Basil

Description

Ocimum basilicum, or sweet basil, is an annual aromatic green plant with an erect stem that grows to 20 - 60 cm in height. It has numerous branches with leaves that are ovate, pointed, opposite, and stalked. Some types of basil used as ornamentals have purple coloring to the leaves. Small white or purple flowers bloom in the summer and are characterized by two lip-like petals and are raceme in arrangement (Talalaj 1989; Wren 1994).

History

Basil originated in Asia (i.e., Thailand, India, and Pakistan) and was reportedly brought to ancient Greece by Alexander the Great in the mid 4th century BC. Basil later appeared in England in the 1500s (Basil 2003; Ogden 1990). It is currently cultivated worldwide (Wren 1994).

Basil has a rich history that can be traced as far back as the 3rd century BC to a reference made in the writings of the Greek philosopher Chrysippus of Soli (Basil 2003). In ancient times, and continuing through to its introduction to England, it was thought that if basil was crushed and placed under a stone, it would generate serpents (Parker 1841). Because of this, the origin of the common name comes from the Latin basilicum, the mythical basilisk creature – a giant serpent (Basil 2003; Ogden 1990). Upon ingestion, basil was also believed to cause scorpions to grow in the brain. Perhaps this is why it is associated with the astrological sign of Scorpio (Basil 2003; Parker 1841).

In India, basil is a sacred Hindu symbol of protection; thus, a sprig was buried with loved ones to protect them in the afterlife (Basil 2003; Ogden 1990). In Italy, basil represented love, for example a pot of basil on the windowsill served as a signal from a woman to her lover. Today, it is still called “bacia-nicola,” or “kiss me Nicolas” by Italians (Basil 2003; Ogden 1990).

By the 1800s, basil was regarded simply as a garden herb, to be used for the flavoring of foods (Parker 1841).

Current Medicinal Uses 

Although the effectiveness for the following medicinal uses has not been assessed, basil has many traditional uses. It is used as a diuretic and for gastrointestinal problems, such as for relief of flatulence and sensations of fullness, and for the stimulation of appetite and digestion.

Basil has been shown to have antimicrobial effects in vitro (Blumenthal 1998). It has also been used to treat urinary infections. Antibacterial effects on acne have been reported. Few data support these uses. (Talalaj 1989; Wren 1994).

Adverse effects

The essential oil of basil is up to 85% estragole, a compound that, when metabolized, has been shown to be hepatocarcinogenic in animals. Outside of culinary uses, basil should not be used when pregnant or lactating, nor should be administered to small children. The medicinal use of basil has not been proven and is not advised (Blumenthal 1998).

Comments 

Basil is used as an ornamental (Wren 1994). The herb has also been used traditionally as an insect repellent (Ogden 1990). Basil is also found in some aromatherapy items and is used in homeopathy (Talalaj 1989.

Basil is one of the most popular culinary herbs today. It blends well with oregano, thyme, and parsley. It is the primary ingredient in pesto and complements cheese, tomato, lamb, seafood, and chicken dishes (Ogden 1990).

References

Basil: An Herb Society of America Guide [Internet]. Kirtland (OH): Herb Society of America; c2003. Available from: http://www.herbsociety.org/basil/ index.php

Blumenthal M, Busse, Goldberg, Gruenwald, Hall, Klein, Riggins & Rister. The Complete German Commission E Monographs; Therapeutic guide to herbal medicines. 1st ed. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; 1998. p. 310 –311.

Ogden E. Growing and Using Basil. North Adams (MA): Storey Publishing LLC; 1990. p. 3.

Parker JW, editor. Basil. Saturday Magazine, Volume 19. London; West Strand; 1841 Jul. p. 67.

Talalaj S, Czechowicz AS. Herbal Remedies: Harmful and Beneficial Effects. Melbourne (AU): Hill of Content Publishing Pty Ltd; 1989. p. 58-59.

Wren RC. Basil. In: Williamson EM, Evans FJ, editors. Potter’s New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations. Essex (UK): CW Daniel Company, Limited; 1994. p. 26.

Disclaimer 

Information on this website is for educational purposes only. Many herbs historically used for medicine are considered too toxic to use today; some of these herbs have caused deaths. Do not ingest these herbs based on information on this website. We have not provided sufficient information for the safe medicinal use of any of these herbs, nor sufficient information for treatment of poisoning. All recreational use of these herbs is dangerous.