Basil originates from the regions of Asia, Africa, and South America. It is widespread in tropical and subtropical areas. This plant has been used as a medicinal and aromatic plant for centuries until now. It produces essential oil and is widely used in cosmetics, perfumes, and soaps. In Indonesia, the plant is used as a complement to main dishes and as a raw vegetable accompaniment (lalapan).

Grows in areas at altitudes of 400–1,100 meters above sea level with an annual temperature of 18–27°C, fertile soil, rainfall of 1,000–1,600 mm/year, well-drained soil, and an optimal pH of 5.5–6.5. It requires direct sunlight (at least 5 hours) every day.

• Root: Taproot.

• Stem: Erect, soft, highly branched.

• Leaves: Single, shaped like a lance or oval, upright and long, light green, distinctively scented, with serrated edges.

• Flower: Small, white or purplish-white compound flowers, arranged in erect racemes, having 5 lip-shaped petals.

• Seed: Hard type, dark brown to black in color.

• Propagation: Generative and vegetative.Generative: Sow seedlings, transfer to the field after reaching a height of 5–8 cm. Seedlings are pruned to stimulate branching and growth.Stem Cuttings: Cut the stem section with 4–5 pairs of leaves, below the fifth node from the shoot tip. Roots grow in 3–4 weeks.

Eliminates body and mouth odor, stimulates central nervous system activity, estrogen and androgen hormones, boosts the immune system and breast milk production, widens capillary vessels, prevents coronary heart disease, and prevents infertility.

Essential oils (methyl chavicol, linalool, β-caryophyllene, 1,8-cineole, eugenol, saponin glycosides, α-cubebene, geranyl acetate, (E)-β-ocimene, geraniol, δ-guaiene, α-terpineol, myrcene), terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins.