Basil

Caution

Basilikum · (Ocimum basilicum)

Mint family (Lamiaceae)

Description

Basil, also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. In Western cuisine, the generic term "basil" refers to the variety also known as Genovese basil or sweet basil.

SpiceLeafInternalFolk medicine
Fresh leaves are used as a primary culinary herb in southern European – especially Italian – cuisine. Aroma is most intense just before flowering. Volatile oils dissipate with heat; add at the end of cooking.
Preparation & dosage
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TeaLeafInternalFolk medicine
Basil tea made from fresh or dried leaves is used in folk medicine for flatulence, bloating and stomach cramps (carminative and antispasmodic effect of the essential oil). Commission E considered the evidence insufficient to approve therapeutic use.
Preparation & dosage
Pour 150 ml hot water over 1–2 g dried leaves, steep 10 minutes, strain.
Dry amount
1–2 g
Doses per day
3×
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Essential oilAerial partsExternalFolk medicine
The essential oil (main constituents linalool and eugenol) shows pronounced antibacterial and antifungal activity in vitro. Used externally, well diluted (1–2 % in carrier oil), in folk medicine for skin infections, insect stings and acne. Never apply undiluted to the skin.
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InhalationAerial partsExternalFolk medicine
Aromatherapeutically, fresh leaves or the essential oil are used for exhaustion, migraine, insomnia and mild respiratory irritation. Linalool is regarded as calming; clinical evidence is lacking.
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RawLeafInternalFolk medicine
Fresh basil leaves are rich in vitamin K (ca. 415 µg/100 g), manganese and iron, as well as rosmarinic acid, a phenolic antioxidant. Basil oil and seeds are used as components of herbal liqueurs and macerations.
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GargleLeafExternalFolk medicine
In folk medicine a basil infusion is used as a gargle for mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. The antiseptic effect of eugenol is well known in dentistry.
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Distribution in Europe

🪴 Grow at home

☀ Light: full sun
💧 Water: every few days
🌱 Soil: Herb compost, loose
🪴 Pot: 18 cm
⭐ Difficulty: ★★☆ intermediate
🐾 Pets: pet-safe

Tips:

Supermarket basil is usually overplanted — split into 3 pots when repotting.
Harvest tips, NEVER individual leaves — plant becomes bushy.
Water in the morning, never on leaves.

Care tips are general indoor-gardening recommendations, not scientific sources.

🤝 Permaculture Partners

In your garden, this plant acts as:

Aromatic Repeller Pest Repellent

✨ Best symbiotic partners

🌿 Garlic Basil supports garlic growth.
🌿 Capsicum annuum Basil deters pests and improves pepper aroma.
🌿 Capsicum chinense Classic companion-planting partner.
🌿 Eruca sativa Classic companion-planting partner.
🌿 Oregano Classic companion-planting partner.
🌿 Parsley Classic companion-planting partner.
🌿 Tomato Tomato gives basil partial shade during midday heat.
🌿 Eggplant Basil protects eggplant from whitefly.
🌿 Tagetes patula Classic companion-planting partner.
🌿 Thymus vulgaris Classic companion-planting partner.

🌟 Neutral neighbours

Tarragon

⚠️ Better not planted together

🥬 Peppermint Mint overgrows basil and competes for water.
🥬 Rosemary Rosemary likes dry, basil likes moist — water conflict.
🥬 Salvia officinalis Sage essential oils inhibit basil.

📦 Part of these planting sets:

Source: Helga und Margarete Langerhorst, Mein gesunder Naturgarten (eigene Kuration)