Background

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an herb most often used for flavor in cooking. It grows from 20-40 cm tall and also has a history of use in medicine.

Basil contains vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. It also contains chemicals that might help reduce inflammation, kill bacteria and fungi, and reduce symptoms in the stomach.

People use basil for acne, diarrhea, constipation, mental alertness, migraine, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse basil with holy basil. These are not the same.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Basil is commonly consumed in foods. But it is possibly unsafe when used in larger amounts as medicine. 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 used in concentrations of up to 6% for up to 12 weeks.

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

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Basil is commonly consumed in foods. But it possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in larger amounts as medicine while pregnant or breast-feeding. Basil contains estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.

Children: Basil is commonly consumed in foods. But it possibly unsafe for children when taken by mouth in larger amounts as medicine. Basil contains estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer .

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

Surgery: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using basil at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

Basil is commonly consumed in foods. As medicine, it's most often been used by adults in topical products such as gels and essential oils. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Basil extract might lower blood pressure. Taking basil extract along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

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

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure: Basil extract might lower blood pressure. Taking it with other supplements that have the same effect might cause blood pressure to drop too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include andrographis, casein peptides, L-arginine, niacin, and stinging nettle.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Basil oil or extract might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.