Among herbs Basil is very popular and the species used most commonly is the sweet basil Ocimum basilicum belonging to the family of mints.

Depending on the species, the leaves have a strong, pungent, often sweet smell. Basil features in many cuisines – Italian, Taiwan in North East Asia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos of South East Asia.

There are many varieties as well as several related species or species hybrids also called basil. The type used in Italian food is typically called sweet basil.

While most common varieties of basil are treated as annuals, some are perennials in warm, tropical climates.

Basil is originally native to India and other tropical regions of Asia having been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years.

Essential oil,found in Basil has these amazing medicinal properties:-

It has anti oxidant, anti cancer, anti viral, anti microbial properties. The leaves are used in treating stress, asthma and diabetes.