--- title: "Basil: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "An aromatic culinary herb. Traditionally used for indigestion and wind; calming effects have only been seen in animal studies." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/basil/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) # Basil Ocimum basilicum T Traditional use An aromatic culinary herb. Traditionally used for indigestion and wind; calming effects have only been seen in animal studies. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **Caution** Breastfeeding **Caution** Children **Caution** Drug interactions **Interaction reported** ## At a glance Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a mint-family herb whose leaves flavour food. It is traditionally used for indigestion, bloating and poor appetite. Anxiety-reducing effects have been seen in animal studies. Because it contains estragole, long-term use of concentrated extracts and basil oil is not recommended; kitchen amounts are fine. **Parts used:** leaves **Key constituents:** Linalool, Estragole (Methyl Chavicol), Eugenol Updated: October 15, 2026 ℹ Compiled from standard pharmacognosy references and clinical literature summaries where no formal EMA monograph exists. ## What is it used for? - T Traditional use Traditionally used for indigestion, bloating and poor appetite. \[1\] - C Laboratory / animal evidence Anxiety-reducing and calming effects have been seen in animal studies. \[1\] ## How is it used? ### Food Add fresh or dried leaves to salads, sauces and dishes. **Amount:** In cooking \[1\] ### Tea Infuse 1 dessertspoon of dried leaves in 150 ml of boiling water for 5–10 minutes. **Amount:** 1–2 times daily **Duration limit:** 2 weeks \[1\] ## Safety & interactions - Amounts used as a spice in food are generally safe; this does not apply to concentrated extracts and supplements. - Because of estragole, avoid basil oil and concentrated extracts long term and in pregnancy. - Its vitamin K may matter at very high intakes for people on anticoagulants. \[1\] \[2\] ### Drug interactions | Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity | | --- | --- | --- | | Warfarin | Very high intakes may reduce its effect because of vitamin K; keep daily intake steady. [2] | Minor | ### Side effects - Rarely allergy #### ⚕ When to see a doctor - If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops - If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen - If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs ## Did you know? The name "basil" comes from the Greek basilikos, meaning "royal". \[1\] ## Frequently asked questions What is basil tea used for? It is traditionally drunk for indigestion and wind; the effect has not been clinically shown. Does basil help sleep? Calming effects have only been seen in animals. Is "reyhan" the same as basil? Yes, in Turkish both names usually refer to Ocimum basilicum. ## Sources 1. [WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (Volumes 1–4)](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241545178) World Health Organization · 2009 2. [Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy (16th Edition)](https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780702029332/trease-and-evans-pharmacognosy) Elsevier Health Sciences · 2009 ### Cite This Page Basil (Ocimum basilicum). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/basil/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [St. John's Wort](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/st-johns-wort/) A Strong clinical evidence Hypericum perforatum St John's wort extract may help with mild to moderate depressive episodes, but it seriously interacts with many medicines, including the pill. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Lemon Balm](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/lemon-balm/) T Traditional use Melissa officinalis Lemon balm leaf tea is traditionally used to relieve mild symptoms of stress, to aid sleep and for mild bloating and wind in adults. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Flaxseed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/flaxseed/) A Strong clinical evidence Linum usitatissimum Taken with plenty of liquid, flaxseed may help soften stools in habitual constipation; drinking enough fluid with it is essential. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Ginger](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ginger/) A Strong clinical evidence Zingiber officinale Powdered ginger root taken before travel may help prevent motion-sickness nausea; it is also traditionally used for mild indigestion. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) +1 [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) ### [Peppermint Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/peppermint-oil/) A Strong clinical evidence Mentha × piperita Gastro-resistant peppermint oil capsules may ease IBS cramps, wind and pain; oil rubbed on the forehead may ease mild tension headache. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) +1 [Essential Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/essential-oil/) ### [Psyllium Husk](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/psyllium-husk/) A Strong clinical evidence Plantago ovata Taken with plenty of water, psyllium husk helps soften stools in constipation; keep a gap between it and other medicines. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Dried Herb & Tea) [Dried Herb & Tea →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Echinacea](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/echinacea/) A Strong clinical evidence Echinacea purpurea Juice pressed from fresh echinacea plants may help with short-term prevention and treatment of colds. Dried echinacea tea is not covered. [Immunity](https://herbadex.com/en/for/immunity/) [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Senna](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/senna/) A Strong clinical evidence Senna alexandrina A stimulant laxative for short-term relief of occasional constipation. No longer than 1 week; not for children under 12, in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Valerian Root](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/valerian-root/) A Strong clinical evidence Valeriana officinalis Dry extracts of valerian root may help with mild nervous tension and sleep problems; they work gradually, so use them for 2–4 weeks. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Ginkgo Leaf](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ginkgo/) A Strong clinical evidence Ginkgo biloba Standardised ginkgo extract may help age-related cognitive decline and mild dementia; bleeding risk and interactions call for caution. [Energy & Focus](https://herbadex.com/en/for/energy-focus/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.