Sweet Basil

Basil is an aromatic herb often used to make pesto and to season other dishes that also contains many medicinal properties.

Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum
Common Name: Basil or sweet basil
Plant Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)

Etymology: Ocimum — from Greek word Okimon, meaning smell. Basilicum — Latin translation of Greek word basilicon, meaning kingly herb. Ancient Greeks called it “The Herb of Kings.”

Traditional Uses

Basil has been cultivated for over 5,000 years and has much historical significance. It was used for embalming by ancient Egyptians. It has long been considered sacred in India and was thought to possess supernatural powers. Basil (especially Holy Basil) was often used in religious ceremonies and to help protect the dead in the afterlife. It was first cultivated in Asia and traveled to Africa and the Mediterranean along spice routes. In ancient Greece, it was believed that only the king should harvest basil with his golden sickle. It was also a symbol of death and hatred. In ancient Romania, when a man accepted a sprig of basil from a woman, he was officially engaged.

Basil also has many medicinal uses, including as an anti-inflammatory to help with general pain and digestive disorders. It also contains antibacterial properties that can be used to help with wounds and infections. Cinnamanic, an acid contained in basil, can help aid circulation, respiration and blood sugar levels. Basil can be used medically by eating leaves, using in a tea (using fresh or dried leaves), as a poultice or as an essential oil.

Edible Parts

The most frequently used part of the plant is the leaves, although the flowers are also edible. Basil is often associated with Italian and Thai cuisine. It is a key ingredient in pesto. Fresh or dried leaves can be used in many other dishes. Fresh leaves can also be used to infuse oil or vinegar, steeped in teas or eaten as a salad green.

Gathering and Using

Leaves can begin to be picked once the plant is 6-8 inches tall. It is best to harvest in the early morning. Pick leaves regularly to encourage the plant to keep growing. Leaves that are not used immediately can be stored by freezing or drying and used later. To dry, bundle 3-5 stems of unwashed leaves and hang upside down in a dark, airy, and warm area for 2-4 weeks

Permaculture Functions and Considerations 

Pest deterrent, pollinator attractor, aromatic, matches well with many other plants. Can be used as hedge in tropical areas. Very susceptible to frost and will not be perennial in colder climates. Easy to grow using root cuttings.

Habitat

Prefers warm tropical climates, where it can be perennial. Basil grows best in full sun, and needs temperatures above 50 degrees F, but will do even better in 80–90-degree weather. Likes moist but well drained soil.

How to Identify

Plants in the Ocimum family are identified by square stems and opposite leaves. Sweet basil (the most common cultivated type of basil) can be identified by slightly cupped leaf edges that form a pointed end, as well as its distinctive scent.

Wildlife Support

Attractive to bees.

Additional Information

Susceptible to aphids, powdery mildew and a variety of fungal and bacterial leaf, stem and root diseases.

Sources

• Basil. (n.d.). Almanac.Com.
• Basil, Ocimum basilicum. (2003, January 27). Wisconsin Master Gardener Program.
• Bradley, L. (2014, November 4). Medicinal Plants in Permaculture: Basil. The Permaculture Research Institute. 
• Engels, J. (2016, October 14). Basil: What Every Permaculturalist Should Know. The Permaculture Research Institute. 
• Ocimum basilicum. (n.d.). Missouri Botanical Gardens. 
• Research Guides: Basil: Knowing and Growing: Home. (n.d.). New York Botanical Garden.