‘Basil’ (/ˈbæzəl/, also US: /ˈbeɪzəl/;[2] Ocimum basilicum), also called great basil, describes a large family of superfood herbs of the family Lamiaceae (mints).

It is also known as the “king of herbs” and the “royal herb,” the name basil is rooted in her Greek name, and this herb was discussed thoroughly by Ancient Greek authors such as Theophrastus.

There are 160 different varieties of basil cultivated today with new cultivars added yearly. This does not include the many wild strains of this plant found easily throughout the world.

The Strength of Basil, The King of Herbs is remarkable both in taste and in effect, and also in nutritional value.

Erected in Munich in 1638, shows a basilisk being slayed

We have a wild strain of basil here that is a vigorous grower setting in around new stuff we plant all on its own, making it a lucky tropical permaculture acceptance; that we appreciate very much along with our normal, natural soil-based, mixed-bag production terraces.

It seems to like to grow in around fresh cut, not so much out in the jungle almost like a gift directly to the gardener from nature.

The mood-enhancing abilities of basil, with the abundance of wild basil we have at our Farm (in pots), and its historical, well-covered king’s association, make it a ‘must-be for us.

She herself sort of told me in a way that she was called to my original thirty picks way back at the beginning of things. I am glad I have this work even from then and in the roughest form to remind me.

In this initial recommended plant foods library, I have been again and again moved specifically to honor my basil blessings.

History, Mythology & Astrology of Basil is remarkable and in the astounding connections traceable to the herb could lie a King’s map to strength and peace, the most noted essences of the specie.

Mythology, or Bio-dynamics? Interesting remains of the story and value of basil from the cultures who have used the herb before and talked about it alongside other subjects that seem to be more myth than a proposed application.

Regardless of the story and possible metaphors basil is certainly another superfood.

The historical proponents of herbs within the Greek Societies held more than a few resourceful clues to unlocking the royal benefits and love of the soft white-flowered indoor herb that contributed to an aromatic therapy in great halls.

Basil was associated with the Feast of the Cross commemorating the finding of the True Cross by St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine I, 330 A.D.

The herbalist John Gerard noted that those stung by scorpions would feel no pain if they ate basil, and Nicholas Culpeper noted of basil that it was “an herb of Mars and under the Scorpion, and therefore called Basilicon,” relating it to the basilisk.

The Oxford English Dictionary contains speculations that basil may have been used in “some royal ointment, bath, or medicine”. Basil is still referred to as the “king of herbs” by many cooking authors.

Nicholas Culpeper, was a botanist herbalist, physician, and astrologer. His published books
include The English Physician (1652), i. e. the Complete Herbal (1653 ff), which contains a rich store of pharmaceutical and herbal knowledge, and Astrological Judgement of Diseases from the Decumbiture of the Sick (1655), which is one of the most detailed documents known on the practice of medical astrology in Early Modern Europe.

Basil’s history spans over 4,000 years back to the first written accounts that mention it was grown in Egypt, possibly for use in embalming.

Throughout all the cultures that basil is popular in, it is known as a brain-clearing and cheering food, consumed.

However, it is associated with demons, abuse, and poverty like with love and kingship.

Some 1500s physicians actually thought the mere inhalation of the basil’s aroma could cause a scorpion to start to grow in the brain.

Near India, largely basil was required for most ceremonies of importance, and it was believed to open windows to the Gods.

It seems to be part of the Mediterranean diet intelligence, a cuisine full of olive oil.

Basil Nutrition

Basil is a super-food, that has several wild strains that grow fine in fresh cuts that border the jungle or also in the city even, as perennials.  Her reactions as I am getting to know her, and as additions to the month’s Nutritional Diversity strategic food selections are felt.

I myself take down most of my basil in living blends, where I pick the basil right from the plant and blend it up with 15-25 other things inside of 5 minutes.

Most commonly today in modern culture dried basil leaves are used as a seasoning spice.

Basil is available and easy to grow in home herb gardens, which is recommended. Whole fresh-picked or refrigerated leaves are great in salads.

It takes two read-overs of basil on the nutritional chart here to see what a super-food it is and how it would be good to consume a certain volume of the plant regularly.

I consume around five to fifteen grams of the wild strain a day. I will cycle off basil a few months of the year, usually because I am away from the farm, but it is pretty regular for me.

It’s higher in protein than it is in carbs, for you bodybuilders and strength enthusiasts out there that want nothing but a lean machine.

Experiment with Mederanian ketogenic periods.

It’s high in minerals, like magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc, it is blood, hormone, and bone food.

It is also very high in manganese a feature that to me, helps me to describe 5 to ten-gram a day intake limits, although I seriously do not consider too much a risk of things like over manganese dosing inside of a proper Nutritional Diversity diet spread.

Choline and Thiamine, are important to a regular amount of also, and are sometimes unavailable in many of today’s primary consumption foods, while important nutrients to many athletes, who would otherwise get these from vitamin supplements.

To come up with the best diet plans, especially at the high diversity level it can get kind of a puzzle piece but it doesn’t take too long to get the hang of it. A class can always help.

Basil Medicine

The unique spread of active constituents and flavonoids found in basil provide protection at the cellular level.

Orientin and vicenin are two water-soluble flavonoids that have been of particular interest in basil, and in studies on human white blood cells indicate the components of basil protect cell structures as well as chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damage.

Basil has also been shown to provide protection against unwanted bacterial growth. Basil’s anti-bacterial properties are not associated with its unique flavonoids, but instead with its volatile oils, which contain estragole, linalool, cineole, eugenol, sabinene, myrcene, and limonene.

Lab studies show effective restricting growth of numerous bacteria, in basil including Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O:157:H7, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

BASIL RANKINGS

Bringing a well-rounded bunch of superfoods into the home is what we do with our product rankings.

Basil is a special herb that is easy to grow, and having the best is important.

1. 10000 NON-GMO Seeds for 2$ Shipped Free

This product won our top ranking, our hearts, and our souls!

There is no better time and no easier herb to do in an indoor pot where you live.

Over 150 happy reviews!

We must encourage growth!

2. Organic India

195 happy customer reviews.

Holy Basil helps provide a healthy stress response when dealing with anxiety and is considered rejuvenating.

Tulsi is famous for helping support the immune system, stamina, and endurance.

4. Seeds of Change

Get back to the roots with organic Genovese basil seeds.

Plant them in a self-watering planter for efficiency or in an indoor garden.

Perfect for salads, seasoning & pesto.

Seeds of Change was built on the premise of preserving biodiversity, sustainability, & organic seeds with the promise of making organic foods available to gardeners & farmers since 1989.

5. Best Naturals

Those who want a more precise and calculated intake may prefer the extract tablet.

This product helps the body adapt to stress, supports carbohydrate metabolism and healthy blood glucose levels as well as a healthy adrenal gland.

Over 150 customers are happy with this Amazon’s Choice product.

6. Herbal Secrets

100 Happy customers for the well priced Amazon’s Choice product.

7. Bulk Buy for the Commune

Take care of everybody.

8. Whole Foods Fresh Delivery

Whole foods fresh and free delivery is a new feature but could be a great way to get the good stuff.

We want to hear more about customers using this.

There is a smaller leaf Tai variety.

9. YAVEES Leaves

New on the market these dried leaves look to please.

Basil is a pantry essential and this versatile seasoning can be used in various ways.

It comes in a 2-pack of 5oz bags.

10. Artizen Oil

Over 22,000 happy customer reviews for this incredibly well-priced oil. This is a no-brainer buy right here.

What sets Artizen Essential Oils apart are their unparalleled purity and concentration. Natural, with no adulterants or dilution, their oils provide the maximum benefit possible and are uncompromising.

Most of the Competition Dilute Their Oil with a Cheap Carrier Oil (it’s usually only 1/3 of the Natural Oil and 2/3 Carrier Oil) or Even Other Potentially Dangerous Chemicals.

Our Basil Oil is Routinely Tested for Purity And Other Unique Qualities in Order to Ensure You Are Buying The Purest Oil Available!!

We use high-quality bottles infused with a UV-colored coating to protect essential oils against sunlight and degradation.

The manufacturer, Artizen Essential Oils, offers a lifetime warranty and guarantee on their product. If you are ever unsatisfied with their oil for any reason they will replace your product or refund your money. They stand behind and guarantee the purity of their oils 100%.

Travel Size. Concentrated Basil

For those of you working on that collection of little bottles. 3000 satisfied consumer reviews.

BONUS. Mrs. Meyers

We try to keep with the entire spirit of the herb’s use in our recommendations.

With over 375 happy customers and a low low price who can complain?!

BASIL BENEFITS

Glucose lowering and antioxidant effects of O. basilicum was evident biochemically in this study. O. basilicum could protect the kidney against diabetes-induced nephropathy as revealed biochemically and histopathologically. [1]

Need that extra push fo some better sleep? Evidence suggests the best basil can play a role in enhancing dream states. The present data demonstrated that Ocimum basilicum potentiates sleeping behaviors without any cytotoxicity. [2,3]

Antimicrobial and antibacterial power of basil oil is there, and if more is needed combinations with Lippia multiflora Moldenke, Mentha x Piperita L. (peppermint) The effectiveness of such oils was tested against Escherichia coli CIP 105182, Enterobacter aerogenes CIP 104725, Enterococcus faecalis CIP 103907, Listeria monocytogenes CRBIP 13.134, Pseudomonas aeruginosa CRBIP19.249, Salmonella enterica CIP 105150, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC13311, Shigella dysenteriae CIP 54.51 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 9144 [4]

Basil could light the way on the road to breast cancer treatment and elimination. The results of the detection of bioactive compounds signified that eugenol epoxide, lutein epoxide, and lupeol epoxide constituted the most active fractions in the crude methanol extract of C. campestris, a parasite associated of basil and displayed the cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cells. [5]

The anti-obesity study explored phytochemicals, porcine pancreatic α-amylase (PPA), and lipase (PPL) inhibitory activities and antioxidant potential of polar and nonpolar extracts of the leaves and flowers of Ocimum basilicum and the in-silico model of interaction between these enzymes and the major chemical constituents of the herb. [6]

The best basil shows a heavy application for antifungal activity. [7]

Certain animal tests indicate the best basil could be employed to help improve memory in high doses. [8]

The global meat industry is characterized by a growing interest in natural preservative additives. This study determined the effect of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) essential oil (SBEO) on color and lipid oxidation in minced beef as an alternative to other preservatives: A total of 32 bioactive compounds were identified in SBEO, with reported preservative functions including antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, as well as anti-inflammatory, nematicidal, and anticancer compounds. The addition of 2% and 4% SBEO improved the color stability of minced beef during 7 days of refrigerated storage compared to the control. The TBARS were significantly lower in SB2 and SB4 on days 0 and 4, while SB6 was similar to or higher than C. The results indicate the potential of SBEO at 2 and 4% as a natural antioxidant additive to improve color and lipid oxidative stability during refrigerated storage of aerobically packaged minced beef, and further studies investigating its antimicrobial activity are recommended.

This testing is especially important in the face of the idea that longer shelf life for foods means a shorter life span for consumers. [9, AR6]

Essential oil antifungal armada including cinnamon should do any antifungal need several times over.

The results from this study revealed that some EOs could be used as an alternative agent for the treatment of infections caused by Candida spp. Pelargonium graveolens, but also Cinnamomum cassia essential oils exhibited synergistic activity with amphotericin B, which allows us to conclude that these EOs can be used as a supplement for traditional chemotherapy.

Most of the oils were effective in inhibiting of mycelia morphological transformation. Our research revealed also that cell membrane seems to be the most important target of ingredients of investigated oils. [10, 11, AR7, AR8]

The present study examined the efficacy of Ocimum basilicum (basil) extract, a natural herb, with antioxidant properties, against testicular toxicity induced by cadmium (Cd), which is one of the most important toxic heavy metals which lead to infertility. [12]

Indicative of a mosquito repellent ingredient both as an agent in diet and topically. [13]

One fascinating discovery demonstrated that O. basilicum essential oil has an important anti-hyperalgesic profile, suggesting that this oil, isolated or complexed with β-CD, can be an interesting alternative for the development of new therapeutic options for the treatment of chronic painful conditions, as fibromyalgia. [14]

The leaves of O. basilicum are a rich source of flavonoids that possess various biological properties related to antioxidant mechanisms. Caffeic acid is another component in the leaf of the O. basilicum that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cancer chemopreventive activities [15]

BASIL SIDE EFFECTS

The herb is safe in moderate doses. We say 15 grams would be a good limit for adults, especially if they are new to her.

However, there has been testing to suggest high doses help with memory loss and other serious conditions.

As with any substance go slow to assess tolerance.

BASIL EXPERIENCE

Can basil treat depression? In combination with other moods-affecting herbs can we put together quickly, a help through hard times? Of course, we can.

Basil is considered an aphrodisiac, in Eastern and Indian cultures, where the plant may have originated from.

A ritual that involved topping the chest of the woman in a marriage is said to have made husbands more loyal and in love with their wives – a cure to infidelity of sorts.

Certain cultures know about the power of basil ingested as a whole food over time, building up to be a very supreme and loving energy source in males.

Its delicate and sensual perfume has made the basil a stimulant of sensuality.

In Haiti, it is reputed for its association with Erzulie, the goddess of love.

Tomatoes spiced with chopped fresh basil leaves are called “love apples”, when if used in olive oil and in combination with parsley, pine buds, and cheese you have made the lover’s pesto sauce.

Jewish folklore suggests it adds strength while fasting.  [AR1]

The Greek Orthodox Church regards the royal spice a “Holy Herb” which it is used to sprinkle holy water. This practice is carried through the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Serbian Orthodox Church, Macedonian Orthodox Church, and Romanian Orthodox Church (Bulgarian and Macedonian: босилек; Romanian: busuioc, Serbian: босиљак) where also pots of basil are regularly placed below church altars. [AR10]

In Europe basil is put in the hands of the dead to ensure safe passage.

In India, they place it in the mouth of the dying to ensure they reach God.

The ancient Egyptians, like the ancient Greeks, believed it would open the gates of heaven for a person passing on. [AR11]

BASIL DISCUSSION

Wash leaves and foods with basil oil.

The February 2004 issue of Food Microbiology, says that washing produce in a solution containing either basil or thyme essential oil at a very low concentration of just 1% resulted in dropping the number of Shigella, an infectious bacteria that triggers diarrhea and may cause significant intestinal damage, below the point at which it could be detected.

While scientists use this research to try to develop natural food preservatives, it makes good sense to include basil and thyme in more of your recipes, particularly for foods that are not cooked such as salads or blender delights.

Adding fresh thyme and/or basil to your next vinaigrette will not only enhance the flavor of your fresh greens but will help ensure that the fresh produce you consume is safer to eat.

Basil Look-alike: Zornia / Trecilla

Blechum pyramidatum : ACANTHACEAE

(this is the stuff I use – and is a wild strain more or less of basil)

A common look-alike to basil, invasive to homes and domestic areas, at most elevations, in Central America is Zorina.

The good thing about this look-alike is it is a wonderous plant also. While nutritional fact chart information on Zornia is not available so easily on the net,  the plant is well covered and known and can be found, for example in the great picture book entitled Medicinal Plants of Costa Rica (Ed Burnhardt).

According to this book, tea from the leaves is known traditionally to expel small amebas and microparasites. Further research proves this and also finds it a safe remedy for use with small children.

The Nutritional Diversity team of nature’s students here in Panama, have thoroughly used Zornia in blends and burritos for one year now. It continues to be a regular part of our diet because it grows in strong abundance here.

Basil Permaculture

I have wild basil that grows naturally across the family farm, here in Panama and have witnessed its existence as a small but strong, multiplying, and determined plant, that possesses a dexterous growing method and whose potency is as depression medication and an overall system super-food.

Nutritional Diversity & Permaculture Costa Rica study sites have several different varieties and cousins.

This plant is a long-time native of this island. I have brought a few more strong cousins into the situation.

I am thankful to have experienced several different basil’s and I think I have an idea of why it was King’s food – it is!

The first step in learning to talk to plants is cultivating politeness, realizing that the pine trees have been here for 700 million years must have been doing something before we came on the scene a mere million years ago.

…besides pining away for our existence

–STEPHAN BUHNER, The Secret Teachings of the Plants

BASIL FAQ

Q. Where is basil originating from?

A. Basil is native to tropical regions from central Africa to Southeast Asia.

Q. What form of basil plant is it?

A. Basil is an annual, or occasionally perennial, herb. According to the variety, plants can attain a height of between 30 cm (0.98 ft) and 150 cm (4.9 ft).

Q. What well-known principle uses does basil have?

A. Basil has two main uses, namely culinary and medicinal.

Q. What character does basil exhibit?

A. The leaves may taste vaguely like anise, with a strong, pungent, often sweet smell.

Q. How does basil look?

A. The leaves of basil are green and ovate and come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Leaf sizes range from 3 cm (1.2 in) to 11 cm (4.3 in) long, and between 1 cm (0.39 in) and 6 cm (2.4 in) wide. Basil develops a thick, central taproot. Its flowers are small and white and emerge from a central inflorescence that protrudes from the central stem at the top of the plant.

Q. When do we harvest basil?

A. One can harvest basil when the plant reaches 2 months old after planting.

Q. What member is basil belonged to?

A. Basil belongs to the mint family and there are many varieties.

Q. What nutrients does a basil plant constitute?

A. This basil plant contains carbs, protein, vitamins A, vitamin K, calcium, manganese, and iron.

Q. Does basil really help in lowering blood sugar levels?

A. Research has shown that basil helps regulate blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and triglycerides in preliminary studies.

Q. What role do basils play in traditional herbal medicine?

A. Basil is treasured and used in both traditional Ayurveda and Chinese medicine.

Q. Are basils susceptible to pest issues?

A. Basil can be attacked by several pathogens, most of which are fungal-based in nature.

Q. Does basil have pro-oral health property?

A. Basil can potentially inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause dental decay

Q. Is basil a natural insect repellant?

A. Basil acts as an agent that repels insects, such as mosquitos and ticks.

Q. Is basil good for general blood circulation in our bodies?

A. Basil serves to relax blood vessels and thin our blood, akin to the action of aspirin.

Q. What are some anti-stress uses for basil?

A. Basil can help reduce depression associated with chronic stress.

Q. Does basil improve brain function?

A. Basil can help lower memory loss related to stress and aging.

Q. How about the culinary aspect of basil?

A. Basil complements other herbs and spices. Both fresh and dried basil works well for garnishing our dishes.

Q. Is there evidence that basil consists of anti-cancer properties?

A. There is preliminary evidence that shows that basil indeed prevents certain cancers, such as cancer of the breast, colon, and pancreas.

Q. Does basil have any antibacterial properties?

A. Yes. Basil acts as an alternative to antibiotics for infectious diseases, in particular, fighting against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

Q. What are the favorable growing conditions for basil plants?

A. One can grow basil with nighttime temperatures above 60℉ (15.5℃) for two months. Basil is mortally sensitive to cold and generally prefers sun exposure all day.

BASIL RECAP

It could improve memory, fat regulation, blood sugar balance, mood, sleep, and fungal infection.

Easy to grow in pots, in the garden, and indoor settings.

Great for salads and spice. Also for preserving meats.

Essential oils in combination (cinnamon) could replace chemotherapy treatments.

The royal spice could protect male fertility and healthy testicular function.

Eat basil to keep the mosquitos off of ya.

Will guide your soul to the spirit land.

RELATED MATERIAL

1. Damiana
2. Ambrosia
3. Cinnamon
4. Curcummin

Additional references,

1. 1. Tova Navarra (1 January 2004). The Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements. Infobase Publishing. pp. 25–. ISBN 978-1-4381-2103-1.
   2. Rates SMK (2001) Plants as a source of drugs. Toxicon, 39, 603–613
   3. Matsuda M., Shimomura I. Increased oxidative stress in obesity: Implications for metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Obes. Res. Clin. Pract. 2013;7:e330–e341. doi: 10.1016/j.orcp.2013.05.004
   4. Jiménez-Medina E, Garcia-Lora A, Paco L, Algarra I, Collado A, et al. (2006) A new extract of the plant calendula officinalis produces a dual in vitro effect: cytotoxic anti-tumor activity and lymphocyte activation. BMC. Cancer 6:1–14
   5. Kobayashi S, Iwase H, Ito Y, Yamashita H, Iwata H, et al. (1997) Clinical significance of bcl2 gene expression in human breast cancer tissues. Breast Cancer Res Treat 42:173–181
   6. Metsovas S. Synthetic Antioxidants: Longer Shelf-Life May Lead to Shorter Lifespan. 2013
      
   7. Chi H.-W., Yang Y.-S., Shang S.-T., Chen K.-H., Yeh K.-M., Chang F.-Y., Lin J.-C. Candida albicans versus non-albicans bloodstream infections: The comparison of risk factors and outcome. J. Microbiol. Immunol. Infect. 2011;44:369–375. doi: 10.1016/j.jmii.2010.08.010
   8. Chow J.K., Golan Y., Ruthazer R., Karchmer A.W., Carmeli Y., Lichtenberg D., Chawla V., Young J., Hadley S. Factors associated with candidemia caused by non-albicans Candida species versus Candida albicans in the intensive care unit. Clin. Infect. Dis. 2008;46:1206–1213. doi: 10.1086/529435
   9. Abdollahi A, Hassani A, Ghosta Y, Bernousi I, Meshkatalsadat MH, Shabani R, et al. Evaluation of essential oils for maintaining postharvest quality of Thompson seedless table grape. Nat. Prod. Res. 2012;26:77–83
   10. Mercia MacDermott (1998). Bulgarian Folk Customs. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. pp. 114–. ISBN 978-1-85302-485-6.
   11. Robin Nelson-Shellenbarger (25 February 2013). Family Herbal Wellness. Booktango. pp. 38–. ISBN 978-1-4689-2481-7.
   12. Lucy Bregman (2010). Religion, Death, and Dying. ABC-CLIO. pp. 136–. ISBN 978-0-313-35180-8

Originally Published Jan 4, 2017, at 22:58 Updated March 21 2o2o, Jul 24, 2020