noun. any of a genus (Ocimum) of fragrant plants of the mint family, esp. a white-flowered garden herb ( O. basilicum) whose leaves are used for flavoring in cooking.
What is a basil leaf?
basil, (Ocimum basilicum), also called sweet basil, annual herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its aromatic leaves. Basil is likely native to India and is widely grown as a kitchen herb. The leaves are used fresh or dried to flavour meats, fish, salads, and sauces; basil tea is a stimulant.
What is basil leaves called in India?
Basil also known as French Basil or Sweet Basil or Tulsi is an erect glabrous herb, 30-90 cm high is indigenous to India. The leaves of basil have numerous oil glands with aromatic volatile oil.
What is basil leaf used for?
Basil is an herb in the mint family. It adds flavor to meals, and its nutrients may provide health benefits. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) plays a role in many Mediterranean, and particularly Italian, cuisines. It forms the basis of pesto and adds a distinctive flavor to salads, pasta, pizza, and other dishes.
What does basil leaf look like?
Basil leaves are solid and oblong with a point at the end. The leaves of common sweet basil have a glossy green appearance and grow between 2 and 4 inches long. The leaves often have a slight curve downward with a slightly bumpy or grooved appearance along the veins in the leaves.
What is another name for basil leaf?
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.
What food is basil used in?
When you’re ready to use it, your options are endless. Of course, if you’re looking for basil recipes, pesto has to be your #1. Stir it into pasta, slather it on sandwiches or toast, top it onto eggs, drizzle it over salads, or dollop it onto grilled veggies.
Is basil & Tulsi same?
But tulsi and basil are two different plants; the botanical name of tulsi is Ocimum tenuiflorum whereas the botanical name of basil is Ocimum basilicum. Both tulsi and basil belong to the Lamiaceae family.
Is basil like Tulsi?
The basil commonly used in supplements and herbal tea is holy basil — sometimes called tulsi — which is the O. tenuiflorum species,also known as O. sanctum.
Is Tulsi a basil?
Tulsi is an aromatic shrub in the basil family Lamiaceae (tribe ocimeae) that is thought to have originated in north central India and now grows native throughout the eastern world tropics.
What is the health benefits of basil?
Having antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties, basil helps maintain skin health, boosts digestion and detoxifies the body. It also helps in the prevention and cure of diseases like cancer, diabetes and other heart conditions. Fresh basil contains Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Iron, Manganese, Calcium, and essential oils.
Is basil good for kidneys?
Kidney Health
Basil leaves act as a kidney tonic by cleansing the kidneys and lowering uric acid levels, which is the root cause of kidney stones. Basil contains compounds like acetic acid which help in the expulsion of kidney stones via urine.
Is basil good for skin?
Aiding its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, basil helps prevent acne. Basil is also an excellent pore cleanser since it contains natural oils that help act as a natural cleanser and remove surplus oil and impurities. It also soothes and calms the skin, swelling and pain that may come with acne.
Can I eat basil leaves Raw?
The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw.
What is the smell of basil leaves?
4 issue of the journal PLoS ONE, provides a three-dimensional snapshot of the enzyme basil Eugenol Synthase frozen in mid-action as it produces eugenol, the fragrant molecule responsible for basil’s spicy overtones reminiscent of cloves and cinnamon.
What are types of basil?
BasilLower classifications
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 drink basil tea?
Basil tea benefits
Fresh basil is known to be full of anti-oxidants, anti-bacterial properties, and Vitamin K. We can’t promise a cup of basil tea will cure all your ailments, but it can’t be argued that it’s positively soothing to drink a cup! This is a healthy way to enjoy this powerful fresh herb.
How do you use basil on your face?
Get a handful of fresh basil leaves and crush them into a paste, with the help of a pestle and mortar. Take two tsp aloe vera gel in a bowl and add the basil leaves paste to that. Mix together and apply it on the face. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and after that, wash it off using fresh water.
What are the side effects of basil?
Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice. Bleeding disorders: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Low blood pressure: Basil extracts might lower blood pressure.
Is basil better cooked or raw?
Holy basil is best cooked (it can be bitter when raw), but purple basil is best raw as that pretty purple color turns black when cooked. Thai basil is stronger, with an anise flavor, while lemon and cinnamon basil are aptly named for the flavors they bring to the table.