Lamiaceae
Basil Herb
Ocimum basilicum
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Tropical Asia, Africa
Also known as: Sweet Basil, Common Basil, Great Basil
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafFlower
Therapeutic Uses
Digestive complaints (flatulence, nausea, IBS), anxiety (mild), respiratory infections, skin conditions. Culinary medicine with genuine therapeutic properties. Daily use protective.
Herbal Actions
Antimicrobial, antispasmodic, carminative, antioxidant, adaptogenic (mild), anti-inflammatory, nervine
Active Constituents
Volatile oil (linalool, eugenol, methyl chavicol, 1,8-cineole), flavonoids (orientin, vicenin, apigenin), rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture⚗️ Essential Oil
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp fresh or 1 tsp dried per 250ml, steep 5 min covered, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Fresh basil highest essential oil. Do not overheat. Adaptogenic properties comparable to tulsi (related species). Eugenol: anti-inflammatory comparable to ibuprofen in lab studies. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Methyl chavicol — avoid therapeutic doses long-term. Large doses pregnancy — avoid. Generally safe.
Side Effects: GI upset (high doses). Contact sensitization (essential oil). Very safe at culinary/therapeutic doses.