Basil

Common noun : Basil, sweet basil.
Scientific noun: Ocimum basilicum L
Family:.Pea family - Leguminosae
Habitat: Garden plant, native from India.

Characteristics : Annual herb up to 1 m. Erect stems, round below, squared above . Ovate or lanceolate leaves, opposite till 5 cm long, long petiolated, darker above, very odorous Flowers grouped in spikes, loose verticils with 6 flowers each. Calyx with 6 lobes, edge-ciliated. White or pink corolla, stamens white. Upper lip with 4 lobes, lower one undivided.

Active components:: Essence with linanol, estragole and eugenol.

Medicinal Properties:

Internal Use

Digestive: It eases digestion and avoids gastric spasms (Infusion of a handful of dry leaves - about 15 gr. - per litre of water. Drink 3 cups a day after meals)

Digestive and lactic stimulant:The essence of the plant whets one's appetite ( 2 or 3 drops a day melt in sugar) Stimulates the production of milk in nursing ( Decoction of 30 gr. of dry leaves per litre of water. Drink 2 cups a day)

Anti-vomitive : When feeling the need of vomiting or in cases of intestine unrest ( 15 gr. of dry leaves per litre of water)

Buccal:When aches or pains appear in the mouth, such as inflammations, blisters or bad breath (Gargles with de decoction of 100 gr. of dry leaves per litre of water)

Cysts in the ovary :Make an abdominal massage with the essential oil.

Other uses

Repellent for mosquitos:It has been used to repel mosquitos. They seem not to stand the strong odour coming from the estragol and eugenol the plant contains in its leaves. The extended custom of using the plant indoors in the native country where it comes from - India- appears to be the explanation of not having many of these insects in their homes, although they really use this plant because it is considered to be a sacred one.

Seasoning : It can be used to spice meals by mixing its dry ground leaves with other herbs, although it can be eaten fresh in salads.

Hair tonic: To reinforce the hair, preventing it from falling ( Rub the hair with the liquid resulting from the infusion of dry leaves )

Picking-up and storing: Leaves and floral summits should be collected in summer. They must be dried in the shade and be kept in a crystal container very well closed.