Basil Benefits Remedies Origin Nutritive Value Medicinal Virtues Uses Tulsi

BASIL (Tulsi)

Description

The basil (Ocimum basilicum), also known as sweet basil, is a well-known common plant of India. It is an erect, much-branched, smooth, stout, and aromatic plant 30-90 cm. high. It is an annual plant of the mint family. The plant bears clusters of small, white or pale purple, two-lipped flowes in raceme fashion.

The fresh leaves are bright green in colour and about 3.75 cm. in length. When fried, they turn brownish-green and brittle. Dried leaves and tender stems of this plant are used as a spice for flavouring and extraction of essential oils. The leaves have numerous dot-like glands which contains the aromatic oil of the herb.

Sweet basil has an aromatic clove-like scent which is, somewhat saline in taste. It has a slightly sweetish flavor, which increases while cooking. There is a widespread belief in India that, if basil is planted around homes and temples, it would ensure happiness.

There are numerous varieties of basil. Of these, four are identified in India. They are Lettuce-leaf basil, Curly-leafed basil, Violet red basil and common white basil. Curly-leafed basil is considered most suitable for cultivation and it is reported to give good yields of high quality oil. It can be easily grown at home or in gardens in ordinary soil.

Origin and distribution:

Basil is indigenous to the lower hillls of the Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and is cultivated throughout India. It was introduced into Europe in the sixteenth century and plants were established in English monastery gardens at about the same time. It is now cultivated I southern France and other Mediterranean countries and also in USA. It grows abundantly in the warm climate of India, but sparingly in the cooler European weather.

Nutritive Value/Composition

According to analysis report of the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA), USA, the composition of Basil is as follows: moisture 6.1 per cent, protein 11.9 per cent, fat (Ether extract) 3.6 per cent, fibre 20.5 per cent, carbohydrates 41.2 per cent, total ash 16.7 per cent, calcium 2.1 per cent, phosphorous 0.47 per cent, sodium 0.04 per cent, potassium 3.7 per cent and iron 0.04 per cent. Its vitamin contents are thiamine 0.15 mg. per cent, niacin 6.90 mg. per cent, riboflavin 0.32 mg. per cent, ascorbic acid 61.3 mg.  per cent and vitamin A 290 International units/ 100g. It contains 325 calories per 100g of dried herb.

A good commercial sample of sweet basil has been found to contain a minimum of 0.4 per cent of volatile oil. This oil is produced by the distillation of the herb. The flowers, on an average yield 0.4 per cent oil while the whole plant contains 0.10 to 0.2 per cent oil. The maximum total ash is 15 per cent, maximum acid insoluble ash 1 per cent, maximum moisture 8 per cent and total and minimum ether extract 4 per cent on moisture-free basis.

Medicinal Virtues:

The powdered leaves of Basil were originally added to snuff to help clear the nostrils. The early herbalists also used this plant for soothing headaches and helping cure digestive ailments. Today it is used in digestive and nerve tonics, since it contains all the minerals and some Vitamin B.

The leaves and seeds of the plant possess curative properties The leaves are nerve tonic and they sharpen the memory They promote the removal of catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tubes. They leaves strengthen the stomach and promote its action and they also expel wind from the stomach. The induce copious perspiration. The seeds of the plant are mucilaginous and nourishing. They are stimulant and cooling. They exercise soothing effect on the skin and mucous membranes. The also increase the secretion and discharge of urine.

Fevers: The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, a decoction of the tender leaves act as a preventive against these diseases. It should be given with ginger and white pepper in remittent and in termittent fever. In case of acute fevers, the patient should be given a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a litre of water and mixed with honey or jiggery and milk. This brings down the temperature.

Respiratory System Disorders : The leaves are useful in respiratory system disorders. Their decoction, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a litre of water till only half the water is left.

Digestive System disorders : This spice helps counteract the effects of unwholesome food and is an aid to digestion. It is also a valuable remedy for nausea and vomiting. An infusion of the green leaves in boiling water can be used beneficially in treating these conditions.

Constipation : The seeds of the plant are laxative. They can be taken internally with beneficial results in case of habitual constipation and piles, which usually results from chronic constipation.

Sinus trouble : The seeds of the plant have found to be beneficial in the treatment of sinus problems. They can be used in the form of poultice for this purpose.

As an insecticide : Basil oil possesses insecticidal and insect repellent properties. It is effective against house-files and mosquitoes. It is also bactericidal.

Women’s problem : The mucilaginous jelly formed by infusing one to three drachms of the seeds in cold water for some time is given with jiggery or honey for relieving pains after childbirth.

Stress : Basil leaves are regarded as adaptogen or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves protect against stress significantly. It has been suggested that even healthy persons should chew 12 leaves of basil twice a day, morning and evening, for preventing stress. It will purify the blood and help prevent several common ailments.

Skin Diseases : The juice of basil leaf can be applied externally in case of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some Naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma.

Tooth Disorders : Basil leaves are beneficial in the treatment of tooth disorders. They can be dried in the sun and powered. This powder can be used for brushing the teeth. It can also be mixed with mustard oil to make a paste and used as tooth paste. It helps maintain dental health and counteract foul smell. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other tooth disorders.

Rheumatic afflictions : Basil is useful in rheumatic afflictions like gout joints. An infusion of the plant can be given with beneficial results for treating these conditions.

Headache : Basil is useful in headache. A decoction of the leaves should be given for treating this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applies on forehead for getting relief from heat and headache. Dried basil leaves in the form of snuff can also be used as a remedy for nervous headaches and for relieving head colds.

Earache : Basil leaves are also beneficial in the treatment of earache. A few drops of the juice of the leaves should be put in the affected ear to obtain relief. This remedy will also be useful in the dullness of hearing.

Body Odour : The leaves of Basil have also been found beneficial in the treatment of unpleasant body odour. About 20 leaves should be eaten daily in the morning with a glass f water. This treatment should be continued for a month or so.

Croup : The use of this spice has been found valuable in croup, a disease marked by an obstruction in the larynx, mostly prevalent in children. The warm juice of the leaves should be taken in doses of half to one drachm, with honey in treating this condition. It has a slightly narcotic effect and allays irritation in the throat.

Poisoning : The seeds of basil plant can be taken internally as an antidote to poison. They can also be applied externally on venomous bites.

Uses

Sweet basil is used as a flavouring agent in soups, fish, certain cheeses, tomato cocktail, eggplant, cooked cucumber dishes, cooked peas, squash and string beans. It is also used in the manufacture of chartreuse and other liquers. The oil of sweet basil is extensively used in all kinds of flavours, including those for confectionery, baked goods, condimentary products and in spiced meats and sausages. The oil also serves for imparting distinction to flavours in certain dental and oral products. Sweet basil oil is also used in certain perfume compounds and for the scenting of soaps.