Ocimum basilicum

Ocimum basilicum, Lamiaceae, Essential oil (which contains estragole, lineol, camphor, eugenol, linalool, pinene), tannins
Ocimum basilicum, Lamiaceae, Essential oil (which contains estragole, lineol, camphor, eugenol, linalool, pinene), tanninsOcimum basilicum, Lamiaceae, Essential oil (which contains estragole, lineol, camphor, eugenol, linalool, pinene), tanninsOcimum basilicum, Lamiaceae, Essential oil (which contains estragole, lineol, camphor, eugenol, linalool, pinene), tanninsOcimum basilicum, Lamiaceae, Essential oil (which contains estragole, lineol, camphor, eugenol, linalool, pinene), tanninsOcimum basilicum, Lamiaceae, Essential oil (which contains estragole, lineol, camphor, eugenol, linalool, pinene), tanninsOcimum basilicum, Lamiaceae, Essential oil (which contains estragole, lineol, camphor, eugenol, linalool, pinene), tannins
Botanical Nomenclature Ocimum basilicum
Common Name Basil, Sweet Basil
Taxonomy- Family Lamiaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Ocimum basilicum is a perennial, herbaceous plant growing from 10 to 50cm, with lanceolate, elliptical, green leaves and white or pink flowers. The flowering lasts from July to August and the harvesting takes place from May to September.
Region Found Epirus
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Flowers, leaves
Active Substances Essential oil (which contains estragole, lineol, camphor, eugenol, linalool, pinene), tannins
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The whole plant is used as antispasmodic, stomach tonic, galactagogue, diuretic and emollient. The herbal tea made from the leaves is administered for the treatment of headaches, hysteria, anxiety and tension, as well it is recommended as analgesic for arthritic and rheumatic pain. In folk medicine it is used against fever, gastroenteritis, constipation, nausea, indigestion and sore throat.
Method of Administration The plant is administered as analgesic, sedative and digestive in the form of herbal tea (a quantity of the dried leaves in a cup of boiled water, 2-3 times daily). Also, it is applied externally to the skin as analgesic in the form of poultice made from the fresh leaves.
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects Estragole, which is contained in the essential oil of the plant, may cause carcinogenicity and mutagenicity.
References 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, Α' τόμος, σελίδες: 138-139 2)Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδα 308 3)Hansel R., Rational Phytotherapy: A Reference Guide for Physicians and Pharmacists. Ed. Springer, Germany 2001. 4)http://books.google.gr/books?id=5CO2ZezbDukC&pg=PA58&lpg=PA58&dq=rational+phytotherapy&source=bl&ots=jOYggFiq2p&sig=E_pbbKiS75i0cQwETWf9HO5B8V0&hl=el&sa=X&ei=Y7RPU6PtMcSJ7Aay9IGoCw&ved=0CHYQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=rational%20phytotherapy&f=false 5)http://health-from-nature.net/Basil.html 6)http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail4.php#Prep; De Vincenzi M, Silano M, Maialetti F, Scazzocchio B. Constituents of aromatic plants: II. Estragole. Fitoterapia. 2000 Dec;71(6):725-9. Review.