This annual herb is from the Lamiaceae family. The name Basil is from the Greek word "Basileus" which means "King". Basil is also known as St. Joseph wort. As an annual plant with branchy roots, Basil can grow up to three feet high with flowers that vary widely in color. Basil has a rich and fanciful history. It had been 'Herb royale' to the French, a sign of love to Italians, and a sacred herb in India. The first century A.D. Roman naturalist Pliny reported that basil relieves flatulence, which had been subsequently proven true. In the Far East, the herb had been used as a cough medicine, and in Africa, it has been used to expel worms. American colonists considered Basil the essential ingredient in a snuff used to ease headaches.

Function:A poultice of Basil leaves can help draw out insect, bee wasp, or snake venom. It can help cure acne, heal abrasions, cuts and gives a person’s hair a high shine after it is used as a rinse. Popularly know as basil, Tulsi is an extremely aromatic and stimulating herb. It has many antibacterial, anti-stress, anti-fungal, and antibiotic properties. The aroma of tulsi is conducive to meditation. It is used in many skin treatments, and is particularly helpful in smoothening and softening the skin. Leaves and seeds are used to treat skin problems; roots are used for fever, bee stings, and insect bites. Other uses include treating nausea, motion sickness, gastric and liver disorders, diarrhea, and vomiting. The functions described above are believed to be due to the alkaloids in Basil.

With abundant vitamins A, D, and B2, as well as the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus, Basil is also used for culinary taste, as well as for medicine.

Safety:Basil products are usually considered to be safe. In USA it is cognized Generally Recognized As Safe by FDA, in Canada it has been approved as an over-the-counter drug, and it has been approved as a traditional medicine for years in France.

Dosage:100-300 mg   0.2%Basil extract per day is usually recommended. A professional physician should be consulted for dosage to treat specific diseases. Chemistry:The Basil extract is standardized to 0.2% to 0.3% alkaloids.

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