It can be found in moist and shaded places in the lowlands up to an altitude of 450 m. It is distributed across all islands in Indonesia (especially Sumbawa), and even in Asia, Europe, and South America.

The Sweet Basil plant can grow at altitudes between 1–1,100 m above sea level (m.a.s.l.). It prefers shaded and moist places but also requires morning sunlight. The Basil plant grows well at a soil pH of 6–7.5.

• Size Erect herb, highly fragrant, 0.6–1.6 m high.

• Stem (Batang) Brown, square (four-angled).

• Leaves (Daun) Simple (single), opposite arrangement, stalked (petiolate), 0.5–2 cm long. Ovate shape, the tip and base are somewhat tapering (acuminate). The leaf surface is slightly smooth and has glandular spots, pinnate venation, serrated margin. Length is 3.5–7.5 cm, width is 1.5–2.5 cm, dark green color.

• Flower (Bunga) White or purplish color. The outer side of the calyx is hairy, inverted ovate with an edge that narrows along the tube.

• Seed (Biji) Hard, dark brown. Swells when placed in water.

• Propagation is done vegetatively with cuttings and generatively with seeds.

Based on research, its volatile oil has antibacterial activity tested against S. aureus, S. enteritidis, and E. coli, and its antifungal activity is effective against C. albicans, P. notatum, and Microsporeum gypseum. Camphor, d-limonene, myrcene, and thymol have antirepellent activity, with the ability to kill insects up to 90% at concentrations of 113–283 ppm. Basil has also been used as an anti-expectorant. Additionally, it helps in weight loss, maintaining digestive health, controlling blood sugar levels, maintaining heart health, boosting the immune system, and helping to relieve stress.

Caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, myricene, rutin, quercetin. The entire herb contains volatile oils consisting of: 1,8-cineole, p-cymene, limonene, linalool, methylchavicol, methyl cinnamate, pinene, safrole, and alpha-terpinene.