Ocimum Basilicum is the scientific name of Basil, this aromatic herb is a member of the mint family. Basil may grow as tall as 2 to 3 feet, it has a tiny white or purple-tinged flowers. Its leaves is sometimes purplish; sometimes smooth edged, sometimes serrated, it gives off its characteristic smell when it is chopped.

Therapeutic Properties: Basil Herb contains many antiviral substances and other phytochemicals, that is why it is not only a favorite ingredients for a healthy meal it is also used as a treatment to cure some sickness.

Basil Herb is beneficial on the treatments of the following disorder: Acne, Insect bites, Dental Problems, Parasitic Infections, and Wounds.

In the old time basil leaves is boiled and taken as tea to relieve cramps, constipation, indigestion, heart problems, itching, nausea, ringworm, alcoholism, fever, colds. Bruised leaves were also used to cover the wounds, snakebite, arthritic pain, warts and fever.

Basil can also be use as natural insect repellant, rub some crushed leaves on your skin. To remove wart, rub leaves on the wart daily and cover with bandage or boil 4 basil leaves to a 4cups of water and drink as tea.

Caution: When basil herb is used as a food ingredient it is perfectly safe, but an essential oil from basil might cause cancer in extremely large dosage, because it contain a chemical called estragole.

Estragole is a natural organic compound, that is suspected to be carcinogenic and genotoxic according to the study done by the European Union. The percentage content of estragole in basil oil is about 23-88%. Many teas or tea-like beverages also contain estragole. It is also used in perfume making and flavoring on foods.