Sacred Basil

Ocimum tenuiflorum

Physical Characteristics

Ocimum tenuiflorum is an evergreen Annual/Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, northern Australia.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[301 ]. Sweetly spicy, with a sharp, pronounced clove scent and pungency[301 ]. Used in salads, they can also be cooked as a potherb or used as a flavouring in a variety of dishes[301 ]. A refreshing tea can be made from the leaves[301 ]. Fresh flowers[301 ]. The mucilaginous seeds are made into a sweet, cooling beverage[301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Sacred basil is a very important herb in the Ayurvedic tradition[254 ]. A pungently aromatic, warming, antiseptic herb; it induces perspiration; lowers fevers; relaxes spasms; eases pain; clears bacterial infections; strengthens the immune and nervous systems; reduces inflammations; and benefits the digestive system[238 , 254 , 272 , 348 ]. Research has shown that the herb has the ability to lower blood sugar levels[254 ]. The essential oils from the leaf have shown antibacterial and antifungal activity. They contain methylchaviol, eugenol and other volatile, commercial oils[238 ]. The plant is used internally in the treatment of feverish illnesses (especially in children), colds, influenza, sinusitis, headaches, rheumatism, arthritis, digestive disorders, including abdominal distension and cramps; low libido and negativity[238 ]. It has been found helpful in some types of diabetes[254 ]. The herb is used externally as an antiseptic to treat skin infections, spots etc[238 , 348 ]. The juice of the plants is used to treat insect bites and ringworm[254 ]. The juice is dropped into the ear to treat earaches[348 ]. The leaves can be harvested during the growing season and used fresh or dried for later use[238 ]. The seeds are used as a tonic[238 ].

Known Hazards

None known