[This article contains information on medicinal herbalism, read our Medical Disclaimer here.]
Botanical name: Ocimum basilcum
Sweet basil and Common basil
The root word of basil comes from the Greek word basileus which means "King", referring to basil being the "king of all herbs".
Other types of basil: Tulsi/ Holy basil
Family Labiatae or Lamiaceae
Origin
Basil is native to the tropical regions of Asia and Africa. There are many variations of basil grown all over the world, each with a unique chemical composition that dependent of their environmental factors like nutrients in the soil, temperature, amount of water, and geographic location.
Botany
Basil is an annual herb, which grows to 0.5m in height.
Historical use
Basil has been used extensively in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Energetics warming
Essential oils
Steam distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of O. basilicum.
Aromatherapy
The scent is awakening, clarifying and stimulating. Lifts the spirit. Recommended for those who are physically or mentally exhausted, suffer from nervous depression and have become complacent and melancholic.
See psychological and metaphysical uses below
Basil
King of all herbs
Therapeutic actions
Analgesic: pain reliever
Anti-depressive: elevates mood
Anti-septic: inhibits microbial growth
Anti-fungal: inhibits fungal growth
Anti-viral: destroys micro-organisms which cause viral infections.
Anti-spasmodic: relieves involuntary spasm of muscle
Carminative: relieves flatulence
Diaphoretic: promotes perspiration
Digestive: aids in digestion
Emmenagogue: stimulates the menstrual cycle
Expectorant: expels mucus from the nasal passages
Febrifuge: reduces fever
Nervine Tonic: calms the nerve
Uses
Digestive system
Useful in digestive disorders such as vomiting, gastric spasms, nausea, hiccups, constipation, flatulence, indigestion, loss of appetite.
Basil also helps to remedy bad breath, by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Chew on a basil leaf or add basil into culinary dishes regularly.
Nervous system
Basil is reputed to clear the head, relieve intellectual fatigue, and give strength and clarity to the mind.
Can be used in nervous disorders, including those that involve weakness, indecision, and hysteria.
Basil is recommended for those in need of protection, those who feel vulnerable from an illness or experience nervous exhaustion.
Remarkably relaxing, due to its high methyl ester content.
Helpful for headaches.
Recommended for those who worry at night due to it's carminative and sedative properties.
Circulatory system
Basil is beneficial for lowering high blood pressure. For this, add basil into culinary dishes often.
Immune system
Sudorific and febrifuge properties make basil effective at relieving all types of fever. In Ayurvedic medicine, basil is combined with black pepper for fever.
Respiratory system
Antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties found in basil are beneficial for relief of sinus congestion, asthma, bronchitis, influenza, whooping cough, and emphysema.
Expectorant properties stimulate the micro-hairs lining the airways, expelling mucus. Beneficial for any ailment with nasal and chest congestion.
Reproductive system
Emmenagogues are recommended for those delayed menstruation, scanty periods and abdominal cramps. Emmenagogues contain phytoestrogens that balance out the hormones of the female reproductive system.
Skincare
Used in low dilutions to improve the tone and appearance of the skin.
Warts
Acne, blemishes, and sores
Insect repellent
here’s where i source my basil
Psychological and metaphysical uses
For those who are in need of rejuvenation. When we are fatigued and weary of mind, basil offers strength and renewal.
Gender essence: masculine/ Yang
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Powers: Love, exorcism, wealth, protection
Use to facilitate forgiveness, useful for mending a fight between lovers. Use in a perfume to attract love. Used in love divinations, wealth rituals. "Where it [basil] is, no evil can live."
Safety
Basil oil with a high content of methyl cinnamate and methyl chavicol should be used carefully because it can have an irritating effect on those with sensitive skin. Dilute in a carrier oil before applying to the skin. Apply sunscreen after.
Safe for children, and pregnant or nursing women when used in culinary, teas, and very low amounts of diluted basil essential oil.
Drug interactions
There are no known drug interactions with basil.
Application
Culinary, basil is a common ingredient in dishes, it adds flavor and considering all the health benefits, it's worth adding a few basil leaves to your daily cooking. Basil leaves can also be brewed into a tea.
Topical, apply the essential oil (combined with a carrier oil) or make an oil infusion with the dried leaves. Apply this anywhere on the body.
Inhalation, use in aromatherapy.
Sincerely,
Emilee Wright
A Mercurial Consciousness