Botanical Name -: Ocymum basilium (LINN.)
Family Name -: N.O. Labiata
Other Name -: Tulsi, Basil
Description
This small annual herb indigenous to persia and sind is cultivated in garder in india.Basil is ultra-easy to grow .It has many branched, erect, stout and pungent herb. It grows upto the height of anout 75cm and is hairy all over. The plant has tender shaped , egg shaped and smooth. upto 2.5cm in length and , small, purplish or reddish flowers in small compact clusters on slender spikes , small fruit and yellowish or reddish seeds. The herb is bitter. Hindu regards it as an earthly manifestation of goddess vrindavani who is dear to lord vishnu. Leaves contains a yellowish green essential oil wich if kept for time crystallizes and is then known as basil camphor . Essential oil contain a new terpene. Seeds contains a large amount of mucilage. The herb contains an essential oil, major constituent are linalool,methyl ether up to seventy percent and eugenol , caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoids. Thymol and xanthomicrol were isolated from the leaves . Aesuletin, p-coumaric acid, eriodictyol, its seven- glucoside and vicenin - two from leaves have been isolated .Major component of the essential oil are eugenol, carvacrol, nerol, and eugnolmethylether. The leaves have been repoted to contain ursolic acid, apigenin, luteolin , apigenin -7-O- glcuronide, luteolin -7-O- glucuronide, orientin and molludistin .It grow in flowers pots in most hindu homes. Its leaves are used in the worship of gods and goddesss and partaken as prasad.
Uses
Leaves are used for flavouring purposes . seeds are useful in catarrh , chronic diarrhoea , dysentery, gonorrhoea, cystitis, and internal piles they also relieve the after pains of parturition they are used as an aphrodisiac . It acts as an antinflmmatory and hence useful reduce the inflammation in the body.t is also useful for acne , eczema and other skin conditions.It is also useful for digestive disorders.A tea leaf is useful for blood pressure.The tincture of camphor to the juice of 10 leaves of basil. Instill a drop or two of the mixture in the ear for instant relief . The whole plant is aromatic leaves and leafy tops have a pungent taste and clove like odour.Root is febrifuge. It acts as antidote and hence useful in snake poisions. The flowers are stimulant , carmative and diuretic and hence useful in urinary disorders such as infections, etc.The oil is useful in antibacterial , antifungal and insecticidal.The leaves can be used to relieve flatulence, fermentation, stomach cramps and constipation and the plant is also said to relieve nausea. It is recommends the use of the leaf and seed in rhinirtis an sinfluenza . The seed in psyschological disorders including fear - psychosis and obsessions. Major component of the essential oil are eugenol, carvacrol, nerol, and eugnolmethylether.Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as a drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol.Basil leaves are regarded as an adaptogen or anti-stress agent Recent studies have shown that the leaves' afford significant protection against stress.
How to Use in Different Diseases
Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle. Basil syrup is useful in cough. 10 to 15 ml twice daily. A decoction of the leaves, with honey andginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma. The tincture of camphor to the juice of 10 leaves of basil. Instill a drop or two of the mixture in the ear for instant relief . The leaves are dried and powder and used like snuff dislodge maggots from the nose .As a tea is beneficial for headaches, digestions, restlessness and to promotes circulations. Juice of the leaves is dropped into the ear in earache and dullness of hearing.The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as a preventive against these diseases. I n case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a litre of water, and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, doves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. .Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stones, the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for six months, will expel them via the urinary tract
Dose and Preparations
Syrup, Decoctions, Tincture,Tea
Decoctions- 5 to 10 ml
Tea- 2 to 4 gm