Ocimum basilicum, a genus of Ocimum in Labiatae, has hairy stems and leaves. Stems are obtuse and quadrangular, erect and multi-branched, and green is often dyed red; Leaves ovoid to ovoid, with irregular teeth at the edge; Racemes are terminal on stems and branches. Calyx bell-shaped, with spiny tips and long cilia. Corolla lipped, lavender or white. Nutlets are ovoid, dark brown, with white fruit umbilicus at the base; Flowering from July to September; The result period is from September to 65438+February. Basil's common name is gardenia, and it is recorded in Compendium of Materia Medica: "Basil is now called gardenia to treat its son."
Basil is native to tropical Asia, Africa and Pacific islands, and was cultivated in China after about 500 AD. It was recorded in Qi Shu Yao Min in the 6th century. Basil is distributed in the northwest, southwest, northeast and southeast of China.
The stems, leaves and flower spikes of Ocimum basilicum contain aromatic oil, which is mainly used as seasoning raw materials, and can be used to prepare cosmetics, soaps and edible essences, and can also be used as flavoring agents in toothpaste and mouthwash. Young leaves can be eaten or made into tea. The whole grass of basil can be used as medicine. According to Qian Jinfang, basil is mainly used for exogenous headache, flatulence and stagnation, epigastric pain, diarrhea, irregular menstruation, traumatic injury, snake bite, skin wet sore, addiction and itching. Seeds can heal nebulae.
In India, basil is regarded as a sacred herb by Indians, and it is the grace given to mankind by the gods. They think wearing basil leaves can ward off evil spirits.