Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum Sanctum, Ocimum Spp.
Mint Family, Labiatae
Other Names
Basil, Common Basil, Sweet Basil, St.
Josephwort, Tulsi, Tulasi, Krishnamul, Kala Tulasi
Parts Used
Leaf, Herb
Active Compounds
Volatile oils (up to 28 percent methyl
cinnamate)
History
Basil has a rich and fanciful history.
It had been 'Herb royale' to the French, a sign of love to Italians,
and a sacred herb in India. The first century A.D. Roman naturalist
Pliny reported that basil relieves flatulence, which had been subsequently
proven true. In the Far East, the herb had been used as a cough medicine,
and in Africa, it has been used to expel worms. American colonists
considered Basil the essential ingredient in a snuff used to ease
headaches.
The tea made from the leaves of the basil plant is used for nausea,
gas pains, and dysentery. Tea made with basil and peppercorns is
a folk remedy to reduce fever.
Basil is antispasmodic, appetizer, carminative, galactagogue, and
stomachic. Basil is vary useful for ailments affecting stomach and
the related organs. It is used for stomach cramps, gastric catarrh,
vomiting, intestinal catarrh, constipation, and enteritis. It had
been sometimes used for whooping cough as an antispasmodic.
Uses: Coughs, colds, fevers, headaches, lung problems, abdominal
distention, absorption, arthritis, colon (air excess), memory, nasal
congestion, nerve tissue strengthening, purifies the air; sinus
congestion, clears the lungs, heart tonic; it frees ozone from sun's
rays and oxygenates the body, cleanses and clears the brain and
nerves; relieves depression and the effects of poisons; difficult
urination, prevents the accumulation of fat in the body (especially
for women after menopause), obstinate skin diseases, arthritis,
rheumatism, first stages of many .cancers, builds the immune system.
Tulsi contains trace mineral copper (organic form), needed to absorb
iron.
Description
An annual plant found wild in the tropical
and subtropical regions of the world. The bushy stems grows to 1 to
2 feet high. The toothed leaves are often purplish hued. The flowers
vary in color from white to red, sometimes with a tinge of purple,
appear from June to September. The plant emits a spicy scent when
bruised. This plant is an important ayurvedic herb. It is grown near
Indian houses. It is believed to purify air by discharging negative
ions. The plant is also believed to possess spiritual powers. For
example, it opens heart and mind, gives love, devotion, faith, compassion,
and clarity; cleanses the aura and it is believed to give Divine protection
in the Hindu Vedas. It is one of the two most sacred plants in India.
Dosage
Juice, infusion, powder, ghee
Steep 1 tsp of dried herb in 1/2 cup water. Take 1 to 1-1/2 cups
a day, mouthful at a time. Can be sweetened with honey if taken
for cough.
Safety
US: Generally recognized as safe
UK - General sales list
Canada- approved as an over-the-counter drug
France: Traditional Medicine
Germany: Not yet Commission E approved.
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