| Latin Name |
| Ocimum basilicum |
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| Herb Forms |
| Bulk herb, essential oil. |
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| Dosages |
Infusion: 2-3 cups 2-3 x daily
Oil: 1-2 drops in a cup of herbal tea |
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| Cautions |
| Not for long-term use; avoid during pregnancy and nursing in large doses. |
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| Botanical Information |
| A small bushy aromatic herb which grows up to two feet tall and has opposite leaves, square stems, and small white flowers. |
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| Description |
Basil leaves are of value medicinally to treat indigestion and nausea, and a poultice has proven to be of benefit to some for acne. Basil has also been used for headache {including migraines}, to promote lactation, and as an appetite stimulant and carminative. In Chinese medicine, it is used for inflammation of the eyes as a wash. Essential oil of basil is used in baths or compresses as a nerve tonic for excess mental activity.
Basil has a taste of SPICY and a temperature of COOL. |
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| References |
| Blumenthal, Mark et al. 1998. The Complete Commission E Monographs. Austin: American Botanical Council.
Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.
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