Sweet Basil {Ocimum basilicum}
Sweet Basil also know as Common Basil but not to be confused with Holy Basil or Wild Basil
Ayurveda Characteristic and Uses
- Effect on doshas – Balances Vata and Kapha, increases Pitta
- Taste – Pungent, bitter
- Energetics – Heating
- Main Traditional Action: Carminative, reduces ama
- Other Traditional Uses: Helps lower blood pressure, ease tension, stop sleeplessness, antispasmodic, blood purifier, asthma and diabetes.
Modern Research
Tamalaki and its components have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antiplasmodial, antiulcer, antitumor, radioprotective, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, cardioprotective, and hepatoprotective effects. It has also been shown to decrease platelet aggregation.