Pungent,and sweet flavor and warm thermal nature. Acts on Lung, Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine meridians.

Active compounds:

Basil contains dozens of aromatic essential oil components in its leaves including eugenol, linalool, astragal, limonene, citral methylchavicol, and methyl cinnamate. Besides being antioxidant, having vitamins and phenolics, is a rich source of vitamin K, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium and dietary fibre.

Clinical Usage and Indications:

• Dispel wind and promote the flow of Qi, eliminates dampness and promotes digestion, activates blood and removes toxicity
• Basil is antioxidant. Antioxidants work by protecting cells from damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are oxygen-derived molecules generated by natural chemical reactions in the body. Researchers found that basil extract was effective at actively searching for and eliminating harmful molecules and protecting against damage caused by some free radicals in key organs such as the heart, liver and brain. Antioxidants (e.g. vitamins and phytochemicals) contribute to the herb’s ability to prevent cancer. Helps on urticaria and headache due to exogenous pathogenic factor
• Anti-inflammatory. Reduces inflammation by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators (most important nitric oxide). Specific cytokines help initiate and regulate the inflammatory process. Similarly, nitric oxide, a chemical involved in various cell signalling reactions, helps orchestrate numerous steps in the inflammatory cascade. Thus, blocking the action of these two kinds of substances means blocking the communication and/or orchestration of inflammatory processes
• Regulates the adrenal system making it an effective anti-stress tonic
• Antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal and insecticidal properties. Its pungent and strong flavor plays a role in its biochemical activity, like inhibiting bacterial growth by degrading bacterial cell walls and inducing cell bursting. Linalool, methyl chavicol and methyl cinnamate inhibit the growth of disease causing bacteria such a staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus faceless, escherichia coli, and salmonella.  Pathogenic from these bacterias can cause food poisoning, urinary tart infections, pneumonia and dysentery

Directions: Decoct 5~15 g, or pounded into juice, or made into pills and powder. Proper dosage is for external application, pounded for applying, or decocted for washing or mouthwash.

Precaution: It is contraindicated in case of qi deficiency and blood dryness.

From The Tao of Tummy © book