Basil

Food and health uses

•  Basil is an edible herb and is most commonly used fresh in cooked recipes.

• When soaked in water, the seeds of several basil varieties become gelatinous, and are used in Asian drinks and desserts.

• Basil has been used as a medicinal plant in treatment of headaches, coughs, diarrhea, constipation, stomach ache, warts, worms, and kidney malfunctions. It is also thought to be a stimulant, antispasmodic, carminative and insect repellent. 

• The oils of basil, especially the camphor-containing oil, have antibacterial properties.

More information

• Wikipedia

• Purdue University

• Missouri Botanical Garden