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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