Herb's Introduction
Ocimum gratissimum, commonly known as wild basil, African basil, or clove basil, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 2 meters in height, distinguished by its glandular-scabrid stem and characteristic aromatic leaves. This plant is a close relative of the more widely known holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) and sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), but it is valued for its unique phytochemical composition, particularly its high eugenol content, which gives it a distinct clove-like aroma. The plant's widespread use across different cultures for both culinary and medicinal purposes highlights its significance. From its native range in Africa to its introduction and cultivation in other tropical and subtropical regions, Ocimum gratissimum has a long history as a traditional remedy for a variety of ailments. Its robust nature and adaptability allow it to thrive in diverse environments, making it a readily available resource in many parts of the world. The plant's rich history and diverse applications make it an important subject of ethnobotanical and pharmacological study.
Name in Different Countries
Ocimum gratissimum is known by a multitude of names across various countries and languages, reflecting its broad distribution and cultural significance. The following is a list of its common names: English: Ram Tulsi, Wild Basil, African Basil, Clove Basil, Shrubby Basil, Tree Basil Arabic: حبق بهيج (Habak Bahij) Assamese: ৰাম তুলসী (Ram tulsi) Bengali: ৰাম তুলসী (Ram tulsi) Chinese: 丁香罗勒 (Dīngxiāng Luólè) Hindi: राम तुलसी (Ram tulsi), बन तुलसी (Ban tulsi) Indonesian: Selasih mekah Malayalam: കാട്ടുതുളസി (kattu thulasi) Manipuri: ৰাম তুলসী (Ram tulsi) Marathi: ajavala, राम तुलसी (ramatulasi), tanatulasu Oriya: sondabhogohulono Persian: اسیموم گراتیسیموم (Asimum gratīsimūm) Polish: Bazylia eugenolowa Russian: Базилик эвгенольный (Bazilik evgenol'nyy) Sanskrit: ajaka, ajeka, bilvaparni, doshakleshi Tamil: elumichantulasi, peruntulasi, elumiccam tulaci Telugu: నిమ్మ తులసి (nimma tulasi), రామ తులసి (rama tulasi) Thai: ยี่หร่า (Yira) Urdu: تخم فرانجمشک (Tukhm faranjmushk) Vietnamese: Hương nhu trắng This extensive list of names underscores the plant's global reach and its incorporation into local traditions and pharmacopoeias.
Terminology
The scientific name for this plant is Ocimum gratissimum L. The "L." stands for Carl Linnaeus, the botanist who first formally described the species. It belongs to the family Lamiaceae, which is the mint family. This family is characterized by plants with square stems, opposite leaves, and aromatic properties. The provided list of synonyms highlights the complex taxonomic history of the plant. Synonyms like Ocimum suave and Ocimum guineense were once considered separate species but are now recognized as the same plant, reflecting the variability within the species and the ongoing process of botanical classification. The common names listed previously also serve as important terminologies, used in traditional medicine and daily life. The name "Clove Basil" is particularly descriptive, as it refers to the plant's eugenol content, the same compound that gives cloves their distinctive scent. "Ram Tulsi" and "Ban Tulsi" connect it to the revered holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), suggesting its similar cultural and medicinal importance in India.
Availability
Ocimum gratissimum is widely available throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is believed to be native to Africa, but its cultivation and naturalization have spread to Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The plant is often found in disturbed areas, along roadsides, and in cultivated fields, indicating its hardiness and adaptability. In many regions, it is grown in home gardens for its culinary and medicinal uses. Its availability can be seasonal in some areas, but as a perennial shrub, it can be harvested year-round in tropical climates. The dried leaves and seeds are also commercially available in markets, especially in regions where traditional herbal medicine is practiced. The essential oil of O. gratissimum, rich in eugenol, is also extracted and used in various industries, including perfumery, food flavoring, and pharmaceuticals, making it available as a commercial product as well.
External Look
As described in the provided text, Ocimum gratissimum is a shrub that can reach up to 2 meters in height. Its physical characteristics are key to its identification: Stem: The stem is described as being "glandular-scabrid," meaning it has small glands and is rough to the touch. This distinguishes it from other species. Leaves: The leaves are a defining feature. They are elliptic to obovate in shape, with a tapering base (attenuate) and a pointed tip (acuminate). The edges are serrated, and the leaf surface is thinly tomentose (covered with soft, dense hairs) on the underside. They are arranged oppositely on the stem and have a distinct aromatic scent when crushed. Flowers: The flowers are small, white, and arranged in terminal racemes, which can be panicled (branched). Each node of the inflorescence typically bears 4-6 flowers. The calyx and corolla are described, with the corolla being white and the stamens having filaments that are either glabrous (smooth) or villous (hairy) at the base. Fruits/Seeds: The fruit is a small, pitted, brown nutlet, measuring about 1.5 x 1 mm. These are the seeds of the plant, often used for propagation and in traditional medicine. The overall appearance is that of a robust, aromatic shrub with distinctive white flowers and a somewhat woody base.
Healing Properties
Ocimum gratissimum is a plant with a wide range of documented healing properties, many of which are attributed to its essential oil and other phytochemicals. Based on the provided information, its properties include: Bactericidal and Antifungal: The essential oil is known for its strong antimicrobial effects, particularly due to its high concentration of eugenol. This makes it effective against various bacteria and fungi, as noted in the "Indian Medicinal Plants" text. Anthelmintic: The plant is used to expel or kill parasitic worms, as indicated by the use of an infusion of dried leaves for worms. Stimulant and Carminative: It acts as a stimulant and a carminative, helping to relieve flatulence and improve digestion. This is supported by its use in treating "pains of wind in the stomach" and improving stomach function. Local Anesthetic: The plant has local anesthetic properties, which is why it is used for dental problems and earaches. Antipyretic: It is used to reduce fever, as seen in its traditional use for flu, fever, and malaria. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: It is used to alleviate pain, particularly headaches and rheumatic affections. This is a common use in many traditional systems, including those in Vietnam and Taiwan. Diaphoretic: It promotes sweating, which is a mechanism to lower body temperature during a fever. Neurological: It is used in treating neurological affections, cephalgia (headaches), and neuralgia. The specific compounds responsible for these effects include eugenol, thymol, and other volatile oils, which have been scientifically studied for their various therapeutic activities.
Advantages
The advantages of Ocimum gratissimum as a medicinal and useful plant are numerous and practical: Accessibility: It is a hardy, easily cultivated plant that grows wild in many tropical areas, making it a readily available and inexpensive resource for traditional medicine. Multifunctional: Different parts of the plant—leaves, stems, roots, and seeds—are used for various purposes, maximizing its utility. Broad-Spectrum Activity: The plant's compounds show activity against a wide range of ailments, from common colds and fevers to more specific conditions like parasitic infections and skin problems (eczema). Synergistic Effects: The combination of various phytochemicals in the plant may lead to synergistic effects, where the overall therapeutic outcome is greater than that of a single isolated compound. Traditional Knowledge: A vast body of traditional knowledge and practical experience supports its use, providing a foundation for modern scientific investigation. Commercial Potential: Its essential oil, particularly eugenol, has significant commercial value, used in dentistry (as an anesthetic and antiseptic), food science (as a flavoring agent), and in the synthesis of vanillin, offering economic benefits.
Uses
The uses of Ocimum gratissimum span from traditional medicine to culinary and even ritualistic applications: Medicinal Uses: Respiratory Issues: A tea or infusion of fresh or dried leaves is used to treat coughs, colds, flu, and pneumonia. Digestive Problems: Used as a carminative to relieve flatulence, improve stomach function, and treat abdominal pains. Pain Relief: Applied for headaches, earaches (leaf juice), and rheumatic pains. Infections: Used as a bactericidal and disinfectant for various ailments. A root bark extract is used for eczema. Neurological and General Health: Used for seminal weakness, sunstroke, and general well-being. Culinary Uses: The leaves are used as a spice or herb in cooking, particularly in West African and Caribbean cuisines, where their clove-like flavor enhances soups, stews, and other dishes. Ritualistic and Cultural Uses: The provided text mentions its use in "Magic, ritual, a charm against evil spirits." In some cultures, it is planted around homes for protection and is used in various spiritual practices, similar to holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) in some parts of Asia. Industrial Uses: The essential oil is a source of eugenol, which is used in dentistry, as a flavoring agent, and in the synthesis of vanillin.
Using way
The methods of using Ocimum gratissimum are as varied as its applications: Decoction or Tea: The most common method involves making a tea or decoction by boiling the fresh or dried leaves and stems in water. This infusion is then consumed to treat internal ailments like colds, fevers, and digestive issues. The "Medicinal Plants in Viet Nam" text specifies a dose of 6 to 12g per day. Juice or Extract: Fresh leaves can be crushed to extract their juice. This juice is then applied topically, such as putting it in the ear for earaches, or ingested for coughs. Inhalation: The plant's aromatic properties are utilized through inhalation, such as in the form of a steam inhalation to relieve respiratory congestion, as mentioned in the "Medicinal Plants in Viet Nam" text for treating influenza. Topical Application: The plant can be prepared as an extract or a poultice from the root bark for topical application to skin conditions like eczema. The essential oil can also be diluted and applied externally. Chewing: The leaves are sometimes chewed raw for immediate relief from a cough. As a Spice: The fresh or dried leaves are added directly to food during cooking to impart flavor.
Conclusion
Ocimum gratissimum, with its common names like Wild Basil and Clove Basil, is a remarkably versatile and important plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine and daily life. Its robust nature and wide availability across tropical regions make it a valuable natural resource. The plant's rich phytochemical profile, particularly its high eugenol content, provides a scientific basis for its reported healing properties, including its bactericidal, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. From a simple remedy for a cough or headache to a significant source of eugenol for industrial use, Ocimum gratissimum bridges the gap between traditional folk remedies and modern science. Its role in improving stomach function, alleviating pain, and fighting infections underscores its continued relevance as a natural medicinal plant. The diverse ways in which it is used—as a tea, a juice, a topical application, or a culinary ingredient—reflect the depth of knowledge surrounding this plant and its integral place in various cultures around the world. As research continues to explore its full potential, Ocimum gratissimum stands as a testament to the enduring power of nature's pharmacy.
