Herbs
Blueberry
Basil
Birch
Common ivy
Celery
Black elder
Common houseleek
Comfrey
Hawthorn
Oak
Common mistletoe
Sage
Chamomile
Caraway
Nettle
Cabbage
Spearmint
Wormwood
Leek
Horsetail
Shepherd's purse
Rosemary
Marshmallow
Yarrow
Plantago
Common heather
White willow
Poplar
Walnut
Chestnut
Beech
Ginkgo
Greater burdock
Valerian
Blackberry
Common hop

Diseases

Herb name: Basil, Ocimum basilicum

Family: Lamiaceae

Useful plant parts: All parts that grow above ground

Description: Basil is a hardy plant that usually grows to about 50 cm in height. The leaves are oval, placed on long stems. Joint flowers of this plant in the shape of blooms are usually pink, white or red, and develop on the tops of branches.

Collecting period and locations: Basil flourishes in the period from June to September, and can be gathered virtually at any time since all parts of the plant, except roots, are useful for healing. This plant comes from India, so in our area (Croatia) it can not be found in the wild, although it can sometimes be found near villages because basil is a relatively often cultivated herb.

Medicinal properties and applications: Basil is very effective against flatulence and gastric disturbances. In addition, it works against stress, and is useful against insomnia. Also, it can help people with a lack of appetite.

Basil can also be added as a spice to many different meals, such as meat sauce, tuna sauce, cabbage salad, green salad, but also many other.

Active compounds: Tannins, essential oils, glycosides and saponins.

Recipe: Basil tea is usually prepared by using dried flourishing branches. Two spoons of the mentioned dry material are poured in 1/4 liter of boiling water and left for 15-20 minutes. After that tea should be strained and is ready to be used.