January 7, 2013
Basil is an annual herb that likes full sun. It is best known for being used in Italian cooking and making pesto
Basil is easy to grow in the summertime either from seed or seedlings. Do not store basil in the fridge it does not like the cold and will turn an off colour. Trim the stalks and store in a pint glass with water on the counter which makes it easier to use in cuisine.
| Common Name |
Basil herb |
| Latin Name |
Ocimum basilicum |
| Family |
Lamiaceae (Mint) |
| Parts Used |
annual herb picked all through summer |
| Target Organs |
digestion, nerves, respiratory, urinary, reproductive system |
| Common Uses |
Digestive conditions: digestive upset, gas, bloating, inflammation, liver congestioninfections, digestive, IBS, mucus colitis, nausea, pain,
Nervous system: tension, stress, nervousness, fever, headache, exhaustion, depression, fatigue(mental, physical)
Respiratory: flu, congestion, coughs, colds, sinusitis, asthma
Reproductive system: infertility, Nutritive
Head: headaches, earache (external use only with essential oil), migraines
Used as insect repellent and for treating insect stings and bites. |
| Properties |
Anti-inflammatory, anticatarrhal, antispasmodic, antiseptic, anti-depressant, antimicrobial, antibacterial, astringent, emmenagogue, expectorant, digestive, relaxant, nervine, nutritive, hepatic, carminative, stimulant, warming, tonic, |
| Constituents |
Phenylpropanoids: eugenol, trans methyl isoeugenol,Monoterpene alcohols: linalool, geraniol,
Oxide: cineole
Phenol: methyl chavicol-40-50% Methyl ester: methyl cinnamate,
Monoterpenes: pinene, camphor, ocimene, mycrene, terpinolene,
Sesquiterpenes: caryophyllene, terpinolene;
Tannins 5%, saponins, flavones, ursolic acid |
| Cautions |
Mild remedy. Do not use during pregnancy |
| Dosage |
Tincture: 2-4ml Tea: 2 tsp steep 10 min
|
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Posted in Herbs, Natural Health, Recipes |
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January 7, 2013
There are many flavours of basil and it comes in purple or green varieties. There are many chemotypes of basil, depending on where it is grown, the chemical constituents are different, but they are all used the same way. In India it is called Holy basil.
Basil is a nerve tonic relieving mental fatigue while sharpening the senses, it gives the mind clarity and focus for concentration. The clarifying effects are like rosemary, and it is good to use with rosemary for headaches along with lavender and peppermint. The antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties of basil treat digestive and respiratory conditions.
| COMMON NAME |
BASIL |
| Latin Name |
Ocimum basilicum |
| Family |
Lamiaceae |
| Country of Origin |
Europe, Asia, Middle East, North America |
| Volatility |
Top note |
| Extraction |
Steam distilled from leaves |
| Colour |
colourless, pale amber |
| Aroma |
liquorice, sweet, |
| Caution Contraindications |
Do not use during pregnancy. May cause skin irritation. |
| Primary Uses |
Digestion: digestive upset, gas, bloating, inflammation, liver congestionRespiratory: sinus, flu, congestion, coughs, colds,Nervous: Stress, fatigue, mental, physical.Head: headaches, earache(external use only), migraines
Used as insect repellent and for treating insect stings and bites.
|
| Properties |
Anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anticatarrhal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, digestive, expectorant, emmenagogue, relaxant, stimulating/relaxing nervine, hepatic, stimulant, warming, tonic |
| Constituents |
Methyl ester: methyl cinnamate,Monoterpene alcohols: linalool, geraniol, Oxide: cineoleSesquiterpenes: caryophyllene, terpinolene,Phenol: methyl chavicol-40-50%
Phenylpropanoids: eugenol, trans methyl isoeugenol,
Monoterpenes: pinene, camphor, ocimene, mycrene, terpinolene,
|
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Basil is easy to grow in the summertime either from seed or seedlings. Do not store basil in the fridge it does not like the cold and will turn an off colour. Trim the stalks and store in a pint glass with water on the counter which makes it easier to use in cuisine.
