Botanical Name
Ocimum basilicum
Botanical Family
Lamiaceae/Labiatae
Method of Distillation
Steam Distilled
Parts Distilled
LeavesFlowering Tops
Origin
ThailandEgyptFranceComoro IslandsReunion Islands
Note
Top-Middle
Organoleptic
Clear, thin. Sweet herbaceous aroma, licorice, slightly camphorous.
Taste
acridsweet
Temperature
warm
Channels Entered
LiverStomachKidneyLungLarge Intestine
Actions
AntibacterialAnti-fungalAnti-cancerDetoxifying
Medicinal Properties
🌱 Chinese Herb
East Asian Medicine Actions:
- Resolves food stagnation
- Nourishes Liver Yin
- Releases the exterior
- Tonifies Spleen Qi
- Tonifies Kidney Qi
- Tonifies Wei Qi
- Resolves Tai Yang Sinew patterns (along with spruce)
- Descends Lung Qi
Ayurvedic Description: Warming and drying, useful for Kapha and phlegm conditions.
Common Uses:
- Lifts the mind
- Bronchitis
- Cold
- Constipation: affects Metal element, regulates Large Intestine
- Cough
- Exhaustion
- Flatulence
- Flu
- Grief
- Headaches
- Insect bites
- Insufficient lactation: promotes lactation
- Muscle aches
- Shoulder injury or pain
- Sinusitis
- Uterine contractions
Cautions & Contraindications:Â Use a small dose; caution in pregnancy. High in phenols, which can easily irritate the skin. Use a maximum dilution of 15%.
Oil Description: Fruity, spicy, balsamic, clear to yellow color.
Major Chemical Constituents:Â Linalool, Fenchol , Eugenol, Methyl chavicol, Beta-Caryophyllene
Common Blends:
- Spruce: to relax Tai Yang sinews
- Orange: energizing