Basil > Reviews > Sweet Basil

Author's product rating:   

Side effects	Strong
Effectiveness	Good

Advantages:	loads of uses
Disadvantages:	avoid if pregnant

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Basil or Ocimum Basilicum is an annual or short lived perennial with clove scented leaves, growing to 60 cm.they are short stalked, oval entire or toothed, 3-5 cm long often with a rather puckered surface.The flowers small and white , grown in clusters.
The flowering season is June to September.

Origins.

Basil was used in baths and body massage by ancient Greek nobles for it's fragrant perfume.The Egyptians used the aromatic fragrance in their offerings to the gods and also mixed it with essences of Myrrh and Incense to embalm bodies.In India it is believed to offer protection to the soul and is sacred to the Hindu gods Krishna and Vishnu.

Description.

Basil is native of Africa and the Seychelles.It is also grown in Europe as a popular culinary herb and California!!
It can grow up to three feet (90 cm)The essence is distilled from the leaves and is a light greenish yellow with sweet green undertones.

Therapeutic Effects.

Basil is ideal as a nerve tonic, to lift fatigue, anxiety and depression.Also good for bronchisis, colds, fever indigestion and gout and is said to soothe snake bites.

Uses.

You can also use it for constipation, stomach problems and flatulance.(farting/burping)
Further uses are as a culinary herb served with tomato, aubergines and garlic.It makes a great pesto sauceand is used as an oil in perfumes and cosmetics.
I prefer using in in the bath or as a massage oil.You can also inhale it too.When used in the bath or smoothed over the body it has an invigorating effect.Combined with other oils such as Thyme it also acts as a powerful antisepic.

Cautionary Note.

Do not use the oil neat, always mix with a carrier/base oil.Also avoid using the oil if pregnant.

Helpful Tip.

A tea for stomach problems and flatulence is:
Brew 1-2 teaspoonful of basil on 250ml of boiling water for 10-15 minutes.Then drink one cup when needed!!