Sweet Basil

Sweet Basil
Ocimum basilicum L.
Lamiaceae Family

Description of Sweet Basil

Sweet Basil is an annual herbaceous plant or subshrub, 8–24 in (20–60 cm) tall, with a branching root. Stems are erect, quadrangular, and branched. Leaves are opposite, ovate, 1.2–2 in (3–5 cm) long, 0.8–1 in (2–2.5 cm) wide, entire or sparsely toothed, green or purple, aromatic. Flowers are white, pink, or light purple, 0.24–0.39 in (6–10 mm), gathered in racemose inflorescences 2.8–7.9 in (7–20 cm). Fruits are brownish-black nutlets, 1–1.8 g per 1,000 seeds. Cultivars: ‘Genovese’, ‘Thai’, ‘Purple’. Flowering occurs in June–August, fruiting in September–November. Aroma varies: anise-like, clove-like, or lemony.

 

Distribution and Ecology of Sweet Basil

Sweet Basil originates from Eastern India. It grows wild in subtropical Asia and Africa. Cultivated in Russia (southern European part, Krasnodar Krai), the Mediterranean, Asia, and Africa. Requires a warm climate (68–86°F or 20–30°C), loose soils (pH 6.0–7.0), and irrigation of 1.3–2.6 gal/m² (5–10 L/m²) every 7 days. Sun-loving, needing 6–8 hours of sunlight. Propagated by seeds or cuttings. Yield: 2.2–4.4 lb/m² (1–2 kg/m²) fresh weight. Care includes nitrogen fertilization (0.35–0.53 oz/m² or 10–15 g/m²) and protection from aphids and whiteflies. Used in potted landscaping.

 

Raw Materials from Sweet Basil

Raw materials include herb (herba Ocimi basilici), leaves, inflorescences, and essential oil. Harvested in July–August (2–3 times per season) during flowering, cutting shoots 3.1–4.7 in (8–12 cm) above the leaf line. Dried in shade at 86–95°F (30–35°C), yielding 15–20%. Quality standards: leaves green or purple, rot-free; moisture <12%. Stored in airtight containers (1 year). Aroma is spicy, taste is slightly bitter and sour. Essential oil is extracted by steam distillation (yield 1–2%).

 

Chemical Composition of Sweet Basil

Leaves and inflorescences contain essential oil (1.6–6%), methyl chavicol (up to 60%), eugenol, cineole, linalool, pinene, ocimene, phytoncides, glycosides, saponins, rutin (150 mg%), β-carotene (3–8.7 mg%), vitamin C (62 mg%), B2 (0.092 mg%), PP (0.315 mg%), E (0.8 mg%), proteins (16.3%), fats (4.73%), fiber (12.6%), tannins (6%). Seeds contain fatty oil (12–20%). Leaf calories: 25–30 kcal/100 g (fresh), 200–250 kcal/100 g (dried).

 

Uses and Benefits of Sweet Basil

Sweet Basil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, tonic, carminative, and wound-healing effects. It is used for gastritis with low acidity, colitis, flatulence, colds, bronchitis, cystitis, headaches, neuroses, and asthenia. Essential oil stimulates appetite and combats bacteria and protozoa. Leaf infusions and decoctions are used for sore throat, stomatitis, eczema, and rheumatism. Recommended dose: 0.18–0.35 oz (5–10 g) fresh leaves daily or 1.7 oz (50 ml) infusion daily. Consult a healthcare professional before medicinal use.

 

Precautions for Using Sweet Basil

Consuming >0.35 oz (10 g) dry herb or >1.76 oz (50 g) fresh leaves daily may cause stomach irritation or allergies. Essential oil doses >0.034 oz (1 ml) daily are toxic. Store infusions at 39–43°F (4–6°C) for no longer than 24 hours. For children aged 3–12, limit fresh leaves to <0.18 oz (5 g) daily. Prolonged infusion use (>2 weeks) requires medical supervision. Wash leaves thoroughly to remove pesticides.

 

Contraindications for Using Sweet Basil

Sweet Basil is contraindicated for allergies to Lamiaceae, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, hypertension, diabetes, pregnancy, lactation, and children under 3 years.

 

Medicinal Recipes with Sweet Basil

1. Infusion for colds. Steep 0.18 oz (5 g) dry herb in 6.8 oz (200 ml) boiling water for 30 minutes, drink 1.7 oz (50 ml) three times daily for 7 days. A 10% herb infusion can be taken as ⅓ cup three times daily for colds or used to treat wounds, ulcers, and eczema.
2. Tea infusion. Steep 0.14–0.28 oz (4–8 g) herb in 8.5 oz (250 ml) boiling water, or 0.13–0.26 oz (3.7–7.5 g) herb in 4 oz (120 ml) hot water, and drink as tea.
3. Tonic tea. Steep 1 tablespoon chopped herb in 1 cup (8.5 oz or 250 ml) boiling water, strain, drink ½ cup twice daily.
4. Calming infusion. Steep 1–2 teaspoons herb in 8.5 oz (250 ml) boiling water, drink ⅓ cup before meals or at night (daily dose).
5. Infusion for neuroses, epilepsy, flatulence, or loss of appetite. Steep 1 tablespoon herb in 10.1 oz (300 ml) boiling water, simmer 1 minute, infuse 30 minutes, drink 2.7 oz (80 ml) three times daily after meals for neuroses, epilepsy, or flatulence, or 15 minutes before meals for appetite loss.
6. Decoction for gastritis. Boil 0.35 oz (10 g) fresh leaves in 6.8 oz (200 ml) water for 5 minutes, drink 1.7 oz (50 ml) twice daily before meals for 7–10 days.
7. Infusion for pyelitis, cystitis, or whooping cough. Steep 0.14–0.18 oz (4–5 g) herb in 8.5 oz (250 ml) (strong dose) or 16.9 oz (500 ml) (weak dose) boiling water as a daily dose, used for pyelitis with dysuria, cystitis, or whooping cough.
8. Juice for mouth rinses in stomatitis, gingivitis, aphthous ulcers, eczema, or allergic dermatitis. Mix 0.34 oz (10 ml) fresh leaf juice with 1.7 oz (50 ml) water, rinse mouth three times daily for 5 days. Alternatively, steep 2 tablespoons herb in 16.9 oz (0.5 L) boiling water, cool, use for rinses or compresses for aphthous ulcers, gingivitis, stomatitis, eczema, or allergic dermatitis.
9. Juice for purulent middle ear inflammation. Apply fresh plant juice drops for purulent middle ear inflammation.
10. Seed infusion for eyes. Steep 0.18 oz (5 g) seeds in 3.4 oz (100 ml) hot water for 20 minutes, apply as eye compresses for 10 minutes once daily for 5 days. Alternatively, pour hot water over seeds to create a mucilaginous decoction, applied to inflamed eyes or cracked nipples.

 

Cosmetic Uses of Sweet Basil

Sweet Basil cleanses skin and reduces inflammation due to its essential oil and phytoncides.

1. Mask for oily skin. Blend 0.35 oz (10 g) fresh leaves with 0.34 oz (10 ml) honey, apply to face for 15 minutes, rinse, use twice weekly.
2. Toner for pores. Steep 0.18 oz (5 g) dry herb in 6.8 oz (200 ml) boiling water for 30 minutes, wipe face 1–2 times daily for 10 days.
3. Cleansing scrub. Mix 0.35 oz (10 g) fresh leaves with 0.35 oz (10 g) oatmeal and 0.17 oz (5 ml) water, massage face for 5 minutes, rinse, use once weekly.
4. Toning mask. Mix 0.35 oz (10 g) fresh leaves with 0.34 oz (10 ml) yogurt, apply to face for 15 minutes, rinse, use twice weekly.

 

Culinary Uses of Sweet Basil

Leaves and shoots are used fresh or dried in salads, sauces, and soups. Avoid heat treatment to preserve aroma.

1. Pesto. Blend 1.76 oz (50 g) fresh leaves, 1.06 oz (30 g) pine nuts, 1.76 oz (50 g) parmesan, and 1.7 oz (50 ml) olive oil, serve with pasta.
2. Basil salad. Mix 0.7 oz (20 g) fresh leaves, 3.5 oz (100 g) tomatoes, 1.76 oz (50 g) mozzarella, and 0.68 oz (20 ml) olive oil, serve chilled.
3. Basil vinegar. Steep 0.35 oz (10 g) fresh leaves in 6.8 oz (200 ml) vinegar for 7 days, use for salads.
4. Basil tea. Steep 0.18 oz (5 g) dry herb in 6.8 oz (200 ml) boiling water for 10 minutes, drink with honey.

Tips: Store fresh leaves at 39–43°F (4–6°C) for up to 1 week, dried leaves up to 1 year. Use glass containers for storage.

 

Other Uses of Sweet Basil

Honey plant. Essential oil is used in perfumery and for vanillin production.