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 can I substitute for scent leaf?
Holy basil
Reconstituted dried leaves, though less aromatic, are an acceptable substitute for cooking. Holy basil or common basil are good alternatives.
What is the local name for basil leaf?
Ocimum gratissimum
| African basil | |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Ocimum |
| Species: | O. gratissimum |
| Binomial name | |
| Ocimum gratissimum L. |
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 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.
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.
Is scent leaf an antibiotic?
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.
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.
Is scent leaf the same as parsley?
Parsley leaf is popularly known as scent leaf in the western part of Africa. It is fondly and locally known and called Effirin by the Yoruba’s and Nchanwu in Igbo land.
What is the English name of basil?
basil, (Ocimum basilicum), also called sweet basil, annual herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its aromatic leaves.
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 does basil do for your body?
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.
What are the uses of scent leaves?
Scent leaf has the following medicinal uses:
- It fights bad breath.
- It prevents malaria or fever.
- It stops stomach ache, dysentery, diarrhea.
- It aids digestion of food.
- It aids in the production of milk in the breast.
- It lowers blood sugar level.
- It can be used as a mosquito repellant.
- It cures colds and catarrh.
Is scent leaf same as mint leaf?
Mint leaf is an aromatic herb which is mostly used to make things like breath fresheners i.e peppermint. It’s NOT the same as scent leaf (Efinrin/ Nchuawun).
Can ulcer patient take scent leaf?
Nigeria researchers from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of Syferol-IHP (blend of virgin coconut oil and Ocimum sanctum/scent leaf oil) as adjunct to conventional triple therapy for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
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.
Can you eat raw basil leaves?
The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw.
What does basil smell like?
Basil comes in all smells, tastes, shapes, and sizes. It is a versatile herb that can take on different characteristics through selective breeding. It is normal for basil to smell like lemon, cinnamon, and licorice. If your basil smells like cat urine, it may be due to the genetics of the basil plant.
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.