DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
MEDICINAL PLANTS
Ocimum americanum L.
Common Name: American basil
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum americanum
Species: Ocimum americanum
Malayalam Name: Kattu thulsi, Nayitulasi
Tamil Name: Chunnampu Thulsi
Description: It is small, herbaceous plant that can grow up to 40 cm tall
Leaves: Toothed, opposite leaves that are gland-dotted on both surfaces
Stems: Quadrangular, yellowish green, and densely white-pilose in young plants
Flowers: Small, white to light blue flowers with an upper and lower lip
Fruit: Small, 1-seeded fruits known as nutlets
Aroma: Highly aromatic, with a citrus-like odor
Uses
Medicine: A decoction of the leaves can treat coughs, fevers, and nosebleeds. Pounded leaves can treat respiratory problems. The whole plant can be used in baths to treat rheumatism, renal colic, and calcification.
Food: The leaves can be used to flavor soups. The seeds can be used to make drinks.
Cosmetics: The essential oil can be used in soap and cosmetics.
Insecticide: The leaves and branches can be used to make an insecticide against mosquitoes, bees, flies, and other insects.
Tobacco flavoring: The extract can be used to flavor tobacco.
