Herbal Profiles

Work with one herb for a moon phase

new moon nov 23rd

basil page on chesnut herbs

Range/Habitat preference

(Ocimum basilicum, Lamiaceae)

herbal energetics

optimal preparations

herbaceous annual, sometimes perennial

native to tropical India and the middle east. can be grown as an annual in temperate climates during the summer. some varieties will grow as a short-lived, tender perennial in milder climates. -full sun, warm soil

slightly warming and drying

tea, tincture, pesto, infused oil, infused vinegar, herbal butter, herbal finishing salts

Nervine Carminative Antimicrobial Anti-nausea Diaphoretic Circulatory stimulant Antioxidant Emmenagogue

precautions/contraindications

circulatory system nervous system digestive system respiratory system immune system integumentary system

gentle circulatory stimulant

higher doses (medicinal strength) are contraindicated during pregnancy in both Asian & Western traditional medicine. stimulate the menses and aids in childbirth; therefore, its medicinal use in pregnancy is contraindicated.

alleviates anxiety. helps allay fatigue and mental dullness. improves memory and concentration. basil’s aroma stimulates beta waves in the brain helping mental work, alertness and decision making

aids digestions and reduces gas and nausea. helps children’s upset tummies

pinch back leaves every week

spicier varieties are helpful for respiratory congestion. basil tea is good for treating the catarrhal, phlegmy conditions and sinusitis associated with colds and flu. relaxes spasms in the lungs making it useful for asthma and whooping cough.

classic insecticide; an infusion of the leaves, when mixed with liquid castile soap, can be sprayed on other plants to deter munching bugs.

a diaphoretic useful when fever is present

Tincture ratios and dosage: Fresh (1:2 95%) or dry (1:4 60%); either preparation 1/2 to 4/5 teaspoons (2-4 ml) three times a day Infusion ratios and dosage: Infusion of 1 teaspoon (5 ml) to 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) of the dried leaves per 1 cup (240 ml) of boiling water three times a day

broad spectrum antimicrobial for bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections. effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexneri, Escherichia coli,7 adenovirus, and herpes simplex 1 and 2. topical compress, poultice, fresh juice, bath for for fungal skin infections, ringworm, and thrush

brings prosperity. classically strewn on the floor or on window sill of a new shop or business. gives courage in times of strife, eases pain of mourning, and helps release pent up tension and anger. traditional aphrodisiac. brings vitality, increased libido, and improved sperm health and motility

a massage with basil-infused oil can ease mental tension, tightness, and headache

pairs well with rosemary (rosemarinus officinales) and gotu kola (centella asiatica) for improving memory and concentration

tea made with ginger (Zingiber officinale), catnip (Nepeta cataria), and basil, with a touch of added lemon juice alleviates queasiness due to motion sickness, illness, or side effects of chemotherapy.

topical compress, poultice, fresh juice, bath for for fungal skin infections, ringworm, and thrush. tea consumed of leaves will give extra benefit. the poultice is also beneficial for mosquito bites and other stings.