Scientific name
Ocimum basilicum L.Family
LabiataeOrigin
Plant cultivated everywhere but imported from Asia and Africa.Parts Used
Drug consisting of leaves and aerial parts.
Chemical constituents
- Essential oil rich in estragolo (up to 85%), linalool, camphor, geraniol, methyl cinnamate, linalyl acetate, eugenol (in relation to the various chemotypes);
- Flavonoids;
- Caffeic acid and its derivatives.
Basil in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Basil
Basil, dried or fresh, as well as in cooking, can only be used as a corrector of the flavor of herbal teas used for digestive purposes.
In popular medicine, basil has a "galactogenic activity, but its veracity has not been proven scientifically.
Local compresses with fresh basil leaves, applied to the reddened area, soothe skin irritations.
