Basil (Surasa (Arjaka, Marubaka, Marjaka, Yavani, Phanijjak))
Basil, also known as sweet basil, is an herb used in cuisines worldwide. It exhibits a range of therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. It is used traditionally in Ayurveda for various conditions.
Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum. Also known as: Basil, Sweet Basil, Common Basil, Garden Basil, Basilic, Albahaca, St. Josephwort, King of the herbs, Vantulsi, Surasa, Munjariki, Visva Tulsi, Varvara, Rama Tulsi.
Properties
Antimicrobial activity, Anti-inflammatory effects, Antioxidant activity, Blood sugar regulation, Cardiovascular protection
Dosage
Fresh leaves: 5–10 g per day in salads or pesto. Dried herb: 1–2 g (approximately ½–1 tsp) steeped in boiled water for tea, 2–3 times daily. Powder (capsules): 300–500 mg standardized extract, up to 3 times daily after meals. Essential oil: 1–2 drops diluted in 5 ml carrier oil for topical application; do not exceed 1% concentration. Tincture (1:3 in 45%): Take 4ml in a little water up to twice a day.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Pungent, Bitter
- Virya: ["Heating"]
- Vipaka: ["Pungent"]
Benefits
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Rochana (improves taste)
- Krimihara (anti-helminthic)
Traditional uses
- Aruchi (anorexia)
- Krimi Roga (worm infestation)
- Shwasa (asthma)
- Kasa (cough)
Dosha effects
- vata: decreasing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: increasing
Preparation methods
- Fresh: Basil is often used fresh in cooking, added at the end of preparation to preserve its flavor.
- Tea: Dried basil leaves can be steeped in hot water to make tea.
- Topical: Basil essential oil should be diluted with a carrier oil before applying to the skin. Concentrations up to 6% are considered safe for topical application for up to 12 weeks.
- Extracts: Basil is available in liquid/powder extract form.
- Oleoresin: Basil leaves can be used to produce oleoresin using a soxhletation method and ethyl acetate as a solvent.
- Syrup: Basil can be made into a syrup.
- Hydropriming: Basil seeds can be soaked in water for 12 hours before sowing to enhance germination rates and seedling vigor.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Basil is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data. Emmenagogue and abortifacient effects have been reported for the related species *Ocimum basilicum*.
- Low blood sugar: Basil should be avoided if you have low blood sugar.
- Medications: People taking antidiabetic, anticoagulant, or antiplatelet medications should consult their doctor before using Basil, as it may interfere with the action of these medications.
- Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity to any components of the plant species should be considered a contraindication.
Side effects
- Basil is likely safe when consumed in food amounts. However, medicinal amounts are possibly unsafe, especially long-term.
- Basil contains estragole, a chemical that may increase the risk of liver cancer with long-term use.
- Basil can cause low blood sugar in some people.
- Basil essential oil can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
- Consuming large amounts of basil can cause stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea.
- While likely safe in food amounts, larger medicinal amounts are possibly unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Basil is likely safe for children in food amounts but possibly unsafe in larger medicinal amounts.
- Some people may be allergic to basil, which can cause symptoms like hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.
- Basil grown in contaminated soils can accumulate heavy metals.
Interactions
- Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding and bruising when taken with medications like aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin, and warfarin.
- Basil extract might lower blood pressure. Taking it with blood pressure medications could cause blood pressure to drop too low.
- Basil may lower blood sugar levels and increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with diabetes medications.
- Basil may enhance the sedative effects of medications like benzodiazepines.
- Basil extracts may potentially cause herb-drug interactions with CYP2B6 and rifampicin metabolism.
Clinical evidence
Clinical trials and reviews indicate that basil possesses antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-platelet, and anti-thrombotic properties. Randomized controlled trials show potential benefits for anxiety, depression, and knee osteoarthritis. Meta-analyses of observational studies support the role of basil in managing blood sugar and cholesterol.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Rochana (improves taste)
- Krimihara (anti-helminthic)
Classical clinical indications
- Aruchi (anorexia)
- Krimi Roga (worm infestation)
- Shwasa (asthma)
- Kasa (cough)