Basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Brief Background:
The two primary types of basil are closely related: Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil), which is a staple of Italian and Asian cooking, and Ocimum sanctum (holy basil), which has a religious use or origin in different cultures. Both forms are native to India and Southeast Asia, although they are grown around the world.
Basil has been extensively used for its medicinal values by a number of cultures. Chinese medicine uses basil, Ocimum sanctum, for stomach spasms, kidney conditions, and promoting blood circulation, as well as for treating snake and insect bites.
In India, basil is known as tulsi, which translates as “incomparable one.” According to Ayurvedic tradition, tulsi is one of the best herbs to prepare the heart and mind for spiritual practices, resolve colds and flu, treat snake bites and many skin conditions, and reduce fever. Modern research on basil suggests that basil contains powerful antioxidants.
Expert Opinion and Historic Precedent:
Basil is found in or near almost every house throughout India. It is frequently grown in courtyards.
Many also believe that holy basil protects from disease like malaria. This may have some scientific basis because the plant’s scent does deter insects, such as flies and mosquitoes, which can spread such diseases.
In Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil leaves are used to treat many skin conditions, as well as ear aches, fevers, coughs, bronchitis and diabetes. Ingestion of leaf juice is used to treat skin conditions. Ayurvedic literature also indicates that it is very effective in the treatment of snake bites and can be mixed with ginger and given to young children with stomach aches or mixed with pepper to treat fevers. For chest infections, it is often mixed with honey, ginger, and onion juice.
Rosaries made from holy basil stems are commonly used as meditation beads.Basil is used in Siddha and Unani Medicine as a tonic and for fever, skin conditions, and coughs.
Natural Beauty: Basil is a natural astringent and helps to rejuvenate skin. The aromatic essence of basil encourages concentration, calms the nervous system, fights depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
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