Basil, Thai Basil or Sweet Basil, is a common name for the culinary herb Ocimum basilicum of the family Lamiaceae (mints).

Sweet Basil Oil, originally from South East Asia, but thoroughly familiar to Theophrastus and Discords, is a half-hardy annual plant, best known as a culinary herb prominently featured in Italian cuisine and also plays a major role in Southeast Asian cuisines of Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and the cuisine of Taiwan. Depending on the species and cultivar, the leaves may taste somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent, often sweet smell. Sweet basil is originally from India and is also native to tropical regions of Asia, where it has been grown for more than 5,000 years.

In Egypt, Greece, and India it was placed with the deceased to ensure a speedy travel to the afterlife. In India it is seen as a symbol of hospitality and is used prominently in Ayurvedic medicine. Some cultures considered the fragrant herb an evil plant, with one historic French physician believing that smelling too much of the herb would cause scorpions to breed in the brain. Sweet Basil oil, "the royal oil to strengthen the mind and heart", has been used since the 16th century. It is believed to be capable of improving memory and clarifying the mind.

A favorite herb and spice found in Italian dishes, Thai dishes and some middle eastern dishes, sweet basil is one of several varieties of basil known not only for its ability to add flavor, but medicinal aspects as well. In these regions, the basil plant has not only been used in cooking, but also in healing for centuries.

The plant is lush green with smooth rounded-edges and pointed-tip leaves. The leaves resemble peppermint leaves, as the two plants are closely related. Sweet basil is the most common form of garden basil and can be found dried in the spice aisle, fresh in the produce aisle, or still in the dirt of many gardeners fortunate enough to cultivate it.

Benefit & Uses: Sweet Basil oil improves blood circulation and therefore causes an increase in metabolism. The oil is an analgesic, which provides pain relief. It can be used to reduce pain caused by arthritis, injuries, wounds, burns, bruises, scars, sprains, headaches etc.

Sweet Basil oil has carminative properties. This allows it to treat digestive conditions such as indigestion, constipation, flatulence, and stomach cramps. The oil can also provide instant relief of bloating. The clarifying aroma of basil essential oil helps to open up sinuses and reduce the occurrence of coughing. It also has an antispasmodic nature, which is very effective in treating whooping cough.

The antibacterial properties of basil essential oil make an effective remedy in treating skin, ear, bladder and more infections. The refreshing effect of basil makes it a fantastic remedy at treating anxiety, mental fatigue, depression, and migraines. It also helps to enhance mental strength and clarity.

Sweet Basil oil helps to open up nasal passages, which allows breathing easier for sufferers of asthma, allergies, bronchitis, sinusitis, etc. Sweet Basil oil can add luster to dry dull skin and hair. It can also be used to treat acne and skin infections.

Sweet basil, like most herbs, is loaded with health benefits. In addition to being a rich source of vitamin K, beta carotene, and iron, the plant is known to harness anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Scientists searching for natural, toxin-free food preservatives discovered that washing produce in a solution of as little as 1% basil essential oil decreased Shigella contamination below levels at which it could be detected. They have suggested that including basil in your salad could provide similar safeguards.

 

Two flavonoids within sweet basil have shown particular promise in fighting cell damage from radiation and free radicals. Orient in and vice in are antioxidants that work to protect the cells.