Basil...

Biological Name: Ocimum sanctum.
Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae).
Other Local Name: Basil, Tulsi, Tulasi.
Parts Used: The whole plant, root, leaf and seed are used.

Introduction: Basil is an aromatic herb that is also ornamental to the garden as it offers stunning purple foliage and mauve flowers. Organic Basil is considered as the best herb used as herbal supplement. Basil is enjoyed for its rich and spicy, mildly peppery flavor with a trace of mint and clove. Hence, Fresh Basil is known as "the Fragnant King". Basil is among the most popular of herbs grown in gardens and spice cabinets all over the world. Basil is an important constitutent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants, and called the "wonder herb".

Basil In India: Basil, the "Royal Herb" in India is popularily known as Tulsi.Tulsi has been described as early as the vedic period. Tulsi is the most sacred and holy plant of India dedicated to Hindu culture and Hindu ceremonies. Its leaves are used in the worhip of gods,goddesses and partaken as Prasad (Holy food). Basil Plant Description: Ocimum sanctum is an annual herb belonging to the mint family having least 150 varietie. The herb is an erect, erbaceous,much branched, soft hairy plant. Ocimum sanctum grows to 1-2 ft high. The toothed leaves are often purple. The flowers vary in color from white to red, sometimes with a tinge of purple, appear from June to September. Ocimum sanctum emits a spicy scent when bruised. It is believed to purify air by discharging negative ions. Holy Basil is also believed to possess spiritual powers.

Distribution: Ocimum sanctum is native to India,Iran and now cultivated in Egypt, France, Hungary, Italy, Morocco, USA . Basil is naturally found wild in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Basil thrives in warm and temperate climates.

History: Holy Basil has a rich and fanciful history known since the Vedic age for its emmense curative and multi-purpose utility. It has been the 'Herb royale' to the French, a sign of love by Italians, and a sacred herb in India. In the first century A.D. Roman naturalist Pliny reported that basil relieves flatulence, which had been subsequently proven true. In the Far East, the herb had been used as a cough medicine, and in Africa, it has been used to expel worms. American colonists considered Holy Basil the essential ingredient in a snuff used to ease headaches.

Action & Uses of Basil: Basil is very much useful for increasing memory power. Indians use basil in temple for worship that is decorated with flowers. Basil is effective against vomiting, nausea, constipation, depression, whooping cough, headaches, fever and cold. Basil is most useful with the stomach and its related organs. Most of the people in India use basil for cooking, such as in tomato sauce, pesto or vinegars. Also it is sprinkled over salads and sliced tomatoes. Basil leaves contain a kind of bright yellow volatile oil which is useful against insects and bacteria. For 100% WHO certified Organic Basil contact us at sales@organic.co.in

Chemical Constituents: One study found forty-five Compounds and Oils in Basil. The main constituents in volatile oil from basil are rosmarinic acid (a strong antioxidant), linalol, methylchavikol, methylcinnamat, 1, 7-dimethyl-1, 6-octadien-3-ol, and eugenol.

It's medicinal effects are mostly due to rhymol, eugenol and camphor. The mucilage is composed of sugars; xylose and polysaccharides.The seeds contain an oil composed of fatty acids and sitosterol. It is one of the healing herbs that, contains vitamin A and C, as well as antioxidants that help to prevent cell damage that can lead to cancerous conditions. In fact, another animal study shows that basil "stimulates production of disease fighting antibodies by up to 20%."