Basil

Alternative names: Basil, St. Joseph's grass, sweet basil,

It is a dwarf, young herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family. Native to tropical Asia. Its height is between 20-60 cm. Its leaves are opposite, light green and hairy, about 1.5 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. It has a strong, pungent, fragrant smell that tastes like anise. Basil is very sensitive to cold and grows best in hot and dry conditions. Most common species are annuals, and some are perennials, including African blue basil and Thai sacred basil. Basil is commonly used in Western recipes and Thai cuisine, and is also used in three cups of Chinese cuisine. In addition, basil can also be used as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat bruises and snake and insect bites.