Overview Information Of Basil Oil

  INTRODUCTION Basil is a herb. The scientific name of the basil is  Ocimum basilicum   (abbreviated   O. basilicum ).  The genus  Ocimum , (Lamiaceae formerly Labiatae), collectively called basil has long been recognized as a diverse and rich source of essential oils.  Ocimum  contains between 50 to 150 species of herbs and shrubs from the tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. Plants have square stems, fragrant opposite leaves, and whorled flowers on spiked inflorescences. The morphological diversity within basil species has been accentuated by centuries of cultivation with great variation in pigmentation, leaf shape and size, and pubescence. The essential oils of basil extracted via steam distillation from the leaves and flavouring tops are used to flavour foods, dental and oral products, in fragrances, and in traditional rituals and medicines. Popular as a food seasoning, this aromatic herb is also used in teas...