ব্যবহারকারী:Meghmollar2017/খেলাঘর/১: সংশোধিত সংস্করণের মধ্যে পার্থক্য
বিষয়বস্তু বিয়োগ হয়েছে বিষয়বস্তু যোগ হয়েছে
ট্যাগ: মোবাইল সম্পাদনা মোবাইল ওয়েব সম্পাদনা উচ্চতর মোবাইল সম্পাদনা |
নতুন ট্যাগ: মোবাইল সম্পাদনা মোবাইল ওয়েব সম্পাদনা উচ্চতর মোবাইল সম্পাদনা |
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১ নং লাইন:
{{মূল নিবন্ধ|:en:Caraway}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Short description|Species of plant, important culinary herb}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2013}}
{{speciesbox
|image = Basil-Basilico-Ocimum basilicum-albahaca.jpg
|genus = Ocimum
|species = basilicum
|authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]
}}[[File:Timelapse-Basil-growing.oga|thumb|right|200px|[[Timelapse]] of growing basil]]
[[File:Ocimum basilicum desiccated 5145~2016 01 03.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Desiccated basil showing seed dispersal]]
[[File:Xylocopa pubescens female with mite 1.JPG|thumb|right|200px|A female [[carpenter bee]] foraging on basil]]
{{nutritionalvalue | name=Basil, fresh | kJ=94| water=92.06 g | protein=3.15 g | fat=0.64 g | ash=1.49 g | carbs=2.65 g | fiber=1.6 g | sugar=0.30 g | | calcium_mg=177 | iron_mg=3.17 | magnesium_mg=64 | phosphorus_mg=56 | potassium_mg=295 | sodium_mg=4 | zinc_mg=0.81 | copper_mg=0.385 | manganese_mg=1.148 | selenium_ug=0.3 | vitC_mg=18.0 | thiamin_mg=0.034 | riboflavin_mg=0.076 | niacin_mg=0.902 | pantothenic_mg=0.209 | vitB6_mg=0.155 | folate_ug=68 | choline_mg=11.4 | betaine_mg=0.4 | vitA_ug=264 | betacarotene_ug=3142 | vitE_mg=0.80 | vitK_ug=414.8 | right=1 | source_usda=1 }}
'''Basil''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|æ|z|əl}},<ref name="Collins">{{cite web|url=http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/american/basil?showCookiePolicy=true|title=British: Basil|access-date=25 September 2014|publisher=Collins Dictionary|date=n.d.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129090005/http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/american/basil?showCookiePolicy=true|archive-date=29 November 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> also {{IPAc-en|US|ˈ|b|eɪ|z|əl}};<ref name="Collins2">{{cite web|url=http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/american/basil?showCookiePolicy=true|title=American: Basil|access-date=25 September 2014|publisher=Collins Dictionary|date=n.d.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129090005/http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/american/basil?showCookiePolicy=true|archive-date=29 November 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ''Ocimum basilicum''), also called '''great basil''', is a [[culinary herb]] of the [[Family (biology)|family]] [[Lamiaceae]] (mints).
Basil is native to tropical regions from central Africa to [[Southeast Asia]].<ref name="simon">{{cite web|last1=Simon|first1=James E|title=Basil|url=https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/CropFactSheets/basil.html|publisher=Center for New Crops & Plant Products, Department of Horticulture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN|access-date=22 January 2018|date=23 February 1998|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502080706/https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/CropFactSheets/basil.html|archive-date=2 May 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It is a [[Hardiness (plants)|tender]] plant, and is used in [[cuisine]]s worldwide.
There are many [[List of basil cultivars|varieties of basil]], as well as several related species or hybrids also called basil. The type used commonly as a flavor is typically called '''sweet basil''' (or '''Genovese basil'''), as opposed to [[Thai basil]] (''O. basilicum'' var. ''thyrsiflora''), [[lemon basil]] (''O. × citriodorum''), and [[holy basil]] (''Ocimum tenuiflorum''). While most common varieties of basil are treated as [[annual plant|annuals]], some are [[perennial plant|perennial]] in warm, tropical climates, such as the closely related holy basil and hybrids such as [[African blue basil]].
== Description ==
Basil is an annual, or sometimes perennial, herb used for its leaves. Depending on the variety, plants can reach heights of between {{convert|30 and 150|cm|ft|0|abbr=on}}. Its leaves are richly green and ovate, but otherwise come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes depending on cultivar. Leaf sizes range from {{convert|3 to 11|cm|in|frac=2|abbr=on}} long, and between {{convert|1 and 6|cm|in|frac=2|abbr=on}} wide. Basil grows a thick, central [[taproot]]. Its flowers are small and white, and grow from a central inflorescence that emerges from the central stem atop the plant.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}
=== Phytochemistry ===
The various basils have such distinct scents because the [[volatile organic compound|volatile aromatic compounds]] vary with cultivars.<ref name="simon" /> The essential oil from European basil contains high concentrations of [[linalool]] and [[methyl chavicol]] (estragole), in a ratio of about 3:1.<ref name="simon" /><ref name="janick">{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/j.foodchem.2004.05.056|title=Identification of Volatile Components in Basil (''Ocimum basilicum'' L.) and Thyme Leaves (''Thymus vulgaris'' L.) and Their Antioxidant Properties|year=2005|last1=Lee|first1=Seung-Joo|last2=Umano|first2=Katumi|last3=Shibamoto|first3=Takayuki|last4=Lee|first4=Kwang-Geun|journal=Food Chemistry|volume=91|pages=131–137}}</ref> Other constituents include: [[1,8-cineole]], [[eugenol]], and [[myrcene]], among others.<ref name="simon" /><ref name="Breitmaier2006">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9yrbR2WZ8bwC&pg=PA11|title=Terpenes: Flavors, Fragrances, Pharmaca, Pheromones|author=Eberhard Breitmaier|date=22 September 2006|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=978-3-527-31786-8|pages=11–|quote=Acyclic monoterpenoid trienes such as p-myrcene and configurational isomers of p- ocimene are found in the oils of basil (leaves of Ocimum basilicum, Labiatae), bay (leaves of Fimenta acris, Myrtaceae), hops (strobiles of Humulus lupulus, ...|access-date=2 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012210605/http://books.google.com/books?id=9yrbR2WZ8bwC&pg=PA11|archive-date=12 October 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The [[clove]] scent of sweet basil is derived from eugenol.<ref name="Islam2011">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TCMnYLLb758C&pg=PA50|title=Transient Receptor Potential Channels|author=Md Shahidul Islam|date=4 February 2011|publisher=Springer|isbn=978-94-007-0265-3|pages=50–|quote=Eugenol is a vanilloid contained in relatively high amounts in clove oil from Eugenia caryophyllata, as well as cinnamon leaf oil (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and oil from the clove basil Ocimum gratissimum. While eugenol is often referred to as ...|access-date=2 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012221020/http://books.google.com/books?id=TCMnYLLb758C&pg=PA50|archive-date=12 October 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The aroma profile of basil includes 1,8-cineole<ref name="suie">{{cite journal|last=Johnson|first=B. Christopher|display-authors=etal|year=1999|title=Substantial UV-B-mediated induction of essential oils in sweet basil (''Ocimum basilicum'' L.)|journal=[[Phytochemistry (journal)|Phytochemistry]]|volume=51|issue=4|pages=507–510|doi=10.1016/S0031-9422(98)00767-5}}</ref><ref name="edsh">{{cite journal|last1=Baritaux|first1=O.|last2=Richard|first2=H.|last3=Touche|first3=J.|last4=Derbesy|first4=M.|display-authors=etal|year=1992|title=Effects of drying and storage of herbs and spices on the essential oil. Part I. Basil, ''Ocimum basilicum'' L.|journal=[[Flavour and Fragrance Journal]]|volume=7|issue=5|pages=267–271|doi=10.1002/ffj.2730070507}}</ref> and [[methyl eugenol]].<ref name="suie" /><ref name="mobg">{{cite journal|last1=Miele|first1=Mariangela|last2=Dondero|first2=R|last3=Ciarallo|first3=G|last4=Mazzei|first4=M|display-authors=etal|year=2001|title=Methyleugenol in ''Ocimum basilicum'' L. Cv. 'Genovese Gigante'|journal=Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry|volume=49|issue=1|pages=517–521|doi=10.1021/jf000865w|pmid=11170620}}</ref>
== Etymology ==
The name "basil" comes from the [[Latin]] {{lang|la|basilius}}, and the [[Greek language|Greek]] {{lang|el|βασιλικόν φυτόν}} ({{transl|el|basilikón phutón}}), meaning "royal/kingly plant", possibly because the plant was believed to have been used in production of royal perfumes.<ref name="eo">{{cite web|url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=Basil|title=Basil|date=2018|publisher=Etymology Online, Douglas Harper|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025133900/http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=basil|archive-date=25 October 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The Latin name has been confused with [[basilisk]], as it was supposed to be an [[antidote]] to the basilisk's venom.<ref name="eo" />
== Taxonomy ==
{{Further|List of basil cultivars}}
{{More citations needed section|date=February 2021}}
The exact taxonomy of basil is uncertain due to the immense number of cultivars, its ready polymorphy, and frequent cross-pollination (resulting in new hybrids) with other members of the genus ''Ocimum'' and within the species. ''Ocimum basilicum'' has at least 60 varieties, which further complicates taxonomy.<ref name="simon" />
Most basils are cultivars of sweet basil.
* [[Anise basil]], [[Licorice basil]] or [[Persian basil]] (''O. basilicum'' 'Liquorice')
* [[Cinnamon basil]] (''Ocimum basilicum'' 'Cinnamon')
* [[Dark opal basil]] (''Ocimum basilicum'' 'Dark Opal')
* [[Lettuce leaf basil]] (''Ocimum basilicum'' 'Crispum')
* Purple basil (''Ocimum basilicum'' 'Purpurescens')
* [[Red rubin basil|Rubin basil]] (''Ocimum basilicum'' 'Rubin')
* [[Spicy globe basil|Globe basil]], dwarf basil, French basil (''Ocimum basilicum'' 'Minimum')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ars-grin.gov/~sbmljw/cgi-bin/taxon.pl?70463|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924161135/http://www.ars-grin.gov/~sbmljw/cgi-bin/taxon.pl?70463|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-09-24|title=Ocimum minimum information from NPGS/GRIN|work=ars-grin.gov}}</ref>
* [[Thai basil]] (''Ocimum basilicum thyrsifolium'')
=== Hybrids ===
* [[African blue basil]] (''Ocimum basilicum X O. kilimandscharicum'')
* Spice basil (''Ocimum basilicum X O. americanum''), which is sometimes sold as holy basil)
* [[Lemon basil]] (''Ocimum basilicum X O. americanum'')<ref>{{cite web|url=https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=463843|title=''Ocimum africanum'' Lour. taxonomy detail from NPGS/GRIN|work=ars-grin.gov|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913143509/https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=463843|archive-date=13 September 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{citation
|url=http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-136798
|title=''Ocimum'' × ''africanum'' Lour. in 'The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species'
|access-date=3 December 2016}}</ref>
=== Similar species ===
* Camphor basil, African basil (''[[Ocimum kilimandscharicum|O. kilimandscharicum]]'')
* Clove basil, also African basil (''[[Ocimum gratissimum]]'')<ref name="tgte">{{cite journal |last1=Fandohan |first1=P. |title=Toxicity and gastric tolerance of essential oils from Cymbopogon citratus, Ocimum gratissimum and Ocimum basilicum in Wistar rats |journal=[[Food and Chemical Toxicology]] |volume=46 |issue=7 |pages=2493–2497 |year=2008 |doi=10.1016/j.fct.2008.04.006 |pmid=18511170 |last2=Gnonlonfin |first2=B |last3=Laleye |first3=A |last4=Gbenou |first4=JD |last5=Darboux |first5=R |last6=Moudachirou |first6=M |display-authors=etal}}</ref><ref name=aaeo>{{cite journal |last1=Pessoa |first1=L. M. |last2=Morais |first2=SM |last3=Bevilaqua |first3=CM |last4=Luciano |first4=JH |title=Anthelmintic activity of essential oil of ''Ocimum gratissimum'' Linn. and eugenol against ''Haemonchus contortus'' |journal=[[Veterinary Parasitology (journal)|Veterinary Parasitology]] |volume=109 |issue=1–2 |pages=59–63 |year=2002 |doi=10.1016/S0304-4017(02)00253-4 |pmid=12383625}}</ref>
* [[Holy basil]] (''[[Ocimum tenuiflorum]]'', formerly known as ''O. sanctum'')
=== Other cultivars ===
Several other basils, including some other ''Ocimum'' species,<ref>{{cite web |title=''Ocimum tenuiflorum'' L., Synonyms |url=http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-137105 |publisher=The Plant List, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Gardens |access-date=28 November 2019 |date=23 March 2012}}</ref> are grown in many regions of Asia. Most of the Asian basils have a clove-like flavor that is, in general, stronger than the Mediterranean basils, such as [[tulsi]]. Lemon basil has a strong [[lemon]]y smell and flavor very different from those of other varieties because it contains a chemical called [[citral]]. It is widely used in [[Indonesian cuisine|Indonesia]], where it is called {{lang|id|kemangi}}, served raw together with raw [[cabbage]], [[green bean]]s, and [[cucumber]] as an accompaniment to fried fish or duck. Its flowers, when broken up, are a zesty [[salad]] condiment.
== Distribution and habitat ==
Basil is native to [[India]] and other tropical regions stretching from Africa to Southeast Asia, but has now become globalized due to human cultivation.<ref name="simon" />
== Cultivation ==
{{More citations needed section|date=February 2021}}
Most culinary and ornamental basils are cultivars of the species ''Ocimum basilicum'', but other species are also grown and there are many hybrids between species. Traditionally a green plant, some varieties, such as 'Purple Delight', have leaves that appear purple.
Basil grows between {{convert|30|-|130|cm|in|abbr=on}} tall, with opposite, light green, silky [[leaf|leaves]] {{convert|3|-|11|cm|in|frac=2|abbr=on}} long and {{convert|1|-|6|cm|in|frac=2|abbr=on}} broad. The flowers are small, white in color and arranged in a terminal [[raceme|spike]]. Unusual among Lamiaceae, the four [[stamen]]s and the [[pistil]] are not pushed under the upper lip of the [[Corolla (flower)|corolla]], but lie over the inferior lip. After [[entomophily|entomophilous]] pollination, the corolla falls off and four round [[achene]]s develop inside the bilabiate [[calyx (botany)|calyx]].
Basil is sensitive to cold, with best growth in hot, dry conditions. It behaves as an annual if there is any chance of a frost. However, due to its popularity, basil is cultivated in many countries around the world. Production areas include countries in the Mediterranean area, those in the [[temperate zone]], and others in [[subtropical]] climates.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fLxiMFPvAfUC&q=basil+medicinal+uses&pg=PA56|title=Basil: The Genus Ocimum|last1=Hiltunen|first1=Raimo|last2=Holm|first2=Yvonne|date=2003-09-02|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=9780203303771|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418170831/https://books.google.com/books?id=fLxiMFPvAfUC&pg=PA56&dq=basil+medicinal+uses&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjZ16mPkq3TAhUl6YMKHZbTBsoQ6AEIJDAA#v=onepage&q=basil%20medicinal%20uses&f=false|archive-date=18 April 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
In Northern Europe, Canada, the northern states of the U.S., and the South Island of New Zealand, basil grows best if sown under glass in a [[peat]] pot, then planted out in late spring/early summer (when there is little chance of a frost); however, it can also thrive when planted outside in these climates. Additionally, it may be sown in soil once chance of frost is past. It fares best in well-drained soil with direct exposure to the sun.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}
Although basil grows best outdoors, it can be grown indoors in a pot and, like most herbs, will do best on a sun-facing windowsill, kept away from extremely cold drafts. A [[greenhouse]] or [[row cover]] is ideal if available. It can, however, even be grown in a basement under fluorescent lights. If its leaves have wilted from lack of water, it will recover if watered thoroughly and placed in a sunny location. Yellow leaves towards the bottom of the plant are an indication that the plant has been stressed; usually this means that it needs less water, or less or more fertilizer. If allowed to go to seed, a basil plant will grow back the next year. Basil plants require regular watering, but not as much attention as is needed in other climates. Basil can also be propagated reliably from cuttings with the stems of short cuttings suspended for two weeks or so in water until roots develop.
Once a stem produces flowers, foliage production stops on that stem, the stem becomes woody, and essential oil production declines. To prevent this, a basil-grower may pinch off any flower stems before they are fully mature. Because only the blooming stem is so affected, some stems can be pinched for leaf production, while others are left to bloom for decoration or seeds.
Once the plant is allowed to flower, it may produce seed pods containing small black seeds, which can be saved and planted the following year. Picking the leaves off the plant helps promote growth, largely because the plant responds by converting pairs of leaflets next to the topmost leaves into new stems.
Basil is popularly recommended as a [[Companion planting|companion plant]] to the [[tomato]]. Common claims are that basil may deter pests or improve tomato flavor. However, in double-blind taste tests, basil did not significantly affect the taste of tomatoes when planted adjacent to them.<ref>{{cite journal|journal= Journal of Sustainable Agriculture|last= Bomford|first= Michael|date= May 2009|title= Do Tomatoes Love Basil but Hate Brussels Sprouts? Competition and Land-Use Efficiency of Popularly Recommended and Discouraged Crop Mixtures in Biointensive Agriculture Systems|url= https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242533588|volume= 33|issue= 4|pages= 396–417|doi= 10.1080/10440040902835001|s2cid= 51900856|access-date= September 17, 2016|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160918082117/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242533588_Do_Tomatoes_Love_Basil_but_Hate_Brussels_Sprouts_Competition_and_Land-Use_Efficiency_of_Popularly_Recommended_and_Discouraged_Crop_Mixtures_in_Biointensive_Agriculture_Systems|archive-date= 18 September 2016|df= dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{citation|title=Yield, Pest Density, and Tomato Flavor Effects of Companion Planting in Garden-scale Studies Incorporating Tomato, Basil, and Brussels Sprout|last=Bomford|first=Michael|publisher=West Virginia University Libraries|date=May 2004}}</ref>
=== Diseases ===
Basil suffers from several plant pathogens that can ruin the crop and reduce [[crop yield|yield]]. [[Fusarium wilt]] is a soil-borne fungal disease that will quickly kill younger basil plants. [[Seedling]]s may be killed by ''[[Pythium]]'' [[damping off]]. A common [[foliage|foliar]] disease of basil is [[gray mold]] caused by ''[[Botrytis cinerea]]''; it can cause infections post-harvest and is capable of killing the entire plant. [[Black Spot (disease)|Black spot]] can be seen on basil foliage and is caused by the [[fungi]] [[genus]] ''[[Colletotrichum]]''. [[Downy mildew]] caused by ''Peronospora belbahrii'' is a significant disease, as first reported in Italy in 2004.<ref>Garibaldi, A., Minuto, A., Minuto, G., Gullino, M.L., 2004. First Report of Downy Mildew on Basil (''Ocimum basilicum'') in Italy. Plant Disease 88, 312–312</ref> It was reported in the U.S. in 2007 and 2008.<ref>Roberts, P.D., Raid, R.N., Harmon, P.F., Jordan, S.A., Palmateer, A.J., 2009. First Report of Downy Mildew Caused by a Peronospora sp. on Basil in Florida and the United States. Plant Disease 93, 199–199.</ref><ref>Wick, R.L., Brazee, N.J., 2009. First Report of Downy Mildew Caused by a Peronospora Species on Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) in Massachusetts. Plant Disease 93, 318–318.</ref>
Non-pathogenic bacteria found on basil include ''[[Novosphingobium]]'' species.<ref>Ceuppens, S., Delbeke, S., De Coninck, D., Boussemaere, J., Boon, N., & Uyttendaele, M. (2015). Characterization of the Bacterial Community Naturally Present on Commercially Grown Basil Leaves: Evaluation of Sample Preparation Prior to Culture-Independent Techniques. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 12(8), 10171–10197. http://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph120810171</ref>
== Uses ==
[[File:Basilic-spice.jpg|thumb|200px|Dried basil leaves|alt=|left]]
=== Culinary===
Basil is most commonly used fresh in recipes. In general, it is added last, as cooking quickly destroys the flavor. The fresh herb can be kept for a short time in plastic bags in the refrigerator, or for a longer period in the freezer, after being [[blanching (cooking)|blanched]] quickly in boiling water.
Basil is one of the main ingredients in [[pesto]], an [[Italian cuisine|Italian]] sauce with [[olive oil]] and basil as its primary ingredients. It is also an essential ingredient in the popular Italian [[marinara sauce]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}
The most commonly used Mediterranean basil cultivars are "Genovese", "Purple Ruffles", "Mammoth", "Cinnamon", "Lemon", "Globe", and "[[African Blue basil|African Blue]]". The [[Chinese cuisine|Chinese]] also use fresh or dried basils in soups and other foods. In [[Taiwan]], people add fresh basil leaves to thick soups. They also eat [[fried chicken]] with deep-fried basil leaves. Basil (most commonly Thai basil) is commonly steeped in cream or milk to create an interesting flavor in ice cream or chocolates (such as truffles). The leaves are not the only part of basil used in culinary applications, the flower buds have a more subtle flavor and they are edible.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}
==== Seeds ====
When soaked in water, the seeds of several basil varieties [[hydrophile|become gelatinous]], and are used in Asian drinks and desserts such as the [[Indian cuisine|Indian]] ''[[faluda]]'', the [[Iranian cuisine|Iranian]] {{transl|fa|[[Sharbat|sharbat-e-rihan]]}}, or {{lang|vi|hột é}}.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}
Research studies of the essential oil showed antifungal and insect-repelling properties,<ref name="apia">{{cite journal |authors=Dube S, Upadhhyay PD, Tripath SC |title=Antifungal, physicochemical, and insect-repelling activity of the essential oil of ''Ocimum basilicum'' |journal=Canadian Journal of Botany |year=1989 |volume=67 |issue=7 |pages=2085–2087 |doi=10.1139/b89-264}}</ref> including potential toxicity to [[mosquito]]s.<ref name="etdp">{{cite journal |last1=Maurya |first1=Prejwltta |title=Evaluation of the toxicity of different phytoextracts of Ocimum basilicum against Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus |journal=Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology |volume=12 |issue=2 |pages=113–115 |year=2009 |doi=10.1016/j.aspen.2009.02.004 |last2=Sharma |first2=Preeti |last3=Mohan |first3=Lalit |last4=Batabyal |first4=Lata |last5=Srivastava |first5=C.N. |display-authors=etal}}</ref>
=== Folk medicine ===
In [[traditional medicine|folk medicine]] practices, such as those of [[Ayurveda]] or [[traditional Chinese medicine]], basil is thought to have therapeutic properties.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fLxiMFPvAfUC&q=ayurveda|title=Basil: The Genus Ocimum|publisher=CRC Press|year=2003|isbn=9780203303771|pages=120–1|author=Hiltunen R, Holm Y|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012051750/https://books.google.ca/books?redir_esc=y&id=fLxiMFPvAfUC&q=ayurveda#v=snippet&q=ayurveda&f=false|archive-date=12 October 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wwLpDAAAQBAJ&q=basil+medicinal+encyclopedia&pg=PA27|title=Leafy Medicinal Herbs: Botany, Chemistry, Postharvest Technology and Uses|last1=Ambrose|first1=Dawn C. P.|last2=Manickavasagan|first2=Annamalai|last3=Naik|first3=Ravindra|date=2016-07-25|publisher=CABI|isbn=9781780645599|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421195720/https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=wwLpDAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA27&dq=basil+medicinal+encyclopedia&ots=9O5jZItWJy&sig=ct1NYfHVakWIsSvEML3axf2sHTM#v=onepage&q=basil%20medicinal%20encyclopedia&f=false|archive-date=21 April 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
[[File:WHH Isabella Pot of Basil DelArt.jpg|thumb|''Isabella and the Pot of Basil'', William Holman Hunt, 1868.]]
== Culture ==
There are many rituals and beliefs associated with basil. Basil is sometimes referred to in [[French language|French]] as {{lang|fr|"l'herbe royale"}} ('the royal herb'),<ref name="CarrollVona2006">{{cite book|author1=Anstice Carroll|author2=Embree De Persiis Vona|author3=Gianna De Persiis Vona|title=The Dictionary of Wholesome Foods: A Passionate A-to-Z Guide to the Earth's Healthy Offerings, with More Than 140 Delicious, Nutritious Recipes|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RNZGgvsspMUC&pg=PA16|access-date=2 August 2013|year=2006|publisher=Da Capo Press|isbn=978-1-56924-395-4|pages=16–|quote=The name "basil" comes from the Greek word for "king" — so greatly did the Greeks esteem this king of herbs. Herbe royale, the French respectfully call it. In Italy basil serves the goddess Love; a sprig of it worn by a suitor bespeaks his loving ...|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012212928/http://books.google.com/books?id=RNZGgvsspMUC&pg=PA16|archive-date=12 October 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> while [[Jewish folklore]] suggests it adds strength while fasting.<ref name="Navarra2004">{{cite book|author=Tova Navarra|title=The Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=upI55jwytpQC&pg=PA25|access-date=2 August 2013|date=1 January 2004|publisher=Infobase Publishing|isbn=978-1-4381-2103-1|pages=25–|quote=There is varied folklore pertaining to basil. To the French, basil is the herbe royale (royal herb); Jewish lore holds that basil offers strength during fasting. To the Italians, basil symbolizes love, and to the Greeks, hate, although the Greek word ...|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012221303/http://books.google.com/books?id=upI55jwytpQC&pg=PA25|archive-date=12 October 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In [[Portugal]], dwarf bush basil is traditionally presented in a pot, together with a poem and a paper [[carnation]], to a sweetheart, on the religious holidays of [[John the Baptist]] (see {{Section link|Saint John's Eve|Portugal}}) and Saint [[Anthony of Padua]]. Conversely, basil represented hatred in [[ancient Greece]].<ref name="Arrowsmith2009">{{cite book|author=Nancy Arrowsmith|title=Essential Herbal Wisdom: A Complete Exploration of 50 Remarkable Herbs|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V4TjKPRhY90C&pg=PT105|access-date=2 August 2013|year=2009|publisher=Llewellyn Worldwide|isbn=978-0-7387-1488-2|pages=105–|quote=During one of their talks, Satan told God to pick a bunch of basil flowers, lay them under his pillow, and sleep on them overnight. In the morning, God should take them to a virgin, have her smell them, and she would conceive. This one time ...|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012210507/http://books.google.com/books?id=V4TjKPRhY90C&pg=PT105|archive-date=12 October 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Holy basil, also called tulsi, is highly revered in [[Hinduism]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}} Basil has religious significance in the [[Greek Orthodox Church]], where it is used to sprinkle holy water.<ref name="blessing-of-the-waters">{{cite web| title =Blessing of the Waters known as Agiasmos conducted by a Greek Orthodox priest| url =http://www.completely-crete.com/blessing-of-the-waters.html| access-date =2012-09-10| url-status =live| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120307021718/http://www.completely-crete.com/blessing-of-the-waters.html| archive-date =7 March 2012| df =dmy-all}}</ref> The [[Bulgarian Orthodox Church]], [[Serbian Orthodox Church]], [[Macedonian Orthodox Church]] and [[Romanian Orthodox Church]] use basil ({{lang-bg|босилек}}, {{transl|bg|bosilek}}; {{lang-mk|босилек}}, {{transl|mk|bosilek}}) to prepare holy water and pots of basil are often placed below church altars.<ref name="MacDermott1998">{{cite book|author=Mercia MacDermott|title=Bulgarian Folk Customs|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gh4IE6toGJMC&pg=PA114|access-date=2 August 2013|year=1998|publisher=Jessica Kingsley Publishers|isbn=978-1-85302-485-6|pages=114–|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012213012/http://books.google.com/books?id=gh4IE6toGJMC&pg=PA114|archive-date=12 October 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Some Greek Orthodox Christians even avoid eating it due to its association with the legend of the [[Elevation of the Holy Cross]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Complete Book of Greek Cooking|publisher=HarperPerennial|year=1991|isbn=9780060921293|pages=7}}</ref>
In Hinduism, basil is placed in the hands of the dead to ensure a safe journey.<ref name="CEPC2007">{{cite book|author=Amy Felder, CEPC|title=Savory Sweets: From Ingredients to Plated Desserts|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_kl2UTnyN5kC&pg=PA92|access-date=2 August 2013|date=7 March 2007|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=978-0-470-07968-3|pages=92–|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012210916/http://books.google.com/books?id=_kl2UTnyN5kC&pg=PA92|archive-date=12 October 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>{{better source needed|reason=This reference only mentions it without extensive detail.|date=June 2021}} In India,{{clarify|reason=Which area of India? Which religion, where, and why?|date=June 2021}} basil is placed in the mouth of the dying to ensure they reach God.<ref name="Bregman2010">{{cite book|author=Lucy Bregman|title=Religion, Death, and Dying|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IvS11snZnQ0C&pg=PA136|access-date=2 August 2013|year=2010|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-0-313-35180-8|pages=136–|quote=A basil-like tulsi leaf, which is considered to be a holy plant, may be placed in the mouth as well.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012213301/http://books.google.com/books?id=IvS11snZnQ0C&pg=PA136|archive-date=12 October 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The [[ancient egypt|ancient Egyptians]] and ancient Greeks believed basil would open the gates of heaven for a person passing on.<ref name="Nelson-Shellenbarger2013">{{cite book|author=Robin Nelson-Shellenbarger|title=Family Herbal Wellness|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8kS1kIC1IhcC&pg=PT38|access-date=2 August 2013|date=25 February 2013|publisher=Booktango|isbn=978-1-4689-2481-7|pages=38–|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012221317/http://books.google.com/books?id=8kS1kIC1IhcC&pg=PT38|archive-date=12 October 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
In [[Giovanni Boccaccio]]'s 14th century [[The Decameron|''Decameron'']], the fifth story of the narrative's [[Summary of Decameron tales#Fourth day|fourth day]] involves a pot of basil as a central plot device. This famous story inspired [[John Keats]] to write his 1814 poem "[[Isabella, or the Pot of Basil]]", which was in turn the inspiration for two paintings of the [[Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood]]: [[John Everett Millais]]'s [[Isabella (Millais painting)|''Isabella'']] in 1849 and in 1868 the ''[[Isabella and the Pot of Basil]]'' by [[William Holman Hunt]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}
== See also ==
* [[Insect repellent]]
* [[List of basil cultivars]]
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
{{Commons|Ocimum basilicum|Basil}}
* [http://libguides.nybg.org/basil/ Basil: Knowing and Growing from the New York Botanical Garden]
{{Herbs & spices}}
{{Transient receptor potential channel modulators}}
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[[Category:Flora of Asia]]
[[Category:Flora of New Guinea]]
[[Category:Herbs]]
[[Category:Indian spices]]
[[Category:Insect repellents]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants of Asia]]
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