Exotic basil (Ocimum basilicum var. basilicum) is an annual plant of the Lamiacea family native to Asia.
There are more than a hundred varieties of basil, including "camphor basil" and "holy basil". All species are highly fragrant. Thirty to fifty centimetres high, exotic basil has branching and hairy square stem that often becomes woody. The dark green leaves are small, oval and lanceolate. The white or pinkish flower spikes are grouped along the stems and appear in summer. The seeds are black, fine and oblong. The name basil is derived from the Greek basileus (king) and indicates its royal plant quality.
Main aromatic molecules: Phenol methyl ether, mainly methylchavicol or estragole.
Family: Lamiaceae.
Producing organs: Aerial parts.
Yield: 100g of essential oil per 100kg of plants.
Equivalence: 1 ml → 29 drops (dosage calculated for a calibrated dropper European Pharmacopoeia).
