Wild Basil is a natural heart tonic
Wild Basil, Clinopodium vulgare (may be labeled Calamintha clinopodium or Calamintha vulgaris), is also sometimes called Wood Basil. It is a European native, having a range stretching from Britain to Siberia, Western Asia and North Africa. It is also found in Canada, and has been introduced to the United States. It is not related to Sweet Basil, Holy Basil or Basil Thyme.
Wild basil is a hardy perennial that reaches a height of about 18 inches (45cm). It’s not fussy as to soil, so long as it is moist, and will grow in full sun or partial shade.
Wild basil is sometimes used for tea, or for flavoring in a similar way to basil. It can also be added to salads, although in my opinion, the furry leaves would take a bit of getting used to unless finely chopped.
Medicinally, wild basil is not much used, although it has value as a heart tonic, an expectorant, and can be used as a treatment for flatulence (“gas” or “wind“). For all these purposes make a standard infusion using 1 oz (30g) of dried or 3 handfuls of fresh leaves to 2.5 US cups (570ml, 1 UK pint) of boiling water. Allow to stand for between 15 minutes and 4 hours, then strain. The dose is 1/3 US cup (75ml) up to 3 times a day.
Like all herbs intended for medicinal use, wild basil should be grown organically to avoid adulteration of the active constituents by the presence of foreign chemicals. To find out more about growing organic herbs visit the Gardenzone.
Related Posts
Basil Thyme
Sweet Basil
Lesser CalamintRelated posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
July 31st, 2009 at 23:33
This is the second entry I read tonight. And I am on my third. Got to think which one is next. Thank you.
November 13th, 2009 at 15:09
varicose veins pictures…
found your site and thoguht it was good…