Much-branched perennial shrub, 1-1.5m. high. Stems quadrangular, pubescent, woody at the base. Leaves opposite, apiculate, pubescent on both surfaces; margins coarsely toothed.
Labiatae
Ocimum gratissimum L.
Local names:
English names:
Lemon basil, large basil, shrubby basil.
Description:
Much-branched perennial shrub, 1-1.5m. high. Stems quadrangular, pubescent, woody at the base. Leaves opposite, apiculate, pubescent on both surfaces; margins coarsely toothed. Inflorescence axillary or terminal in simple or branched whorled raceme; flowers white. Nutlets subglobose, rugose. All parts of the plant are strongly scented.
Flowering period:
May - July.
Distribution:
Grows wild but is cultivated for its essential oil.
Parts used:
The whole plant, except for the roots. It is harvested during the flowering period and after the roots have been removed, it is lightly dried in the sun or in an oven at low temperature.
Chemical composition:
The whole plant contains an essential oil (0.6-0.8%), consisting of eugenol 45-70%, methyl eugenol 20%, carvacrol, ocimene, p-cymene, camphene, limonene, a-pinene and b-pinene.
Therapeutic uses:
The whole plant is used in treating sunstroke, headache and influenza. It is also considered to be diaphoretic. It is given in doses ranging from 6 to 12g per day, in the form of an inhalation or decoction. It serves also as material for the extraction of essential oil and eugenol. Eugenol is used widely in odontology and for the synthesis of vanillin.