Basil(s) ** Most Commonly (Ocimum basilicum)

November 24, 2003

Hey Janine,

> Does anyone know the differences in the constituents of basil oils?

Sorta .. I know the chemical profile of the only Basil I sell .. which

is Basil (Ocimum basilicum) .. Methyl Chavicol Type .. Commonly called

Sweet or Exotic Basil. Its the one most folks want and most folks use.

I know the profile because I have a GC/MS analysis on it.

But .. the others will be different. There's MANY varities, cultivars

and chemotypes (8 chemotypes I think) of Ocimum .. in fact, there is at

least one book that is dedicated ONLY to the Basils .. it discusses 65

different types.

> Indian Basil has one kind, lesser? than another I think.

There is no Lessor or Greater. There is, however, one that has picked up

the Common Name of True Basil .. but don't hang too much on that word.

The two commonly grown in India are Camphor Type .. Botanical Ocimum

kilmanjaricum .. and Holy or Sacred Basil (Ocimum sanctum). I expect

you are asking about the Holy Basil cause some folks think its a hot

item .. though it has no traditional use in aromatherapy.

The Holy Basil is not as safe as the others because its high in Methyl

eugenol. I'm not saying it is UNSAFE .. but technically, Methyl eugenol

has been declared a carcinogen. But then .. I think there are many good

things in the world that science has tacked that handle on too.

And when discussing Basil(s) .. as is the case with any and all plants

vs the essential oils from those plants .. we gotta be careful to not

get them confused .. which many folks do (on purpose) if its to their

advantage when they wanna tell us all about the fantastic therapeutic

properties of this and that .. cause there is evidence to show that the

leaf extract from Ocimum basilicum has the ability to counteract/block

carcinogenic action.

Another thing about Sweet Basil (NOT Holy Basil) grown in India .. its a

fairly common practice there to strip out the Linalool because there's a

big market for it in India .. so you are probably going to wind up with

a high percentage of Methyl chavicol regardless of what you buy.

> Warm regards,

> Janine Phariss

> Unique & Innovative Herbals

Yep .. and to you. Butch http://www.AV-AT.com

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