COMMON BASIL

Latin: Ocimum basilicum

Common basil grows from 20 to 80 cm high, four-sided, branched, leaves stalked,

ovate, glabrous or with hairs, arranged oppositely. The color of the leaves,

depending on the variety, can be green, red or purple. The flowers are small, double-

lipped, white, pink or purple, arranged in semi-deciduous clusters of leaves along the

trunk and branches. The flowers, collected in inflorescences, bloom from July to

September. The fruit is a dark brown nut-shaped fruit. There are about 200 species

in the basil genus. In Latvia, some varieties of basil with large green or purple

leaves, such as small-leaved basil and lemon basil, are cultivated as annual

herbs.[1]

Collect the leaves before the plant blooms or at the beginning of flowering and the

leaves during the flowering of the plant. The leaves are plucked by hand in such an

amount as not to disturb the further vegetation of the plants. If you harvest the

sedges, flowering plants are cut 5-10 cm above the soil. Basil leaves can also be

frozen for winter use as a seasoning. [1]

Because of its pleasant aroma, basil is also sometimes grown as a houseplant.

Placed among clothes in the closet or on the floor under the carpet in the living

room, basil leaves create a pleasant aroma and attract moths and other pests. Basil

can be used in the garden as a natural repellent against aphids, flies, and

mosquitoes.[1] Basil has an anti-inflammatory, organosomal and central nervous

system tonic effect, it promotes blood circulation and breathing. It is used orally to

improve digestion, against colds, fevers, headaches, nausea. The leaves are used

externally for aromatic baths, gargles for hoarseness and angina.[4] An infusion of

leaves and wort stimulates the appetite and relieves the pain of the master.[1] Oil

flavored with basil is used for massage, it reduces nervous tension and

psychological fatigue. [4]

Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and body strengthening effect. Basil is not

recommended for kidney and liver patients.

[1] Rubene H., Eniņa V. (2004)Ārstniecības augi.Rīga:Zvaigzne ABC. P.343

[4] latvijasdaba.lv

Augu katalogs ir tapis ar Eiropas Savienības finansiālu atbalstu Pārrobežu sadarbības programmas 2014.–2020. gadam projekta LVIII-062 “Versts of Feelings 2” ietvaros