Holy Basil
Holy Basil Detailed Encyclopedia
Holy Basil is a traditional Indian herb with stress-relieving, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. Known as the King of Herbs, it holds an important position in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions.
Basic Information
Family：Lamiaceae
Scientific Name：Ocimum sanctum
Origin：India, now cultivated in southern China
Harvest Period：Summer and autumn (June-October)
Growth Years：1 year
Plant Height：30-60 cm
Morphological Characteristics
Leaves：Ovate, opposite, serrated margins, aromatic, green or purple
Flowers：Whorled inflorescence, white or purple flowers, blooming June-October
Roots：Fibrous root system
Stem：Square stem, erect, branched, hairy
Growth Environment
Soil Requirements：Fertile well-drained loam, pH 6.0-7.5
Water Requirements：Moderate watering, keep soil moist
Light Requirements：Sun-loving, requires full sunlight
Temperature Requirements：20-30°C, not cold-tolerant, keep above 10°C
Humidity Requirements：Relative humidity 60-80%
Classification & Varieties
Main Varieties
Processing Types
💊 Medicinal Value
Nature & Taste：Pungent, warm
Meridian：Enters Lung, Spleen, Liver meridians
Main Efficacies
- •Anti-stress and anti-anxiety, balances emotions, improves sleep quality
- •Enhances immunity, antiviral and antibacterial, prevents infections
- •Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, protects liver, regulates blood sugar
- •Adaptogenic herb, helps body adapt to stress
- •Balances cortisol levels, reduces stress hormones
Active Ingredients
📖 Usage Methods
Dosage
- •Decoction: 3-9g
- •Powder: 1-3g
- •Stew: Add to herbal formulas
- •Tea: Fresh or dried leaves steeped in water
⚠️ Contraindications
- •Use with caution in yin deficiency with heat
- •May affect blood clotting, use with caution before surgery
- •Contraindicated in pregnancy
- •Children use under medical supervision
🌱 Cultivation Techniques
Cultivation Points
- •Select warm sunny location with good drainage
- •Deep tillage, apply organic fertilizer
- •Spring sowing, plant spacing 20-30cm
- •Timely weeding, adequate watering, regular harvesting promotes growth
Common Pests & Diseases
Prevention Measures：Strengthen field management, maintain ventilation
Treatment Methods：Spray neem oil or organic fungicide at early stage
✂️ Harvest & Processing
Harvest Timing：Summer-autumn June-October, harvest before flowering for best quality
Harvest Method：Cut aerial parts, can harvest multiple times
Processing Methods
- •Fresh leaves: Use directly or make tea
- •Dried leaves: Shade-dry to preserve aroma and active compounds
- •Holy basil oil: Steam distillation to extract essential oil
Storage：Store in cool, dry place, sealed to preserve aroma
🏛️ Cultural Value
History：Holy basil has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 5000 years, considered sacred in Hinduism
Symbolism：Symbolizes purity, protection, and divine blessing
Gift Culture：Traditional sacred herb in Indian culture
Modern Research：Modern research confirms adaptogenic, stress-reducing, and immune-modulating effects
Market Value：Important Ayurvedic herb and herbal tea ingredient, growing popularity worldwide