Ocimum gratissimum, popularly known as Scent leaf, clove basil, African basil, and in Hawaii as wild basil, is a species of Ocimum. It is native to Africa, Madagascar, southern Asia, and the Bismarck Archipelago. The scent leaf plant can reach a height of 1-3 m and has several branches growing from its base.
Is basil same as scent leaves?
Ocimum gratissimum is popularly known as scent leaf; it is known as efinrin in Yoruba, nchanwu in Igbo and daidoya in Hausa. The best known species are the strongly aromatic herb, Ocimum basilicum (Thai basil) as well as the medicinal herb Ocimum tenuiflorum also known as Ocimum sanctum (holy basil or tulsi in Hindi).
What is the local name for basil leaf?
Ocimum gratissimum
| African basil | |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Ocimum |
| Species: | O. gratissimum |
| Binomial name | |
| Ocimum gratissimum L. |
What is the substitute for scent leaves?
Reconstituted dried leaves, though less aromatic, are an acceptable substitute for cooking. Holy basil or common basil are good alternatives.
What leaf is scent leaf?
The Scent leaf, botanically known as Ocimum gratissimum, is an aromatic herb that has been introduced extensively across tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is native to Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroun, Madagascar, Southern Asia, and the Bismarck Archipelago.
What is basil called in Nigeria?
Basil popularly called scent leaf, or nchanwu in eastern Nigeria is known as one of the most important herbs today. It is basically used to add flavor to a variety of recipes, but also serves as remedy to a wide range of health conditions.
What is another name for basil?
Other Name(s): Albahaca, Basilic, Basilic Commun, Basilic Grand, Basilic Grand Vert, Basilic Romain, Basilic aux Sauces, Basilici Herba, Basilici Herba, Common Basil, Garden Basil, Krishna Tulsi, Munjariki, Ocimum basilicum, St. Josephwort, Surasa, Sweet Basil, Vanatulasi, Varvara, Visva Tulsi.
Where is scent leaf found?
Ocimum gratissimum, popularly known as scent leaf is a fully developed flowering plant that is propagated by seed or cuttings. It grows throughout the tropics and subtropics but mostly in tropical Africa and India with great variability (Rhoda and Negimote, 2015).
What are the benefits of basil leaf?
The eugenol in basil can block calcium channels, which may help to lower blood pressure. The essential oils in the herb can help to lower your cholesterol and triglycerides. Basil also contains magnesium, which can help to improve blood flow by allowing muscles and blood vessels to relax.
Is drinking basil water good for you?
A: Yes, basil tea is a healthy and refreshing beverage that will uplift your mood with added health benefits. Basil contains vitamin A, vitamin K, iron, manganese, calcium, and essential oils. Plus, it has the goodness of antioxidants that fight free radicals that cause harm to our body in various ways.
What can replace basil?
Fresh Basil
- Fresh oregano. This is the closest substitute when it comes to texture, flavor, and color.
- Spinach. Spinach is an easy substitute for texture and color, but has much milder flavors than fresh basil.
- Mint.
- Cilantro.
What is scent leaf called in America?
Ocimum gratissimum, popularly known as Scent leaf, clove basil, African basil, and in Hawaii as wild basil, is a species of Ocimum. It is native to Africa, Madagascar, southern Asia, and the Bismarck Archipelago. The scent leaf plant can reach a height of 1-3 m and has several branches growing from its base.
Can scent leaf cure urinary tract infection?
Urinary Tract Infection
Infused seeds of the scent leaf plant are speculated to help in locally treating urinary tract infections, gonorrhoea and vaginitis.
How scent leaves cure infection?
The oils from scent leaf are known to possess some antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties and this is why it is referred to as the ‘fever’ leaf. Do you wonder why people take pepper soup and scent leaf when cold attacks? It is because it fights against cold and catarrh.
What is Nigerian scent leaf?
Ocimum gratissimum, basil, or “scent leaf”, as Nigerians love to call it, is a tropical plant species. Popularly known as efirin by the Yorubas, nchanwu by the Ibos and daidoya by northerners, the leaf, which is highly nutritional, is quite common in Nigeria.
What is basil high in?
Basil provides some macronutrients, such as calcium and vitamin K, as well as a range of antioxidants. Sweet basil, for example, has a high concentration of the chemical agent eugenol. This gives it a clove-like scent. Lime and lemon basils have high concentrations of limonene, which give them a citrusy scent.
What is Igbo name for basil leaf?
Botanical Name: Basil ocimum, Basil gratissimum; Common Names: Sweet basil, Tea bush, Hairy basil, scent leaf; Yoruba – Effirin, Igbo – Nchanwu, Hausa – Dodoya, Benin – Asanifa, Efik – Amana.
Is Curry leaves a basil leaf?
One of the popular fresh herbs that you can get at the local market in Nigeria is the ‘Curry leaves’…well, while it is called ‘Curry leaves’, it is really LEMON BASIL.
Can you overdose on basil?
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 for medicine?
Add 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil to boiling water and steep for about 5 minutes then strain. Sweeten with raw honey to taste and sip slowly to help with digestive issues. This can also soothe a cough.
Can you eat raw basil leaves?
The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw.