Basil
Product Details
Basil (Ocimum basilicum), also called great basil or Saint-Joseph’s-wort.
Is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is also called the “king of herbs” and the “royal herb”. The name “basil” comes from Greek βασιλικόν φυτόν (basilikón phutón), “royal/kingly plant”.
Basil is possibly native to India, and has been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years.
. It is a best known as a culinary herb prominently featured in Italian cuisine, and also plays a major role in Southeast Asian cuisines of Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Taiwan. Depending on the species and cultivar, the leaves may taste somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent, often sweet smell.
Basil is an herb. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.
Basil is commonly used orally for stomach problems such as spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, diarrhea, and constipation. But there is limited scientific research to support these and other medicinal uses of basil.
In foods, basil is used for flavor.
Basil contains many chemicals. These chemicals might kill bacteria and fungi. Chemicals in basil might reduce symptoms in