Ocimum basilicum
Basil
From its native India, sweet basil (O. basilicum) was introduced into Europe in ancient times. Views and traditions associated with the herb have been mixed. Some cultures associate it with hatred and misfortunes, while others regarded it as a love token. Dioscorides said that it should never be taken internally, while Pliny advised smelling it in vinegar for fainting fits. In Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil (O. sanctum) is known as tulsi and the juice is an important tonic.
Character: Sweet, pungent and slightly bitter, very warm and dry.
Constituents: Volatile oil (inc. estragol), tannins, basil camphor.
Actions: Antidepressant, antiseptic, stimulates the adrenal cortex, antiemetic, tonic, carminative, febrifuge, expectorant.
PARTS USED
LEAVES
Good for rubbing on insect bites, the leaves can also be taken as a warming and uplifting tonic for nervous exhaustion or any cold condition. Harvest before and during flowering.
OIL
The essential oil, extracted from the aerial parts, is a light greenish-yellow color, and in aromatherapy is often combined with hyssop, bergamot, or geranium oils as a stimulating massage for depression.
O. sanctum
JUICE
In Ayurvedic medicine the juice is an important tonic and is also recommended for snakebites, chills, coughs, and skin problems, or used as ear drops for earache.
APPLICATIONS
Essential oil
Baths: Use 5–10 drops in a bath for nervous exhaustion, mental fatigue, melancholy, or fear.
Chest rub: Use 5 drops in 10 ml or almond oil as a rub for asthma or bronchitis. Can be combined with thyme or hyssop oils.
Massage oil: Use the diluted oil for nervous weakness; can also be applied to prevent insect bites.
Leaves
Fresh herb: Rub leaves on insect bites to reduce itching and inflammation.
Tincture: This is almost as potent as the essential oil and can be combined with wood betony and skullcap in nervous conditions or with elecampane and hyssop for coughs and bronchitis.
Steam inhalant: Pour boiling water on basil leaves as an inhalant for head colds. Alternatively add 2–3 drops of the essential oil to a basin of very hot water and inhale.
Infusion: Combine with motherwort and drink a standard infusion immediately after childbirth to prevent a retained placenta.
Juice: Mix with a decoction of cinnamon and cloves for chills; combine 50:50 with honey as a syrup for coughs or use the same honey/basil juice mixture externally for ringworm and itching skin.
CAUTIONS:
• Basil oil should not be used in pregnancy.