Common Names: Basil
Latin Name: Ocimum Basilicum
Parts Used: Leaves
Culinary Uses:
Basil is most commonly recommended to be used fresh. In cooked recipes it is generally added at the last moment, as cooking quickly destroys the flavour. Finely chopped basil stirred into mayonnaise makes a good sauce for fish. Use as a garnish for vegetables, chicken and egg dishes. Basil is the traditional pizza herb and is widely used in Italian cooking. Chop and add fresh to just about anything. It is one of the best herbs to add to tomatoes, mushrooms and pasta dishes, sauces, stews, salad dressings, vegetables, poultry, vinegar. Basil it’s the main component in Italian pesto sauce.Remember: fresh herbs have a milder flavour and use roughly 15ml (1 tbsp) of fresh herbs to 5ml (1 tsp) to dry.
Basil extract has been reported to have antioxidant activity.
Medicinal Uses: Basil is used as a digestive aid and has a slight sedative action.
The extract of the seeds has an antibiotic effect.
Traditionally, basil has been used as a medicinal plant in treatment of headaches, coughs, diarrhoea, constipation, warts, worms, and kidney malfunctions. It is also thought to be an antispasmodic, stomach ache, carminative, stimulant and insect repellent. The oils of basil, especially the camphor-containing oil, have antibacterial properties.
Other Uses:
•    Basil in the bath is refreshing.
•    Leaves and flowers can be dried for potpourri.
•    Burn sprigs of basil on the barbecue to deter mosquitoes.
•    A bunch of basil hung over the kitchen window or a pot of basil in the windowsill will deter flies.

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Tags | basil, herb