Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum Linn.
Family: Labiatae; Lamiaceae.
Introduction:
Its properties and usage are similar to Tulsi
Names in different Indian languages
| English | Sweet Basil, Basil Herb, common basil |
|---|---|
| Hindi | Babul, babuyitulsi |
| Kannada | Kamakasturi, tulsi |
| Malayalam | Ramatulsi |
| Sanskrit | Barbari |
| Tamil | Tirunittu, tiruniruppaccai |
| Telugu | Bhutulasi, vebudipatri |
| Unani | Faranjmishk |
| Folk | Bana-Tulasi,Sabzaa |
Synonyms
Tuvari, Tungi, Kharpushpa, Ajgandhikaa, Baabui Tulasi.
Ocimum caryophyllatum Roxb.
Ocimum minimum Linn.
Ocimum. pilosum Willd
Classification according to Charaka, Susrutha & Vagbhata
| Charaka | |
|---|---|
| Susrutha | |
| Vagbhata |
Varieties & adulterants – (CV – controversy, AD – adulterants)
Phannijja – CV
Sitarjaka –CV
Krsnarjaka -CV
Morphology
Branched, aromatic under shrub 30-50 cm high, sometimes woody, hairy.
Leaves—simple, opposite, larger than tulsi, oblong or ovate-oblong, obtuse or acute, – entire or subserrate. Petioles slender hairy
Flowers— very small, borne in terminal and axillary racemes.
Fruits— subglobose or broadly oblong nutlets.
Flowers and fruits almost throughout the year (mainly during September-February).
Distribution & Habitat
All over India
Chemical constituents:
linalool ,methyl ether ,eugenol, caffeic acid, flavonoids. Thymol, xanthomicrol,.Aesculetin, p-coumaric acid, eriodictyol,
Properties:
RASA-katu, tikta
GUNA-laghu, ruksha
VIRYA-ushna, ( according to bavaprakasha sita)
VIPAKA-katu
Karma –hridyam, ruchyam, deepana, vishahara, krimighna
stimulant, carminative,antispasmodic, diuretic, expectorant, demulcent, antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal
Srotogamitva:
Dosha Pittavardhak, kaphavatashamak. (reducing foul smell of sputum).
Dhatu : Rakta (skin disorders), fat metabolism.
Mala Mutra (dysuria), diaphoretic, mala (foetid smell scavenger).
Organs : Heart, respiratory system.
Indication:
Hikkä, Kãsa, svãsa, visha, Krimi
asthma, cardiopathy, otalgia, bronchitis, hiccough, fever, vomiting, lumbago, poison
Part used:
Whole plant
Dosage:
Leaf juice 10-15 ml
Powder 2-4 g
Decoction 50-100 ml
Therapeutic Uses:
- Leaf paste + haridra useful in insect bite – external and internal
Descriptions on Ayurveda books / Nighandu:
1.
2
3
4
5