Basil, also named great basil, tulsi or Saint Joseph's wort, is a culinary herb in the mint family. It is also called “king of hebrs” and “the royal herb”. The name “basil” is derived from the Greek basilikon phyton which translates again to “royal/kingly plant”.

Basil is possibly native to India, and has been cultivated for more than 5,000 years. It was thoroughly familiar to the Greek herbalists and authors Theophrastus and Dioscorides. It is a prominent herb in traditional Italian cuisine and also plays a major role in Southeast Asia cuisines of Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Taiwan. The leaves possess an anise like aftertaste and a strong, pungent, sweet aroma.

The health benefits of basil include oral hygiene care, relief from respiratory disorders, as well as treatment for fever, asthma, ling disorders, heart diseases and stress. Holy basil is undoubtably one of the most prominent, best medicinal herb ever discovered. It holds a long list of medicinal applications and has been highly employed and valued in many regions of the world, especially India.

A few leaves dropped in drinking water or foods can protect from infections and kill germs. The aroma fresh, planted basil, once inhaled, can help protect from infections, coughs, colds and viral infections. In India, it is considered that basil can protect from evil and bring about good luck. Royal Basil is also inextricably linked with the Christian Religion, as it is believed the plant holds it's name after Jesus Christs, who was named King of Kings.

Medicinal Applications:

The healing powers of basil can be attributed to the plethora of phytonutrients contained in it. Holy Basil is an excellent antibiotic, germicidal, hungicidal and disinfectant agent and very successfully protects the body from all types of bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Fever is mainly caused by infections from protozoa, bacteria, viruses or allergic substances and fungi. Tulsi can effectively destroy all these types of intruders, resulting in healing all the symptoms their infection causes, including fever.

Basil, along with curing infections of the respiratory tract, offers relief in congestion due to the presence of components like camphene, eugenol and cineole in the plant's essential oils. It is very effecting in curing most varieties of respiratory disorders including bronchitis, both chronic and acute.

Basil is beneficial in the treatment of asthma, as it relieves congestion and facilitates easier breathing. The phytonutrients, oils and minerals offer a cure for most reasons that cause asthma.

Vitamin C, Camphene, Eugenol and Cineole, all components that can be found in basil, help with curing lung infections and congestion. They are also able to heal damage caused to the lungs due to smoking, tuberculosis and lung cancer. In addition, it helps with rising tuberculosis due to the antibiotic properties it possesses.

The many antioxidants in basil protect the heart from the harmful effects of free radicals and toxins. The eugenol in basil is also beneficial in reducing the cholesterol levels within the blood, furthering the aid the plant can offer to the heart.

Basil can minimize the stress done to the system by oxidants. It soothes the nerves, lowers blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and reduces stress altogether.

Basil is excellent in freshening the mouth and disinfecting the oral cavity. It destroys more that 99% of bacteria and germs and the effects can last all day. It can also cure ulcers and can inhibit the growth of oral cancer that can be caused by chewing tobacco leaves.

Basil eliminates the bacteria and germs that cause dental cavities, plaque, tartar and bad breath, while protecting the teeth. The astringent properties it holds also help in tightening the gums. It is best however to drink a basil decoction and not chew the leaves, as they can cause damage to the teath with prolonged direct contact.