BASIL: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

Overview

Basil is an herb. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

Basil is commonly used for stomach problems such as spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, diarrhea, constipation, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In foods, basil is used for flavor.

How does it work ?

Basil contains many chemicals. These chemicals might kill bacteria and fungi. Chemicals in basil might reduce symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract.

Basil contains many chemicals. These chemicals might kill bacteria and fungi. Chemicals in basil might reduce symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Migraine. Early research shows that applying basil essential oil to the forehead and temples every 8 hours can reduce migraine pain by a small amount in some people.
  • Acne.
  • Mental alertness.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Common cold.
  • Constipation.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Gas (flatulence).
  • Insect bites.
  • Kidney disorders.
  • Infection of the intestines by parasites.
  • Warts.
  • Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of basil for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Basil is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in food amounts. When taken by mouth as a medicine, basil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil herb and basil oil contain estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.

When applied to the skin: Basil essential oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin in concentrations of up to 6% for 12 weeks.

When inhaled as aromatherapy: There isn't enough reliable information to know to know if basil is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Basil is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in food amounts. When taken by mouth as a medicine, basil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil herb and basil oil contain estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.

When applied to the skin: Basil essential oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin in concentrations of up to 6% for 12 weeks.

When inhaled as aromatherapy: There isn't enough reliable information to know to know if basil is safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Basil is LIKELY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women in food amounts. But larger medicinal amounts are POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice.

Children: Basil is LIKELY SAFE for children in food amounts. But larger medicinal amounts are POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice.

Bleeding disorders: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Low blood pressure: Basil extracts might lower blood pressure. In theory, taking basil extracts might make blood pressure become too low in people with low blood pressure.

Surgery: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting. In theory, basil oils or extracts might increase the risk of bleeding during surgical procedures. Stop using basil at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with BASIL

    Basil extract might decrease blood pressure in some people. Taking basil extract along with medications used for lowering high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low. Do not take too much basil if you are taking medications for high blood pressure.

    Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with BASIL

    Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting. Taking basil oils or extracts along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

    Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of basil depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for basil. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

BASIL: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

What are the side effects of basil? ›

Bleeding disorders: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Low blood pressure: Basil extracts might lower blood pressure. In theory, taking basil extracts might make blood pressure become too low in people with low blood pressure.

What medications interact with basil? ›

Taking basil oils or extracts along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

What does basil do for your body? ›

The eugenol in basil can block calcium channels, which may help to lower blood pressure. Its essential oils can help lower your cholesterol and triglycerides. Basil also contains magnesium, which can help improve your blood flow by allowing your muscles and blood vessels to relax. Reduced inflammation.

Does holy basil have any drug interactions? ›

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with HOLY BASIL. Holy basil might lower blood sugar levels. Taking holy basil along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Who should not eat basil leaves? ›

Those who are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant should avoid basil as much as possible. People who are on diabetic medication or cholesterol control medication should not consume Basil as it can have detrimental effects on their health.

Is it okay to eat basil every day? ›

Basil is generally safe when consumed in small amounts, but a few precautions are warranted. Basil leaves are high in vitamin K, which helps blood clot. High intakes could interfere with blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin ( 37 ).

Does basil affect hormones? ›

25 % dietary basil increased testosterone concentration. Basil supplementation decreased cortisol levels.

What is a bad companion plant for basil? ›

Basil grows well next to many plants, but there are a couple of plants to avoid growing near basil. Herbs. While you can plant basil next to chamomile, oregano, and chives, basil generally prefers the company of vegetables over other herbs, and should not be planted near rue or sage.

Can basil trigger IBS? ›

On the safe list, you'll find: basil, chili, coriander, ginger, lemongrass, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary and thyme. Legumes, or beans, are often called the “musical fruit” because they contain indigestible saccharides. Baked beans, chickpeas, lentils and soybeans have high amounts.

What does basil do for your kidneys? ›

Basil contains acetic acid. This acetic acid helps dissolve kidney stones. Basil also lowers uric acid levels, which are responsible for the formation of kidney stones. In addition, basil is also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties making, which help in regulating good kidney health.

What is basil best used for? ›

It is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa, and it is a member of the mint family. Basil has a sweet, pungent, and slightly spicy flavor, and it is widely used in a variety of dishes, including pasta sauces, salads, and soups. It is also a popular ingredient in many traditional medicine systems.

What does basil do for the brain? ›

Improves cognitive brain health

Holy basil is high in brain-boosting compounds, including magnesium and flavonoids. Magnesium increases memory and learning, while flavonoids have been linked to better brain function.

Who should avoid holy basil? ›

Holy basil is probably safe for most people; however, the following precautions should be observed: Pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who are trying to become pregnant, and people with type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, and those undergoing surgery should avoid holy basil.

What are the bad side effects of holy basil? ›

Adverse Effects
  • Holy basil can have adverse effects such as nausea or diarrhea.
  • Holy basil might not be safe when taken by women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. ...
  • Holy basil might decrease levels of the thyroid hormone thyroxine, worsening hypothyroidism.

What's the difference between basil and holy basil? ›

First, a quick answer: Basil is a Mediterranean herb that is used primarily in Italian dishes. It has a sweet, peppery flavor and is used both fresh and cooked. Holy Basil is an Asian herb that is primarily used in tea and Thai dishes. It has more of a minty, anise flavor.

What happens when you eat too much basil? ›

Eugenol overdose: Excessive consumption of basil leaves can lead to Eugenol overdose, which is a key element in Tulsi. Symptoms include bleeding during coughs, rapid breathing, and blood in the urine.

What does basil do for the liver? ›

Basil extract decreases the activities of serum AST and ALT due to it increase the level of antioxidant enzymes that may protect liver against the damaging effects and inhibit LPO [48]. Basil is a rich source of flavonoids, and the hepatoprotective effect of O.

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