorpion. Superstition went so far as to affirm that even smelling the plant might bring a scorpion into the brain. According to 17th century botanist Tournefort there was a Gentleman of Siena that snuffed Basil powder up his nose. In a short time he turned mad and died; his head being opened by the local surgeons, a nest of scorpions was found. In keeping with this "Superstition" some would believe the name Basil came from the legendary Basilisk, a mythical serpent who could kill with a glance or a breath.
In India the Basil plant is sacred to both Krishna and Vishnu, and is cherished in every Hindu house. Probably on account of its virtues, in disinfecting, and vivifying malarious air, it first became inseparable from Hindu houses in India as the protecting spirit of the family. Every good Hindu goes to his rest with a Basil leaf on his breast. This is his passport to Paradise. In Ayurvedic medicine, Basil is widely used for snakebites and as a general tonic for chills, coughs, skin problems and earaches. Its chemical components include essential oils (including estragol, eugenol, lineol, linalol), tannins, caffeic acid, vitamin C and beta-carotene.
In Jewish lore, Basil was said to lend strength while fasting, even simply by holding it in the hand.
' There is so much more legends and superstitions regarding the Basil Herb. Today, science has shown that there are medicinal values to this herb, as you may read below.
Some of the information and the above history about basil was obtained from Botanical.com: A Modern Herbal - Basil, Sweet.
BASIL USES
BASIL IN THE KITCHEN
Basil, widely grown as a kitchen herb, is used fresh or dried to flavor meats, fish, salads, pizza, soup and sauces. The dried leaves have a fragrant aroma faintly reminiscent of anise, and a warm, sweet, aromatic, mildly pungent flavor. Since the delicate aroma of basil is quickly destroyed by cooking, basil leaves are frequently sprinkled over cold or warm dishes before serving.CAPRI SALAD (Capriccio Caprese)
For 6 persons:
4 ripe tomatoes 1 pound 1.5 ounces Mozzarella cheese
2 teaspoons finely chopped capers
6 tablespoons olive oil
salt
1 tablespoon vinegar
10 basil leaves
Cut the tomatoes into fairly thin slices and the Mozzarella cheese into slices that are slightly thinner. Arrange the slices, alternating tomatoes and Mozzarella, on a serving dish. Prepare a sauce by blending oil, salt, vinegar and chopped capers. Pour over the tomatoes and cheese and garnish with basil leaves.
PESTO SAUCE
Place in a food processor 2 cups basil leaves, lightly packed, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 2 tablespoons parsley sprigs, and process until fine. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons grated Parmiggiano-Reggiano cheese, 2 tablespoons pine nuts, and dash salt and pepper, and whir to blend.
Pesto is usually served with pasta. Besides tasting excellent, pesto is also efficient in conserving basil, even without deep-freezer (although it does keep better frozen).
THAI CHICKEN WITH BASIL
1-1/3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4), cut into 1-by-2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
1.5 tablespoons Soy sauce
1 tablespoon water
1.5 teaspoons Sugar
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 large onion, cut into thin slices
3 fresh red Chiles, seeds and ribs removed, cut into thin slices, or 1/4 teaspoon dried red-pepper flakes
3 Cloves Garlic, minced
1.5 cups lightly packed Basil leaves
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with the fish sauce, Soy sauce, water, and sugar. In a large non-stick frying pan or a wok, heat the oil over moderately high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Stir in the Chiles and garlic; cook, stirring, 30 seconds longer.
Remove the chicken from the marinade with a slotted spoon and add it to the hot pan. Cook until almost done, stirring, about 3 minutes. Add the marinade and cook 30 seconds longer. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup of the basil. Serve topped with the remaining 1/2 cup basil.
BASIL USED MEDICINALLY
Basil is most useful with the stomach and its related organs. As an aromatic herb, Basil tea is considered a fine appetizer, and as a mild stimulant, it has also been used very effectively in cases of complete exhaustion. When taken internally, basil is known for digestive difficulties, to ease a nervous stomach, reduce intestinal gas and alleviate constipation and bloating. Its properties stimulate the appetite and digestive juices while soothing inflamed mucous membranes. Basil tea can be used for vomiting, nausea, gas pains, menopause, and enteritis. This herb helps to stimulate the appetite, and relieves indigestion, cramps, and colic. Nursing women may benefit from this gentle tonic that helps to expel gas in the infant and increases lactation (breast milk) in the mother.
Basil improves blood circulation. Basil tea can reduce a fever, colds, flu, coughs, and sinusitis. Tea made with basil and peppercorns is a folk remedy to reduce fever. it is sometimes used to treat whooping cough and headaches. This herb can be used for treating nervous irritability, tiredness, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. The leaves can be rubbed on insect bites and hives.
In Ayurvedic medicine, the juice is recommended for snakebites, as a general tonic, for chills, coughs, rheumatoid arthritis, anorexia, skin problems, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, malaria, and earaches, but mainly used in the cases of fever. Since Holy Basil is used to reduce blood pressure, it is thought to have closeness for the heart, also to help the body to adapt to new demands and stresses. The essential oil is said to allay mental fatigue and be helpful as an antidepressant. Try basil for sleep disorders and headaches.
Because of the herb's antibacterial properties, basil is favored as a supporting measure for a variety of infections, including gastrointestinal difficulties, inhibits organisms that cause dysentery, and urinary tract infections and kidney discomforts. Basil is used as an antiseptic.
Make a poultice from basil by simmering the herb for two minutes. Squeeze out the liquid, and apply to wounds that are slow to heal, as well as to fungal infections.
Even a sore throat may be soothed by gargling a basil infusion. Basil has also been used as a gargle or mouthwash for thrush, as a bath herb for increased energy and as an eyewash for tired eyes.
Sweet Basil; Common Basil: While most of us are familiar with basil as a culinary herb, the applications of basil in natural health are not as well known. It was first described in a Chinese herbal around 1060 C.E, and has been used for stomach spasms and kidney ailments there ever since. The Chinese have also used it to treat snakebites and insect bites. The essential oil is antibacterial, and drops of basil oil may relieve ear infections. European scientists are investigating the use of basil oil as treatment for antibiotic resistant infections with Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas. There are some indications basil oil may help restore immune function damaged by stress. Basil oil also helps the active ingredients of other herbs more readily penetrate the skin when basil oil is added to ointments, liniments, and salves. Dried basil leaf can be added directly to food or drunk as a tea (1/2 teaspoon of dried herb steeped for 10 minutes in 1 cup of boiling water in a closed container) to relieve flatulence and fullness.
BASIL ESSENTIAL OIL INFORMATION
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distillation
Parts Used: Leaves and flowering tops
Note Classification: Top
Aroma: Fresh, warm, spicy, herbaceous
Largest Producing Countries: USA, France, Italy, Egypt, Bulgaria, and Hungary
Traditional Use: Basil is a sacred plant in India, and used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used as a strewing herb to reduce odors, and has many culinary applications.
Properties: Antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, nervine, stimulant of the adrenal cortex, stomachic, tonic.
Benefits: Abrasions, anxiety, bronchitis, colds, coughs, depression, flatulence, fatigue, infection, insect bites and repellant, sinus infection, whooping cough. Basil can be added to a hair tonic to help stimulate growth.
Blends Well With: Bergamot, citronella, citrus oils, clary sage, geranium, hyssop, opopanax, rosemary.
Of Interest: Basil has many aromatic properties. Ocimum is derived from the Greek word osme, which means "to smell".
Safety Data: High doses may be carcinogenic due to its methyl chavicol content, and it should be avoided if you suffer from liver problems. Always dilute before using as it is a potential skin irritant. It may trigger epileptic seizures in susceptible individuals. Avoid while pregnant.
Holy Basil; Tulsi: Holy Basil, or Tulsi, is an important symbol in the Hindu religion and it is a significant herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Holy Basil has been used for thousands of years as a prime herb in Ayurvedic treatment, and is mentioned in the Charak Samhita (the central teaching of Ayurvedic medicine) which was written at least two thousand years ago. In India, Hindus grow Tulsi as a religious plant in their homes and temples, and the leaves are an important part of their meditation and worship. Holy Basil is used in Ayurvedic medicine for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria. Holy Basil is considered an adaptogen, which means that it assists the body adapt to stress (environmental, physical, or chemical), restore balance in the body, and normalize body functions. It is currently being studied for its beneficial properties and has been found to be effective for cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, stress, wound healing, the immune system, inflammations, liver support and protection, hypoglycemic conditions, ulcers, digestion, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, radiation poisoning, cataracts, the memory, respiratory system, urinary problems, eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions, and it is an antioxidant.
BASIL DOSAGE INFORMATION
Basil comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. To prepare in infusion, steep 1 teaspoon dried herb in 1/2-cup water. Take 1 to 1.5 cups a day, a mouthful at a time. Can be sweetened with honey if using for a cough. Seek the advice of a healthcare provider or herbalist if using the oil internally to treat your condition. For other formulations, read and follow product label directions.
Basil Botanical Powder: Approximately 600 mg. each capsule. 1/2 teaspoon of powder is about equal to one capsule. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate. You could also mix it with orange juice. The citric acid in the orange juice will help to mask any unpleasant powder tastes.
METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION
BASIL SAFETY & INTERACTION INFORMATION
Basil is generally regarded as safe when taken in the recommended doses; however, Basil oil is not to be used externally or internally in pregnancy. The German Commission E advised caution in the use of basil because of the estragole in its essential oil might cause cancer, but later testing indicated that an increased risk of cancer would only occur in persons who ate approximately 1,000 kilograms (over a ton) of the herb daily, a finding so impossible as to suggest the Commission's precaution was completely unwarranted. Nonetheless, the safety of the herb has not been established for pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children under six.
Do not use the essential oil on sensitive skin or during pregnancy. Also, as with any essential oil, never take internally.
Holy Basil is not recommended for use if pregnant, nursing, or are considering becoming pregnant (may have an anti-fertility effect). Do not administer to infants or toddlers. May lower blood sugar, consult a health care provider if hypoglycemic (in separate studies, it has also been shown to be beneficial for those with hypoglycemia). Holy Basil has mild blood thinning properties.
BASIL SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Herbal Remedies: Aromatherapy Scent Inhaler, Appetite Control With Pure Essential Oils
Each pocket-sized essential oil inhaler helps to address our unhealthy habits and daily concerns. They work by coordinating positive affirmations with a scientific blend of natural plant extracts. Scents: rosemary, basil, clove and black pepper.
Herbal Remedies: Aromatherapy Scent Inhaler, Hangover Helper With Pure Essential Oils
Hangover Helper Scent Inhaler is a natural hangover remedy. The pure essential oils were selected for their known hangover relief benefits to reduce the side effects of excessive alcohol consumption and debauchery.
Herbal Remedies: Aromatherapy Scent Inhaler, Study Buddy With Pure Essential Oils
The pure essential oils used in the Sturdy Buddy Scent Inhaler were selected specifically by Earth Solutions for their known benefits in improving concentration and recall. Helps students to avert studying for hours only to go blank during the test.
Herbal Remedies: Basil Essential Oil, 1 oz.
Basil Essential Oil is one of a collection of NOW Essential Oil products.
Herbal Remedies: Breathe Deep Tea, Certified Organic, Yogi Tea, 16 Tea Bags
Breathe Deep Yogi Tea is an Ayurvedic blend of herbs and spices formulated to enhance healthy breathing.
Herbal Remedies: Holy Basil Extract, Vegetarian, Herbal Remedies USA, 300 mg, 60 Liquid VCaps
Basil improves blood circulation, relieves gas pains, and is used as an aid for indigestion. Basil tea may help reduce the symptoms of a fever, colds, flu, coughs, sinusitis, and stomach cramps.
Herbal Remedies: Holy Basil Extract, NOW Foods, 90 VCaps
Holy Basil has been used to enhance the body's ability to respond to stress and minimize the negative effects of stress on the body.
Herbal Remedies: Holy Basil, Vegetarian, Nature's Way, 450 mg, 60 VCaps
Nature's Way Holy Basil Extract is standardized to 2.5% ursolic acid and is typically used to relieve stress and nervous tension.
Herbal Remedies: Lime Basil All Natural Goat Milk Soap, Zum Indigo Wild, 1 Bar, 3 oz.
Lime Basil All Natural Goat Milk Soap smells like someone's making a shower with tangy overtones and spicy undertones.
Herbal Remedies: Tulsi Leaf Powder (Holy Basil), Certified Organic, Banyan Botanicals, 1/2 lb.
Certified Organic Tulsi (Holy Basil) Leaf Powder (Ocimum sanctum) Commonly known as holy basil, this herb is used in Ayurveda as a heart tonic and to purify and invigorate the body and mind.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Basil Leaf (Ocimum Basilicum), Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Herbs: Basil Leaf, Holy (Ocimum Sanctum), Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Herbs: Basil Essential Oil (Ocimum Basilicum), Certified Organic, Essential Aromatherapy Oils
Shaman Shop: Basil & Lavender Masque, Kaya Ayurvedic Skin Care, 2.3 oz.
Shaman Shop: Basil Leaf Powder (Ocimum Basilicum), Kalyx, 2.2 lbs. Bulk
Shaman Shop: Basil Leaf, Herbal Extracts Plus, 90 VCaps
Shaman Shop: Basil Leaf (Ocimum Basilicum), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Bulk
Shaman Shop: Basil Leaf (Ocimum Basilicum), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Frontier, 1 lb. Bulk
Shaman Shop: Basil Leaf Powder (Ocimum Basilicum), Domestic, Frontier, 1 lb. Bulk
Shaman Shop: Basil Leaf Sweet, Imported Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic, Frontier, 1 lb.
Shaman Shop: Basil Sweet French Essential Oil, Starwest Botanicals, 4 fl. oz.
Shaman Shop: Basil, Sweet Organic Essential Oil, Aura Cacia, 1/3 oz.
Shaman Shop: Basil, Genovese Sweet, Certified Organic Seeds, Seeds of Change, 6 Packets
Shaman Shop: Basil, Lemon, Certified Organic Seeds, Seeds of Change, 6 Packets
Shaman Shop: Basil, Thai, Certified Organic Seeds, Seeds of Change, 6 Packets
Herbal Remedies: Basil Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Basil Information
NUTRITION-HERBAL LINKS
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