👑 The Royal Herb

Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a fragrant herb known for its sweet, peppery flavor and aromatic qualities.

The scientific name for Sweet Basil is derived from “basileus”, a Greek word meaning king or royal., which seems appropriate as this herb seems to be known and loved throughout the world.

Native to tropical regions of central Africa and Southeast Asia, it is now cultivated worldwide and has many cultivars.

The different cultivars are known to impart different flavors, aromas and activities. There is Lettuce Leaf Basil, with large heavy leaves; Sweet Basil, with a strong clove scent; Spicy Globe Basil, with its globe-like shape and small strong-flavored leaves; Cinnamon Basil, with a cinnamon scent; Licorice Basil, which contains the same scent and chemical as in anise, called anethole; and there are very many more.

Sweet Basil leaves are extensively used in culinary applications, adding flavor to dishes such as pesto, salads, and sauces. The essential oil extracted from Sweet Basil is used in aromatherapy and perfumes. In addition to culinary uses, Sweet Basil has been explored for its potential in creating natural dyes, and its seeds can be used in beverages and desserts due to their gelatinous texture when soaked.

In traditional medicine systems Sweet Basil is commonly used for calming the stomach, for gas, for calming coughs and colds, for its soothing activity; as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, soothing the skin from bites and irritations; and as an herbal steam for alleviating headache. Basil can also be used for a rejuvenating soak in a hot bath, and its essential oil can help with mental fatigue (placed in an inhaler, bath or diffuser).

Through scientific investigation, Sweet Basil has been found have wide pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and hepatoprotective effects.

In the landscape Sweet Basil is a popular companion planting with tomato, said to enhance the flavor of tomatoes and help deter insects.

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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.