What is a basil used for?

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae. One of the most commonly used herbs in Italian cuisine, and a staple of pizza and pasta sauces, basil is also used in cuisines worldwide.

The essential oils in basil give it a strong aroma as well as a sweet but slightly spicy flavor. The herb also produces many health promoting benefits with a wide variety of therapeutic applications. As such, Basil has found application in the realms of traditional medicine: