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

Overview

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.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for BASIL overview.

Side Effects

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 and 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.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

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

Dosing

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.

View References

REFERENCES:

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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 circumstances. 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.
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