While most of us are familiar with basil as a culinary herb, the applications of basil in natural health are not as well known. It was first described in a Chinese herbal around 1060 C.E, and has been used for stomach spasms and kidney ailments there ever since. The Chinese have also used it to treat snakebites and insect bites. The essential oil is antibacterial, and drops of basil oil may relieve ear infections. European scientists are investigating the use of basil oil as treatment for antibiotic resistant infections with Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas.  
 
There are some indications basil oil may help restore immune function damaged by stress. Basil oil also helps the active ingredients of other herbs more readily penetrate the skin when basil oil is added to ointments, liniments, and salves. Dried basil leaf can be added directly to food or drunk as a tea (1/2 teaspoon of dried herb steeped for 10 minutes in 1 cup of boiling water in a closed container) to relieve flatulence and fullness. 
 
Fresh basil leaves have a unique aroma not even approximated by any other herb, making them an essential ingredient in cuisines of countries all over the world. There are hundreds of species and their hybrids marketed as basil, but the herb most commonly used in herbal medicine is the Mediterranean or "sweet" basil (although arguably Thai basil is sweeter).  
 
Basil produces its essential oils in glands in its leaves that have to be activated by UV-B rays from the sun; the best quality basil is grown in hot, sunny climates. Basil is used as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes, soaps, shampoos, and other body care products. Reportedly it has been used in the Far East for centuries for a variety of ailments, including head colds, a cure for warts, worms, as an appetite stimulant, carminative, and as a diuretic, among others. 
 
Also known as: Ocimum basilicum, Sweet Basil, Garden Basil, and Common Basil. Not to be confused with holy basil(tulsi)used in Ayurvedic medicine.

---

SUGGESTED USAGE
The essential oil used topically. As a spice it can liberally used in foods. 
 
Precautions: The German Commission E advised caution in the use of basil because of the estragole in its essential oil might cause cancer, but later testing indicated that an increased risk of cancer would only occur in persons who ate approximately 1,000 kilograms (over a ton) of the herb daily, a finding so impossible as to suggest the Commission's precaution was completely unwarranted. Nonetheless, the safety of the herb has not been established for pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children under six.

Chinese Name:
Item Weight:
Item Dimension:
Case Weight:
Case Dimension:
Case Quantity: 0
Pack Quantity: 0
Lead Time: 0
Retail Price: $28.98
Other Spec:

Basil has a unique aroma because of the many constituents of its essential oil. The oil contains 1,8-cineol, citral, eugenol, linalool, methyl chavicol, methyl cinnamate in relatively large quantities and bisabolene, camphor, cryophyllene, geraniol, and ocimene in smaller quantities influencing taste and action in the body.

Editor's rating: 8.5 out of 10
User's rating: 0% 0%

USER'S OPINION  

GUARANTEE/ SHIPPING INFORMATION
Organic Basil Leaf - Ocimum basilicum, 1 lb is shipped in a discrete, unmarked package. Orders are processed immediately and usually takes about 3 to 5 working days to be received. We do ask that you try it for 2 to 3 weeks to feel the full effects. Any information received is used only for order processing and shipping purposes. Your information, such as e-mail address, will never be disclosed to a third party.

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS

Holy Basil Trinity Blend - Stress Management Formula, 60 softgels, (Enzymatic Therapy)

Imported Basil Leaf Flakes - 1 lb, (Frontier)

YOU MAY ALSO NEED...

Holy Basil - supports the body’s response to physical and emotional stress, 90 vcaps, (New Chapter)

Simply Organic Basil - 0.54 oz, (Frontier)