Origin, Distribution and Composition
Holy basil is a many branched, erect, stout and aromatic herb. It grows upto the height of about 75 cms and is hairy all over. The plant has tender, egg-shaped leaves, usually smooth, upto 2.5 cm in length, small, purplish or reddish flowers in small compact clusters on slender spikes, small fruits and yellowish or reddish seeds. The herb is bitter and pungent.
It is grown in flower pots in most Hindu homes. Its leaves are used in the worship of gods and goddesses and partaken as prasad.
This herb has been known from as early as the vedic period. Hindus regard it as an earthly manifestation of goddess Vrindavani who is dear to Lord Vishnu.
The holy basil is native to India. It reached Western Europe only in the 16th century. It has now been widely grown throughout the world.
The leaves of holy basil yield an essential oil which contains eugenol, carvacrol, methyl eugenol and caryophyllene. It has the property of destroying bacteria and insects. The leaves have also been separated to yield ursolic acid, apigenin, luteolin, apigenm-7, glucuronid, orientin and molludistin.
Healing Power and Curative Properties
The plant has
medicinal properties. The leaves are nerve
tonic and sharpen memory. They promote the removal of
catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tubes The
leaves strengthen the
stomach and induce copious perspiration
The seeds of the plant are mucilaginous or starchy and
nourishing. They have a soothing effect on the skin and the
mucous membranes. They also increase the volume of urine.
Fevers
The leaves of basil are specific for many
fevers. During the rainy season, when
malaria and
dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as a preventive against these
diseases. In case of acute
fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a litre of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature.
Sore Throat
Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as a drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.
Respiratory Disorders
The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorders. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis,
asthma, influenza, cough and
cold
. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a litre of water till only half the water is left and then taken.
Kidney Stones
Basil has strengthening effect on the
kidney. In case of renal stones, the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for six months, will expel them via the urinary tract.
Heart Disorders
Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol.
Children's Ailments
Common paediatric problems like cough,
cold,
fever,
diarrhoea
and vomiting respond favourably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.