What are the health benefits of basil?

Basil (Ocimum basilicum), also known as Saint Joseph's Wort, is a herb belonging to the mint family Lamiaceae often used as a seasoning in cooking. Basil is native to India and other tropical areas of Asia. The herb is well known for its use in Italian cuisine - it is a major ingredient in pesto sauce. Basil is also commonly used Indonesian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine. The word Basil derives from the Greek word "basileus", which means "king". The Oxford English Dictionary says that basil may have been used as "some royal unguent, bath, or medicine"...
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Nutrition / Diet Source Type: news