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Basil (sweet basil)
Ocimum basilicum "Sweet basil"
Ocimum minimum "Bush basil"
This page contains information on basil and how it is used as a herb in alternative herbal treatments, to treat ailments and problems, such as fever, flu, colds, digestion, nausea, cramps and acne, stings, as well as skin infections.
On this page
Please note that we are not advocating that people stop using their normal medication, but would like to make people aware that some alternative therapies can be very effective to help treat problems and create a healthier, younger and more vital you. For more information on our range of products, please click here.
Although we believe in the therapeutic and healing properties of herbs, care must be taken in the use thereof, as they are powerful compounds.
Family |
Lamiaceae |
Genus and specie |
Ocimum basilicum "Sweet basil"
Ocimum minimum "Bush basil" |
Lua le.
There are different types of basil plants, usually showing differing leaf coloration with varying scents and flavors, two of which are discussed here.
Bush and sweet basil have tender bright green foliage, which emit a spicy, clove-like aroma. Sweet basil leaves have a stronger perfume than bush basil and are smaller. Both varieties bear small, white, lipped flowers in autumn. Sweet basil grows to 75 cm and bush basil to 30 cm.
The leaves are usually dried and used for medicinal, culinary and cosmetic purposes, as well as the essential oil, yet the seeds or roots are rarely used.
Restorative, warming, aromatic, mildly sedative herb that lowers fever, relaxes spasms, improves digestion and is effective against internal parasites and bacteria. It is also used in skin ointments for stress-induced skin complaints.
- Internal use
- Basil has been an herbal remedy, used for ages to treat diseases of
- the brain
- heart
- lungs
- bladder
- reviving vitality (when infused as a tea)
- Basil is normally used to combat
- colds and influenza
- poor digestion
- nausea
- abdominal cramps
- gastro-enteritis
- migraine
- insomnia
- when your spirits are low
- anxiety
- exhaustion
- The leaves are added to salads and are used to flavor tomato based dishes, pasta and vegetables.
- External use
- The leaves are dried and used as a snuff to combat headaches and colds.
- It is also used for acne, loss of smell, insect bites and stings, snakebite and skin irritations.
- Cosmetically, basil is used as the main ingredient for an aromatic body rub, which tones the skin.
- An infusion of basil in wine is also used on the skin to close enlarged pores.
- Aromatherapy and essential oil use
- Basil essential oil is used with great success for headaches and helps to reduce allergies due to the effect it has on the adrenal cortex, which controls allergies related to stress.
- Since it can imitate the female hormone, estrogen (oestrogen), it is useful with menstrual problems - insufficient periods and engorgement of the breasts.
- It benefits congested skin and helps to control acne.
- It has the following properties:
- analgesic
- anti-depressant
- antiseptic
- antispasmodic
- carminative
- digestive
- emmenagogue
- energizing
- expectorant
- insecticide
- nervine
- tonic
- and uplifting
Basil essential oil should not be used during pregnancy or in children under 16 years. The essential oil may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and should not be used in the bath.
To promote the interest and use of herbs and natural complementary health alternatives, we have included information on the following herbs.
Please note - although we discuss a wide variety of herbs, not all of them are used or sold by us.
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