Looks a bit like basil, also known as nine-layer pagoda, gold not to change, St. Joseph's wort, sweet basil, orchid

Basil is a medicinal and food aromatic plant, tastes like fennel, the whole plant is small, the leaves are bright green, the flower color is bright and fragrant. Native to tropical Asia, it is very sensitive to cold and grows best in hot and dry environments. Has a powerful, stimulating, fragrant odor, most common species are sparsely pilose throughout the plant, the same species, varieties or varieties differ slightly in botanical characteristics, 20 to 80 cm in height, smooth or essentially smooth erect annuals, some are perennials. Some slightly pruned into a beautiful bonsai, can be potted ornamental.

It has the functions of dispersing wind and moving qi, resolving dampness and eliminating food, activating blood circulation and detoxifying. It is used in the treatment of external headache, food bloating and stagnation of Qi, epigastric pain, diarrhea, menstrual disorders, bruises, snake and insect bites, wet skin sores, addictive rashes and pain and itching.

Origin

Native to Africa, America and tropical Asia. China is mainly distributed in Xinjiang, Jilin, Hebei, Henan, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Taiwan, Guizhou, Yunnan and Sichuan, mostly cultivated, the southern provinces and regions have escaped into the wild. It is also found in the warmer zones of Africa to Asia.

Growth habit

Prefer warm and humid climate, not cold, drought-resistant, intolerant of waterlogging, well-drained, fertile sandy loam or humus loam soil is preferred.

Main Species

There are many variants and varieties of basil in the genus Basil, such as sweet basil, speckled-leaf basil, lilac basil, dwarf basil, green basil, dense basil, lemon basil, holy basil, purple basil, fuchsia basil, fennel basil, mofar-style basil, cinnamon basil, wrinkled-leaf basil, bush basil, and so on.

Chemical composition

Basil contains volatile oil 0.02~0.04%, the specific gravity of the oil (15 ℃) 0.900~0.930, refractive index (20 ℃) 1.4800~1.4950, rotativity (20 ℃) -6 ° ~ 20 °, the main components of the basil alkene, α-pinene, 1,8- Eucalyptus, linalool, geraniol, limonene, 3-carene, methyl piperitol, eugenol, eugenol methyl ether, anisole, cinnamic acid methyl ester, 3-hexen-1-ol, 3-octanone and furfural, etc., the pure essential oil of basil bactericidal rate of 99 percent. Mainly used as fragrance raw materials, formulated cosmetics, soap and edible flavors, also used in the production of toothpaste, mouthwash as a corrective agent.

Main value

The leaves of basil are elliptical and pointed, and the flowers are purple-white, and distillation of the leaves and flowers will yield a transparent, colorless essential oil, with an aroma similar to that of lilacs and pine needles. It is a huge family. Different species of basil are named for their characteristic or unique aroma. Much of the research on basil focuses on the extraction and compositional analysis of the spice. It is mainly used in Italian and French Greek cuisine, and is also frequently used in Indian and Thai cooking in the East. Basil is generally cultivated as a vegetable in China, and has great potential for development as a new specialty vegetable. Basil has a special flavor profile (generally lilac-like aroma, but also slightly minty, sweet or spicy, the flavor varies with the variety).

Edible value

①The young leaves can be eaten or made into a tea, which is wind-expelling, aromatic, stomachic and sweating. It can be used as a seasoning for pizza, spaghetti sauce, sausage, soups, tomato juice, drizzles and salads. Many Italian chefs use basil as a substitute for pizza herb. It is also a common seasoning in Thai cooking. Dried basil can be combined with lavender, peppermint, marjoram, and lemon verbena***3 tbsp to make a stress relieving herbal tea.

2) Basil pairs well with tomatoes and has a very distinctive flavor in dishes, soups and sauces. Use as a pizza, pasta sauce, sausage, soup, tomato juice, drizzle. And dressing for salads. Basil can also be mixed with oregano, thyme and sage for a mellow flavor in hot dogs, sausages, sauces or pizza sauce.

Refreshing effect

① Basil essential oil is extracted from the leaves and flower heads, is colorless essential oil. The odor is cool and has a strong stimulating effect on the nervous system, which immediately invigorates the spirit when used in fatigue, and has a healing effect on lack of concentration, chronic mental laxity, listlessness, and doubt; it helps to increase memory. Very sweet, slightly pungent flavor.

② Recovery of the weakened mind, using basil 20:1 base oil, full body massage, can quickly restore the weakened mind and spirit.

3) Pure Essential Oil Incense: Helps with concentration, such as students who are dedicated to their studies. Drops on a handkerchief and breathe on the face can ④ quickly eliminate headaches, especially those caused by frustration.

5 With vanilla, it is a famous "happy combination".

6 with geranium, with the same warm series of aroma and healing, has a strong care effect, for the trauma of the body and mind has a miraculous effect.

7 With Orange Blossom, this is the best formula to assist and care for the body and mind.

Beauty efficacy

To dry dehydrated and aging rough, wrinkled skin has a moisturizing effect, but also can be used for frequent overtime and long-term computer face dark circles, bags under the eyes. It can also be used to tighten the skin and balance the oil secretion. However, excessive amount will make the skin excessively tight or irritate the skin.

Medicinal value

The whole herb is used as medicine for the treatment of headache, migraine, earache, sinusitis, bronchitis, expelling phlegm, cold and flu, asthma, hiccups, flatulence, stomach ache, stomach cramps, flatulence, dyspepsia, intestinal inflammation, diarrhea, excessive uric acid, muscle aches and pains, skin flaccidity, chest pains, bruises, bruises and swelling, rheumatoid arthritis, pediatric fever, nephritis, snake bites. Decoction to wash eczema and dermatitis blisters, acne, epilepsy, menstrual disorders, low milk secretion, breast engorgement and inflammation, motivate mood, reduce stress, reduce depression and restlessness, aphrodisiac, tonic, antiseptic, insect bites. It is effective in eliminating summer heat, detoxifying the body, removing pain and strengthening the stomach, benefiting the strength and essence, and energizing the blood. The stem and leaves are used for obstetrics, which can make the blood flow well before delivery; the seeds are called Guangming Zi, which is the main treatment for cataracts, and is tried for contraception.