You can find this herb used in cooking and is traditionally used as a spice. The sweet basil plant grows up to 20 inches, or about 50 centimeters. It grows annually, produces white flowers, and is recognized by its shiny leaves that are oval in shape. It is also recognized for being strongly aromatic and their strong flavor. It can be used in cooking as a spice or can be used to make pesto. This herb is helpful for mainly relieving problems in the nervous system and the digestive system. It can be used to help relieve flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and irritability throughout the body. It can also treat colic, intestinal worms, and on rare occasions, epilepsy. The sweet basil essential oil should not be ingested or used in cooking. The herb leaves can be used in cooking but using the essential oil internally should be avoided at all costs.
History & Folklore
This herb was traditionally used by both the Greeks and the Romans. The Greeks used it for helping with scorpion stings. Dioscorides, a Greek physician, mentions sweet basil and that the Africans believed eating it helped with stings. Romans used it much more for digestive issues and also to prevent death by poisoning. There are also accounts of this herb being used to help with breast milk production. Other civilizations have produced this herb and it is used in Western cooking to this day.
Habitat & Cultivation
It is not exact where sweet basil is native to, but it is thought to be native to India. There are over 150 different varieties of this plant. This plant flourishes in areas that get a lot of sunlight, usually six to eight hours a day. It should not be too hot outside as it will kill the plant. It does well in moist, well watered soil. Sweet basil grows annually and is harvested in the late summer or when it has bloomed.
Uses
Self Care can help calm the digestive and nervous system. Used mainly to help with flatulence, cramping, and mild nausea. Can also be used with sleeping problems such as restlessness and trouble falling asleep.
Bugs and Bites this herb can be used for preventing bites and stings and also relieving pain from bug bites and stings. It can be applied topically directly to the irritated area.
Sedative Concerns Sweet Basil can help with different concerns that require the relaxing of the nervous system. It can be useful when dealing with depression, nervousness, irritability, and anxiety.
Parts used
Leaves
Flowering tops
Essential oil
Key Actions
Minor bites, stings
Swelling
Constituents
Volatile oil
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 241.
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