Basil is a herb very commonly used in Italian cuisines, as well as other cuisines. For an example, Pasto, made with pine nuts and garlic, and many other sauces. Basil is widely used in many western cuisines, and often used as medicinal herbs, it has been loved by many cultures throughout the history.

Throughout the history, basil was used by many different cultures in many various ways. According to literatures, Italian women used to placed basil plants on their balcony to show that they were ready for love, and many norther Europeans used to exchange basil sprigs to symbolize promises of “trust” and “devotion."

In India, basil was held sacred, wild-grown basil were known as “Holy Basil."

Also, basil was used as sacrificial offering to god “Vishnu” and “Krishna”, and was believed to protect life.

In Haiti, a republic in West Indies, basil is believed to have protective powers, many shop owners spread basil around their shops in hopes of “happiness and prosperity”

In Philippines, basil is used as wet compress to treat tinea (ring worm), also pregnant women may drink basil tea to induce labor.

In Malaya, basil is used as anthelmintic and to facilitate menstruation.

Likewise, basil is used not only in Europe, but throughout the world as medicinal herbs, but not in North America. However, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture, basil can be used for various condition, like alcoholism, fatigue, post-partum, cholera, common cold, constipation, convulsion, cough, hallucination, hearing problems, diarrhea, delirium, depression, and heart problems, especially allergies in newborn, infants or toddlers, and various infections.

Indications:

1. Eradicates intestinal parasites

Basil oil has been clinically proven to remove intestinal parasites

2. Treatment of acne

According to a clinical study, basil is very effective in killing bacteria on the skin surface, and basil oil has been successfully used to treat acne.

3.Strengthens immunity

According to animal study, basil strengthened body’s immune system by 20%

4. Basil tea prior to sleep helps migraine, anxiety, and irritability

5.It can be used to treat oral yeast infection and used as gargle for candidiasis

6.Promotes blood circulation

Basil tea can be used before and after child labor. It can also be used to promote digestion and appetite.

Preparation:

For acne treatment, boil basil to make strong decoction and apply to the skin, and “basil tincture” can also be used. Typically, place 2-3 teaspoon of dried basil in 1 cup of boiled water for 10-20 minutes and drink it 3 times a day.

Drink basil tincture ½ - 1 teaspoonful 3 times a day. Basil is very fragrant and contains many nutrients, including Vitamin A and C, which are known to be anti-cancer agents.

Caution:

As with any herbs, when used for prolonged period herbalist/acupuncturist should be consulted. Also, basil is safe for use in pregnancy (within certain amounts), but healthcare provider should be consulted