Basil
Ocymum basilicum
“Sweet basil acts principally on the digestive and nervous systems, easing flatulence, stomach cramps, colic and indigestion. It can be used to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting, and helps to kill intestinal worms. Sweet basil has a mildly sedative action, proving useful in treating nervous irritability, tiredness, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. It may also be taken for epilepsy, migraine, and whooping cough. The herb has been traditionally taken to increase breast-milk production. Applied externally, basil leaves act as an insect repellent. The juice from the leaves brings relief to insect bites. Sweet basil has an established antibacterial action.”
- Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants
a.k.a.
St. Josephwort