Information About Basil

Basil, (Ocimum basilicum), also called sweet basil, annual herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its aromatic leaves. Basil is likely native to India and is widely grown as a kitchen herb. The leaves are used fresh or dried to flavour meats, fish, salads, and sauces; basil tea is a stimulant.

What is basil used for?
Where is Basil found?
Who discovered Basil?
What part of basil do we eat?
Can you eat raw basil leaves?
Is Basil good for kidneys?
Is Basil poisonous to humans?
How is basil used in cooking?
How is Basil made?
How did Basil get its name?
Is Basil same as Tulsi?
What family is basil in?

What is basil used for?

Basil is an herb. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Basil is used for stomach spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, kidney conditions, fluid retention, head colds, warts, and worm infections. It is also used to treat snake and insect bites.

Where is Basil found?

Basil is one of the most popular herbs grown in the world. It is native to Asia (India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand and other countries) and can be found growing wild in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Because of its popularity, basil is often referred to as the "king of the herbs".

Who discovered Basil?

Basil is undoubtedly the most loved and popular herb in Italy. Although we tend to associate it with Italy and other Mediterranean countries, it actually originated in India, and was brought to the Mediterranean via the spice routes in ancient times.

What part of basil do we eat?

Cooking With Basil

The leaves are most often removed from the stem and either torn, cut into chiffonade, or finely chopped. They can also be used whole and added as a pizza topping or garnish.

Can you eat raw basil leaves?

The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw. Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter. There are many ways to incorporate holy basil into your daily life. You can cook with it, take it in supplement form, or make a tea with it.

Is Basil good for kidneys?

Kidney Health

Basil leaves act as a kidney tonic by cleansing the kidneys and lowering uric acid levels, which is the root cause of kidney stones. Basil contains compounds like acetic acid which help in the expulsion of kidney stones via urine.

Is Basil poisonous to humans?

When taken by mouth: Basil is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in food amounts. When taken by mouth as a medicine, basil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil herb and basil oil contain estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.

How is basil used in cooking?

How to Use Basil

Top whole leaves onto pizza.
Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.
Blend it into sauces.
Puree it into soups.
Chop it up to add to a salad.
Use it to garnish avocado toast.
Turn it into an ice cream topping! Jazz up vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, basil, and a balsamic reduction.

How is Basil made?

For dried basil leaves, the plant is cut just prior to appearance of flowers. To produce essential basil oil, the plant is harvested when the flowers are in full bloom. In warmer climates, three to five cuttings can be made per year.

How did Basil get its name?

Basil's name comes from royal stock. Or it might be named after a monster! The oldest origin of the word "basil," according to the OED, is the ancient Greek basileus, meaning "king" (the same root as "basilica," which originally referred to a royal doorway). ...

Is Basil same as Tulsi?

But tulsi and basil are two different plants; the botanical name of tulsi is Ocimum tenuiflorum whereas the botanical name of basil is Ocimum basilicum. ... The edible basil leaves are mainly used for culinary dishes whereas tulsi is mainly used as an indigenous medicinal ingredient.

What family is basil in?

Basil, (Ocimum basilicum), also called sweet basil, annual herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its aromatic leaves.