 |
| Browse Plants Articles |
 |
| Bamboo Lichen Grass Bulb Perennial Climber Tree Annual/Perennial Biennial/Perennial Annual/Biennial Shrub Annual Climber Fern Corm Climber Perennial Annual Biennial |
| Power Search! |
| Browse Botanic Names |
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
| Sponsored By KhorWills |
| We would like to thank the team from Khor Wills & Associates for their support & assistance in ensuring this site is free for all.  Digital Forensic and IT Risk Experts |
Ocimum basilicum Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal Information: Sweet basil has been used for thousands of years as a culinary and medicinal herb. It acts principally on the digestive and nervous systems, easing flatulence, stomach cramps, colic and indigestion[254]. The leaves and flowering tops are antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, digestive, galactogogue, stomachic and tonic[7, 14, 21, 178, 218]. They are taken internally in the treatment of feverish illnesses (especially colds and influenza), poor digestion, nausea, abdominal cramps, gastroenteritis, migraine, insomnia, depression and exhaustion[238]. Externally, they are used to treat acne, loss of smell, insect stings, snake bites and skin infections[238]. The leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season and are used fresh or dried[238]. The mucilaginous seed is given in infusion in the treatment of gonorrhoea, dysentery and chronic diarrhoea[240]. It is said to remove film and opacity from the eyes[218]. The root is used in the treatment of bowel complaints in children[240]. Extracts from the plant are bactericidal and are also effective against internal parasites[218, 238]. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Clearing'[210]. For further Ocimum basilicum gardening information |
