Greek Basil is an annual herb that is typically grown for its edible qualities, although it does have ornamental merits as well. The small fragrant oval green leaves are usually harvested from early summer to early fall. The leaves have a potent taste and a strong fragrance.

Ocimum basilicum

Bush basil

Tulsi and basil also belong to the aromatic medicinal group, and they share a similar taste profiles as well as features. But tulsi and basil are two different plants; the botanical name of tulsi is Ocimum tenuiflorum whereas the botanical name of basil is Ocimum basilicum.

Dwarf basil boasts all the same benefits as regular fresh basil, but is more compact and darn good looking. This herb’s peppery flavor makes it amazing for savory dishes, and it’s a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Sweet basil, also known as regular or Italian basil (botanical name: Ocimum basilicum) is a fragrant herb used extensively in Italian cooking. Greek Basil has small oval green leaves with a slightly softer sweeter flavour than the more traditional Basil Sweet Genovese.

• Italian Large Leaf. Italian Large Leaf Basil is the most commonly used in pesto.
• Sweet. Sweet Basil is also rather common, and a favorite for pesto.
• Thai. To add a spicier kick to your pesto, try Thai Basil.
• Red Rubin. Red Rubin Basil has a flavor that’s great for those in search of a more intriguing taste.
• Lemon.
• Cinnamon.

Genovese basil

sweet basil

Italy

Almost all basil varieties are cultivated as culinary herbs. When talking about the different types of basil, most people are familiar with the sweet basil varieties used in Italian cuisine, but many different types of basil are used in Asian cooking as well.

The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw. Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter. There are many ways to incorporate holy basil into your daily life. You can cook with it, take it in supplement form, or make a tea with it.

When taken by mouth: Basil is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in food amounts. When taken by mouth as a medicine, basil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil herb and basil oil contain estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.

Basil is sold fresh and dried but fresh basil is typically preferred for cooking. Although dried is more concentrated than fresh, dried basil does not have the same taste; the dehydrating process draws out more of the mint flavor and less of the anise.

Basil is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in food amounts. Basil is POSSIBLY SAFE for adults when taken by mouth as a medicine, short-term. In some people basil can cause low blood sugar. The above-ground parts of basil and basil oil are POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine, long-term.

It has compounds that can help to alleviate anxiety and depression, increase your ability to think clearly, and lower the risk for age-related memory loss. Essential oils in basil, including eugenol, linalool, and citronellol, can help to fight inflammation in the body.

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.

Fresh herbs. Fresh herbs can have a calming effect on the body. For example, sage and basil contain chemicals that reduce tension and promote sleep.

Fresh basil is a great herb for the skin because it’s loaded with essential nutrients including vitamins A, C and K, as well as manganese, copper, calcium, iron, magnesium and omega-3 fats. Fresh basil can also help with acne! Here’s a recipe you can make at home to treat acne.

Basil contains compounds, such as eugenol, that may help reduce blood pressure, according to animal studies.

Basil Contains Powerful Antioxidants One of the best health benefits of Basil is that it is another excellent source of antioxidants as well! Basil contains water soluble flavonoids called rientin and viceninare which can help to protect white blood cells. Basil has also been known to help fight free radical damage.

Tulsi leaves when consumed every day have various health benefits including boosting our immunity. But you should never chew on tulsi leaves. Here’s why. Holy basis, commonly called tulsi in Indian homes is widely used all over the world.

Since holy basil targets metabolic stress, it can also help with weight loss and cholesterol levels.

Consuming basil could help reduce bloating and water retention. It can even stimulate loss of appetite and could cure acid reflux as well.

Green stems from any herb (for example, basil, parsley or cilantro) can be cut fine or tossed into anything you’re cooking in the exact same way you’d use a bay leaf. Large stems are easy to remove once they’ve cooked with the rest of your meal.

The herb is rich in antiseptic and disinfectant properties that kill off acne-causing bacteria. Simply boil a handful of fresh basil leaves in a cup of water for about 10 minutes, and then skim out the leaves and let the liquid cool. Dip a cotton ball into the cooled liquid and dab on your breakout areas.

Basil. The same basil, Ocimum basilicum, that flavors your salads can also produce a nice purplish-grey dye bath. Different types of basil can produce different shades. Gather the leaves and stems and boil with water to extract the color.

These purple basil leaves have a beautiful, coppery glow and clove-like, slightly spicy flavor. Use them in salads or preserved in oils and vinegars. A pot of purple basil provides surprisingly, striking color in the garden.

Basil Sun Requirements Full-sun conditions may lead to leaf scorch on seedlings, which causes discoloration and a droopy effect, especially along the edges of the leaves. Anything less than full sun for mature basil plants has the same effect, sans discoloration.

Ways to Consume Dark Opal Purple Basil Like many basil varieties, Dark Opal Purple Basil has a degree of licorice flavor, and it is used in the culinary world as an attractive garnish with good flavor. Use this herb fresh or dried and even frozen. It works wonderfully in salads and on sandwiches.