Basil
BASIL
Basil is that leaf you sprinkle on pizza or blitz into pesto, but this is not just a salad herb. Basil has been blessing kitchens, temples, and medicine cabinets for over 3,000 years, and its legacy stretches from India to Italy, Egypt to Ethiopia, rooted in ritual, healing, and holy protection.
Let’s start with the name. Ocimum comes from the Greek okimon, meaning “to smell,” and trust me, it lives up to it. That sweet, clove-like aroma isn’t just appetizing- it’s medicine. In Ayurvedic medicine, basil (and especially its cousin tulsi) is called a rasayana, a rejuvenating herb used to boost immunity, calm the nervous system, and lift the spirit. It was used to treat colds, coughs, digestive troubles, and brain fog, and seen as a sattvic herb, one that increases clarity and peace of mind.
Meanwhile, in Ancient Egypt, basil was found tucked into tombs because it was believed to help guide souls safely to the afterlife. In Greek and Roman times, it was considered both sacred and spicy, associated with love, hate, protection, and even poverty, depending on who you asked. Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder documented it as a cure for epilepsy, and physicians used it for flatulence, melancholy, and plague prevention.
In African and Afro-Caribbean spiritual traditions, basil is seen as a protective and purifying plant. It’s used in baths, floor washes, and ritual offerings to cleanse spaces, attract blessings, and banish negativity. In Haitian Vodou, it’s associated with Erzulie, the spirit of love. In Catholic folk practices, basil is grown near altars and used in holy water blends. This herb doesn’t just smell divine- it’s considered a bridge between worlds.
In European folk medicine, basil was used for nervous system regulation, menstrual cramps, and headaches. It was chewed to freshen breath, placed in pillows to ward off nightmares, and steeped into teas for stomach aches. In Mexico, traditional herbalists use it to calm “susto” (soul fright), clear “bad air,” and balance emotional overload.
Modern science, of course, caught up eventually. Basil is rich in volatile oils like eugenol, linalool, and methyl chavicol, all of which are anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant. Studies show that basil may help with blood sugar regulation, cardiovascular support, and immune modulation. And let’s not forget the adaptogenic effects - especially in tulsi - which help the body resist stress.
And of course… Culinary basil isn’t just delicious, it’s strategic. It aids digestion, improves circulation, and even repels insects. That’s why you’ll find it planted next to tomatoes in the garden or tucked into kitchen windows around the world. It’s a guardian herb, whether you’re growing it, cooking with it, or brewing it as tea.
So no, basil isn’t just a pizza topping. It’s global medicine, divine incense, kitchen healer, and altar herb all wrapped in a few bright green leaves. It wakes up the senses, clears the mind, and reminds you that sometimes the most powerful things are the ones already growing in your backyard.
Medicinal Uses of Basil
Stress & Mood
Acts as an adaptogen – helps the body manage stress (especially Holy Basil/Tulsi)
Mild antidepressant and anxiolytic properties
Promotes mental clarity and focus
Digestive Health
Carminative – relieves gas, bloating, and stomach cramps
Stimulates appetite and digestive enzymes
Helps with nausea and vomiting
Mild laxative properties (especially in tea form)
Respiratory Support
Eases symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and coughs
Acts as an expectorant – helps clear mucus
Reduces inflammation in the lungs
Antimicrobial & Immune Boosting
Antibacterial – inhibits growth of various harmful bacteria
Antiviral – shows promise against some viral strains
Antifungal – helps with skin and internal fungal infections
Immune-modulating – may enhance immune system response
Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant
Reduces inflammation systemically
Rich in flavonoids and essential oils like eugenol and linalool
Helps counter oxidative stress, which contributes to aging and disease
Heart Health
May help lower blood pressure
Helps reduce cholesterol levels
Supports circulatory function
Blood Sugar Regulation
May help lower blood glucose levels
Supports insulin sensitivity
Reproductive & Hormonal Health
Eases menstrual cramps
Traditionally used to support fertility and balance hormones
Tulsi (Holy Basil) used postpartum for recovery in Ayurvedic practice
Oral Health
Antimicrobial properties support gum and dental health
Fresh leaves can help freshen breath naturally
Skin & Wound Healing
Crushed leaves or essential oil used on cuts, insect bites, and acne
Promotes healing of minor wounds and reduces itching
Antifungal applications for athlete's foot and ringworm
Neuroprotective (Emerging Research)
May help protect brain cells from damage
Potential to support cognitive function and reduce risk of neurodegenerative disease