Basil varieties the same medicinally?

[AnnettStudent]

Doc, do all the basil varieties have the same medicine as sweet basil?

Specifically wondering about purple basil and Thai basil.

4 users thanked author for this post.

Carol Atkins, Glenda Dilworth - Stricklin, Sydnia Ginger Anady, Joanne Fletcher

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

I’d use basils of the same species that are very close to the original in form and flavor to get the same effect.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

3 users thanked author for this post.

Carol Atkins, Susan Weingartner, Sydnia Ginger Anady

[Lisa DerksenStudent]

I’m also curious about basils.  I grow approximately 60 varieties.  Most fall under “Ocimum basilicum”.  I was quite surprised to see Sweet Basil in your 100+ list of herbs as I’ve previously considered it just culinary.  I was expecting the “Tulsi” varieties: Camphor/Kapoor (O. kilimansharicum), Krishna (O. tenuiflorum), Sri Tulsi/Rama (O. tenuiflorum) & Vana (O. gratissimum).  Will you be expanding the list to include these ‘holy basils’?  Also I found it curious that lemon basil is Ocimum americanum and green pepper basil is Ocimum selloi.  The green pepper basil is the only one that likes growing in shade.  It was considered medicinal by the Mayans.  Anyway, as you probably guessed by now, I love my basils and would love more information about them.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 7 months ago by Lisa Derksen.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Joelle

[Rebecca LivermoreStudent]

Wow, Lisa, that’s a lot of basil! Thanks for mentioning that green pepper basil grows in the shade. That may be one I try growing in the future in a shady spot.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Lisa Derksen

[Author]

Posts