Herb's Introduction
Ocimum kilimandscharicum, commonly known as Kapoor Tulsi, African blue basil, or Camphor-scented Basil, is an aromatic perennial shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Native to the Kilimanjaro region of East Africa, this plant has gained prominence for its rich camphor content and diverse traditional and medicinal uses. Unlike many annual basil varieties, O. kilimandscharicum is a sturdy plant that can grow to a considerable height and is highly valued for its strong scent and ability to attract pollinators. Its unique combination of a strong, camphor-like aroma and its therapeutic properties has made it a significant plant in various cultures, particularly in East Africa and India, where it is used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda.
Name in Different Countries
Common names (English): African blue basil, Camphor-scented Basil, Hoary basil, Feverplant, Kilimanjaro basil, Perennial basil. Arabic: حبق كليمنجاروي (Habak Kilimanjaro) Finnish: Vuoribasilika Hindi: कपूर तुलसी (Kapoor Tulsi), कर्पूरा तुलसी (Karpura Tulsi) Kenya: bwar, makori, supko, wenye (These are local names used by various communities in Kenya). Sanskrit: Karpoora Tulasi
Terminology
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family). This family is known for its aromatic plants, including basil, mint, lavender, and sage. Synonyms: Ocimum johnstonii Baker, Ocimum tortuosum Baker. These are older names that have been classified as synonyms for Ocimum kilimandscharicum. Description: This term refers to the plant's morphological characteristics, including its size, leaf color, flower appearance, and scent. The description provided highlights the unique purple-to-green leaves, prolific blooming, and taller stature compared to other basil cultivars.
Availability
While native to East Africa, Ocimum kilimandscharicum has been introduced and is cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including India, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana, and Thailand. It is a known plant in the Indian flora, and its natural occurrence has been recorded in certain regions of the country, such as Uttarakhand and Odisha. Due to its perennial nature and ease of cultivation, it can be found in a variety of nurseries and can be grown by enthusiasts in suitable climates. Its essential oil and various plant parts may also be available in herbal stores or from suppliers specializing in medicinal plants.
External Look
Ocimum kilimandscharicum is an aromatic, perennial shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall. Its stems are rounded and quadrangular, much branched, and can become woody with age, with the outer layer sometimes peeling off. Leaves: The leaves have a striking appearance. When young, they are a deep purple color, which gradually changes to green as they mature, though they retain their distinct purple veins. The leaves are oval-shaped and pointed, often with a hairy texture, and are the primary source of the plant's strong camphor scent. Flowers: The plant blooms profusely, producing clusters of small pink or mauve tubular flowers. These flowers are a significant feature of the plant and are excellent attractors for bees and other pollinators. As a sterile hybrid, it does not produce seeds, which prolongs its blooming season.
Healing Properties
Ocimum kilimandscharicum has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and various African folk medicine systems. Its healing properties are attributed to its rich composition of essential oils and other bioactive compounds like camphor, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-pinene. Key healing properties include: Antimicrobial: The leaves and essential oil are effective against a range of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Studies have shown its strong antibacterial activity against pathogens like Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It also possesses antifungal properties, notably against species of Aspergillus. Spasmolytic and Anti-inflammatory: The plant has been used traditionally to relieve muscle spasms, including those related to coughs and abdominal pains. This spasmolytic effect, combined with its anti-inflammatory properties, makes it a remedy for conditions like coughs, bronchitis, and muscular aches. Mosquito and Insect Repellent: This is one of the most well-documented properties of the plant. The high camphor content in the essential oil makes it a potent natural mosquito repellent. The oil and plant extracts are also known for their insecticidal properties, deterring larval feeding and causing increased mortality in certain pests. Other Traditional Uses: The plant is used to treat a wide variety of ailments, including colds, flu, measles, and mild diarrhea in children. The leaves and roots are specifically used for colds and stomach complaints. It is also an effective remedy for skin diseases and is used for its aromatic, deodorant, and appetizing properties.
Advantages
Natural and Eco-friendly: As a plant-based remedy, it offers a natural alternative to synthetic chemical products, particularly for insect and mosquito repellent. Perennial and Easy to Grow: Its perennial nature means it doesn't need to be replanted every year, and its vigorous growth makes it a reliable source of fresh leaves. It is a low-maintenance plant once established. Attracts Pollinators: The prolific blooms of African blue basil are a major advantage for gardeners and farmers, as they are a strong attractant for bees and other beneficial pollinators, contributing to local biodiversity. Multi-purpose: The plant serves a dual purpose as both a medicinal herb and a source of fragrant leaves for culinary and aromatic uses, though its strong camphor scent distinguishes it from culinary sweet basil. Scientifically Supported: While many of its uses are traditional, some of its properties, such as its antibacterial, insecticidal, and anti-diarrheal effects, have been supported by scientific studies.
Uses
Medicinal: Respiratory Ailments: Used in the treatment of coughs, bronchitis, colds, and flu. Digestive Health: Applied for abdominal pains, stomach complaints, and mild diarrhea. Skin Conditions: Traditionally used to treat various skin diseases and foul ulcers. Fever and Pain: Employed for muscular aches and as a fever plant. Insect and Pest Control: Mosquito Repellent: The fresh leaves can be crushed and rubbed on the skin, or the essential oil can be used in sprays and formulations to repel mosquitoes. Larvicide: The essential oil is used to control mosquito larvae in stagnant water. General Pest Control: Its insecticidal properties make it a useful natural deterrent against various crop pests. Aromatic and Aromatic: The strong, camphor-like scent is used in perfumery and aromatherapy. It can be used as a fresh herb in potpourri or dried for use in closets to deter moths and other insects.
Using Way
Herbal Infusion (Tea): For internal use, such as for coughs, colds, or stomach complaints, a tea can be made by steeping fresh or dried leaves in hot water. External Application: Crushed Leaves: To use as a mosquito repellent, crush a few fresh leaves and rub them directly onto exposed skin. Poultice: For skin conditions or muscular aches, a poultice can be made from crushed leaves and applied to the affected area. Essential Oil: The essential oil can be diluted with a carrier oil or water to create a topical repellent spray or balm. It can also be diffused in a room for its aromatic and insect-repelling properties. Dried Plant Material: The dried leaves and stems can be used in sachets to repel insects from clothes and other stored items.
Conclusion
Ocimum kilimandscharicum, or Kapoor Tulsi, is a remarkable perennial herb with a rich heritage of traditional use. Its distinctive camphor scent and vibrant appearance make it a unique addition to any garden, where it provides the added benefit of attracting essential pollinators. More importantly, its potent healing properties, particularly its antimicrobial, spasmolytic, and insect-repellent actions, have been validated by both centuries of traditional use and modern scientific research. From a natural remedy for respiratory and digestive ailments to an effective and eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides and mosquito repellents, African blue basil offers a multitude of advantages. Its ease of cultivation and diverse applications solidify its place as a valuable and sustainable resource in herbal medicine and beyond.
