| Trade Name | Basil |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Great basil, Saint-Joseph’s-wort |
| Botanical Name | Ocimum basilicum |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Synonyms | Sweet basil |
| Part used | Seeds and leaves |
| Product nature | Dry leaves of basil |
Description
Basil grows best in hot, dry conditions and is sensitive to frost. The main producing areas of basil are the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada, the northern states of the United States, and the South Island of New Zealand.
Basil is famous for its use in Italian cuisine and is one of the main ingredients in pesto. Basil is commonly used in Indonesian, Thai and Vietnamese cuisines. It contains (E)-β-caryophyllene (BCP), which can be used to treat arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Dried basil leaves also help prevent certain types of skin, liver cancer, oral cancer, and lung cancer. Basil leaves (Tulsi) can prevent damage caused by free radicals in the liver, brain, and heart, thereby helping to prevent certain harmful effects of aging.
It is rich in nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, potassium, and calcium. Basil has only 22 calories per 100 grams, which is rich in nutrients and low in calories.