Basil (Ocimum basilicum or European Basil) Abbr: Bas
A tender annual herb, with dark green ovate leaves, which are grayish-green underneath. It has an erect stem that grows up to 60 cm high, with whorls of two-lipped greenish or pink-white flowers.
Note: Top.
Odour: Penetrating, refreshing herbal, sweet spicy (licorice scent).
Colour: Colourless or pale yellow.
Source: Leaves.
Method of Extraction: Steam distillation.
Properties: Antibacterial, Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Cephalic, Digestive, Emmenagogic, Febrifuge, Nervine, Stimulant.
Actions: Anti-depressant, calming, detoxifies, relaxes muscles.
Circulatory: Gout, rheumatism.
Digestion: Colic, colitis, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting.
Genito-Urinary: Menses – irregular, scanty periods.
Immune: Colds, fever, flu, viral infection.
Muscular: Aches and pains, cramps, multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, muscle stiffness.
Nervous: Anxiety, depression, exhaustion, fainting, fatigue, insomnia, headache – migraine, multiple sclerosis, nervous exhaustion, paralysis.
Respiratory: Asthma, bronchitis, cough, earache, emphysema, sinus congestion, whooping cough.
Skeletal: Arthritis, earache, rheumatism.
Mental/Emotional Symptoms: Anxiety, calming, clarifying, depression, exhaustion, migraine, relaxing.
Cautions: May irritate sensitive skin.
Contra-Indications: Pregnancy – do not use.