(Hebrew) From the land of pyramids and the Nile Egipt
Constituents: amino acids, flavonoids, volatile oil.
Action: carminative, antispasmodic, stimulant, aphrodisiac, diuretic, emmenagogue.
Uses: Traditional Indian remedy for indigestion, which is one reason why it appears in many recipes for curry.
Powder: a sprinkle (1-2g). Disagreeable taste when taken alone. Masked by honey.
Not taken during pregnancy. ... cumin
Action: antibiotic, bacteriostatic, anti-parasitic, anti-viral, anti-carcinogen, antispasmodic, antiseptic, fungicide, anti-thrombic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, hypoglycaemia, hypotensor, expectorant, anthelmintic. A wide range of anti-infection activity reported. Hypolipidaemic. Non-sedating antihistamine. Anticoagulant – reduces blood platelet clumping, raises HDL. Lowers total cholesterol after a fatty meal in normal subjects. As a vasodilator tends to reduce blood pressure. Bacteria do not become resistant to it. (Dr Stephen Fulder) Detoxifier.
Uses: Prevents build-up of cholesterol in the blood. Lowers a too high blood pressure and raises one too low. Beneficial in thrombosis and arteriosclerosis.
“Helps clear fat accumulating in blood vessels, reducing the tendency to heart disease: also can drastically reduce the level of sugar in the blood, which could help diabetics.” (Lancet i 607, 1979)
Bronchitis (loosening phlegm), asthma, cough, whooping cough and as a preventative of influenza and colds. Sinusitis; catarrh of the stomach, throat and nose. Catarrhal discharge from the eyes returning every night; catarrhal deafness. Intestinal worms. To stimulate bile for digestion of fats. Mucous colitis, allergies including hay fever, ear infections, paroxysmal sneezing, candida and some other fungus infections, vaginal trichomoniasis.
“Anti-tumour activity reported.” (Y. Kimura and K. Yamamoto, Gann, 55, 325 (1964); Chem. Abstra, 63, 1089d 919650)
The therapeutically active ingredients of Garlic are the smelly ones. Deodorised Garlic has not the efficacy of the odoriferous. (Dr Stephen Fulder, JAM Feb. 1986) Chewed Parsley may mask the odour of Garlic on the breath.
Preparations: Fresh clove: eaten at meals.
Fresh juice: half-1 teaspoon in honey or water.
Capsules: one before meals or three at night to prevent infection.
Powder: 300mg capsules; 5-10 capsules twice daily during meals.
Tincture BHP (1983): 1:5 in 45 per cent alcohol. Dose, 2-4ml in water.
Compress: mashed clove or oil on suitable material.
Ear or nasal drops: pierce Garlic capsule and squeeze oil into ear or nose for infection. Notes. Source of the important trace element, Germanium. Combines well with Echinacea. ... garlic
Dendera, Dendaria, Denderia, Dendarra... dendara
Habitat: Native to South America, particularly its north-western parts. Also cultivated in India.
English: Egyptian Cotton, Sea- Island Cotton.Ayurvedic: Kaarpaasa.Siddha/Tamil: Semparutthi.Folk: Kapaasa.Action: Root—emmenagogue, oxytocic, abortifacient, parturient, lactagogue. Seed and leaf— antidysenteric. Seed—galacto- gogue, pectoral, febrifuge. Seed oil—used externally for clearing spots and freckles from the skin. Leaf—hypotensive, an- tirheumatic. Flower—used in hypochondriasis and bronchial inflammations.
The seed contains 26.2-27.9% protein; 1.22-2.42 free gossypol.... gracilaria lichenoidesc.460 to 377 BC and who taught students at the medical school in Cos. Often called the ‘father of medicine’, he is renowned for drawing up the HIPPOCRATIC OATH, some of which may have been derived from the ancient oath of the Aesclepiads. Apart from his oath, Hippocrates has about 60 other medical works attributed to him, forming a corpus which was collected around 250 BC in the famous library of Alexandria in Egypt. Hippocratic medicine appealed ‘to reason rather than to rules or to supernatural forces’ is how the late Roy Porter, the English social historian, summed up its ethos in his medical history, The Greatest Bene?t to Mankind (Harper Collins, 1997). Porter also commended Hippocrates as being patient-centred rather than disease-orientated in his practice of medicine.... hippocrates
Lapiss, Lapisse, Lapys, Lapyss, Lapysse... lapis
Haqika, Haquikah, Haquika, Haqyka... haqikah
Hathora, Hathoria, Hathorea, Hathore... hathor
Habitat: North-western Himalayas. Cultivated on limited scale in North Indian plains.
English: Egyptian Henbane.Ayurvedic: Paarsika-yavaani (related species), Turushkaa.Unani: Ajwaayin Khuraasaani, Shuukraan, Tukhm-bang.Folk: Vajra-bhang.Action: Sedative.
The leaves and flowering tops contain higher concentration of tropane alkaloids than other species of Hyoscy- amus, used as a source of hyoscine.... hyoscyamus muticusHabitat: Cultivated in Assam, Bihar and in parts of Uttar Pradesh.
English: Natal Indigo, Java Indigo, Bengal Indigo.Ayurvedic: Nili (related species).Action: See I. tinctoria.
Aqueous extract of the plant exhibits antihyperglycaemic activity in rats due to insulinotropic property.The indigotin content of the plant (0.8-1.0%) is higher than that of other species of Indigofera. The leaves contain up to 4% of a flavonol glycoside which on hydrolysis yields rhamnose and kaempferol.Indigofera articulata auct. non-Gouan.Synonym: I. caerulea Roxb.Family: Fabaceae.Habitat: Bihar and Western and Peninsular India.
English: Egyptian Indigo, Arabian Indigo, Wild Indigo, Surat Indigo.Ayurvedic: Nili (related species).Siddha/Tamil: Aaramuri, Irup- pumuri, Kattavuri.Folk: Surmai Nila.Action: Root, leaf—bitter tonic. Seed—anthelmintic.... indigofera arrecta
... masika
Mukarama, Mukaramma, Mukkarama... mukarramma
Neitha, Neytha, Neyth, Neit, Neita, Neitia, Neitea, Neithe, Neythe... neith
Nubea, Nubiah, Nubeah, Nubiane, Nubiann, Nubianna, Nubiana, Nubianne... nubia
Olabisie, Olabisy, Olabisey, Olabisee, Olabisea... olabisi
The symptoms depend upon the site of the infection. General symptoms such as fever, weight loss and night sweats are common. In the most common form of pulmonary tuberculosis, cough and blood-stained sputum (haemoptysis) are common symptoms.
The route of infection is most often by inhalation, although it can be by ingestion of products such as infected milk. The results of contact depend upon the extent of the exposure and the susceptibility of the individual. Around 30 per cent of those closely exposed to the organism will be infected, but most will contain the infection with no signi?cant clinical illness and only a minority will go on to develop clinical disease. Around 5 per cent of those infected will develop post-primary disease over the next two or three years. The rest are at risk of reactivation of the disease later, particularly if their resistance is reduced by associated disease, poor nutrition or immunosuppression. In developed countries around 5 per cent of those infected will reactivate their healed tuberculosis into a clinical problem.
Immunosuppressed patients such as those infected with HIV are at much greater risk of developing clinical tuberculosis on primary contact or from reactivation. This is a particular problem in many developing countries, where there is a high incidence of both HIV and tuberculosis.
Diagnosis This depends upon identi?cation of mycobacteria on direct staining of sputum or other secretions or tissue, and upon culture of the organism. Culture takes 4–6 weeks but is necessary for di?erentiation from other non-tuberculous mycobacteria and for drug-sensitivity testing. Newer techniques involving DNA ampli?cation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can detect small numbers of organisms and help with earlier diagnosis.
Treatment This can be preventative or curative. Important elements of prevention are adequate nutrition and social conditions, BCG vaccination (see IMMUNISATION), an adequate public-health programme for contact tracing, and chemoprophylaxis. Radiological screening with mass miniature radiography is no longer used.
Vaccination with an attenuated organism (BCG – Bacillus Calmette Guerin) is used in the United Kingdom and some other countries at 12–13 years, or earlier in high-risk groups. Some studies show 80 per cent protection against tuberculosis for ten years after vaccination.
Cases of open tuberculosis need to be identi?ed; their close contacts should be reviewed for evidence of disease. Adequate antibiotic chemotherapy removes the infective risk after around two weeks of treatment. Chemoprophylaxis – the use of antituberculous therapy in those without clinical disease – may be used in contacts who develop a strong reaction on tuberculin skin testing or those at high risk because of associated disease.
The major principles of antibiotic chemotherapy for tuberculosis are that a combination of drugs needs to be used, and that treatment needs to be continued for a prolonged period – usually six months. Use of single agents or interrupted courses leads to the development of drug resistance. Serious outbreaks of multiply resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis have been seen mainly in AIDS units, where patients have greater susceptibility to the disease, but also in developing countries where maintenance of appropriate antibacterial therapy for six months or more can be di?cult.
Streptomycin was the ?rst useful agent identi?ed in 1944. The four drugs used most often now are RIFAMPICIN, ISONIAZID, PYRAZINAMIDE and ETHAMBUTOL. Three to four agents are used for the ?rst two months; then, when sensitivities are known and clinical response observed, two drugs, most often rifampicin and isoniazid, are continued for the rest of the course. Treatment is taken daily, although thrice-weekly, directly observed therapy is used when there is doubt about the patient’s compliance. All the antituberculous agents have a range of adverse effects that need to be monitored during treatment. Provided that the treatment is prescribed and taken appropriately, response to treatment is very good with cure of disease and very low relapse rates.... nature of the disease tuberculosis has
Sahira, Saheera, Sahiera, Saheira, Sahyra, Sahera, Sahirra, Saheerra, Sahyrra, Saheara... sahirah
Sae, Say, Saye, Saiko... sai
Salamah, Salma, Salamma, Sallama... salama
HAKIMS. A group of herbal therapists, usually Indian or Muslim, who practise the Ayurvedic system of medicine. See: AYURVEDIC.
HALFA SUDANI. Sudanese grass. Hamareb. Traditional reputation in Egypt and the Sudan for breaking- up gravel and stone. Due to high salt content in soil and water, gravel is a common native affliction.
Tea: whole plant: 1oz to 1 pint water simmered 5 minutes. 1 cup freely until all is taken during the day. Continue until positive results ensue. ... hair – surplus
Plant essences give plants their scent and were known to the ancient civilisations of Egypt and Greece as the ‘vital force’ or spirit of the plant. They were used for inhalation, rubbing on the skin or as a healthful addition to baths and foot-baths. The art is complementary to phytotherapy, acupuncture and other systems of alternative medicine.
The aromatherapist uses oils individually or in blends of different oils. The natural concentrated oil is usually diluted by adding a vegetable oil before direct application to the skin. A massage oil usually comprises 6 drops essential oil to 10ml (2 teaspoons) carrier oil – Almond, Peanut or other vegetable oil.
The skin is known to be an integral part of the immune system. T-cells are scattered throughout, primarily in the epidermis or outer layer. It has been demonstrated that oils rubbed on the skin are readily absorbed and borne to distant organs in the body via the bloodstream to soothe, relax and heal. Some oils should not be used during pregnancy or lactation.
An oil may be used as a natural perfume. As a bath oil, 5-6 drops of a favourite oil may be added to bathwater. Oils freshen a room; stimulate or relax as desired when added to water on a warm radiator. Oils are never used on the skin undiluted.
The aromatherapist never uses essential oils internally. Other carrier oils may be used: Sesame seed, Sunflower seed, Apricot kernel and Wheatgerm. Usual methods of applying essential oils: massage, inhalation and baths. When adding oils to baths water should not be too hot which causes oils to evaporate.
Remedies absorbed into the body via the skin avoid metabolism by the liver as when taken by mouth.
When the therapy was used in a geriatric ward in Oxford drug expenditure on laxatives and night sedatives fell. It was reported to have given profoundly deaf patients, many of whom had multiple sensory deficits, tranquillity. The results of a randomised trial in patients on an intensive care unit showed significantly greater psychological improvement (as demonstrated with anxiety and mood rating scales) in those given aromatherapy (1 per cent Lavender and Grapeseed oil) over those massaged with Grapeseed oil only or those prescribed rest alone. (The Lancet 1990 336 (8723) 1120)
The governing body of the therapy in the UK is the Aromatherapy Organisations Council (AOC) which represents the majority of professional practitioners. Enquiries: AOC, 3 Latymer Close, Braybrooke, Market Harborough. Leicester LE16 8LN. Tel/Fax 01858 434242. ... aromatherapy
Bilharzial calcified eggs have been found in the rectum and bladder of mummified bodies. There is evidence that they received treatment with the plants Valerian and Hyoscyamus. Today, Poke root is favoured.
More than 300 million people are infected. Cure is difficult, in spite of our greater knowledge. No natural medicine has yet been discovered to kill the parasite worms except deep-acting poisons: Antimony (tartar emetic).
Causative organism pierces the skin or mucous membranes of walkers, swimmers, or farmers wading in contaminated water.
Medicinal plants are used, with varying degrees of success to discourage the flukes from invading the host and to make good their depredations.
Anti-Bilharzials – Gum arabic, Cannabis sativa (hemp), Citrullus colocynthis, Citric acid (from lemons), Cyperus esculentus, Douma thebaica, Hordeum vulgare (Barley), Phoenix dactylifera, Ricinus communis (Castor oil), Thymus capitata (Thyme), Vitis vinifera (Grapes), Pistacea terebinthus (the Mastic Tree), Morus nigra (fresh fruits, root bark and leaves of the Mulberry Tree), Ficus carica (Common Fig), Thymus vulgaris (Thyme similar to English Garden Thyme). Later in history these remedies were joined by Ginger and Ambrosia artemisia. (Samir Yahia El-Gammal, MD, in “Medical Times”, Journal for the Promotion of Eastern Medicine. Hamdard Centre, Nazimabad, Karachi, Pakistan. Vol XIX, Winter 1984)
Ginger, powdered root and aqueous extract, prevents hatching of schistosome eggs in host. In trials with schoolchildren, bloody urine stopped and egg count in the urine dropped. (Kucera et al., 1975; Theakston et al., 1975)
CORIANDER SEED. Tea. Original research, Lawrence D. Hills, Henry Doubleday Research Association.
Note: Berries of a native Ethiopian plant, the endod or Soapberry (Phytolacca dodecandra) contain a potent toxin that can, in minute quantities, kill the snails carrying the schistosomes. (New Scientist, 1989, No 1690, p21)
To be treated by or in liaison with a general medical practitioner. ... bilharzia
Action: a gentle warming agent for delicate stomachs; carminative, aromatic, antispasmodic (children), digestive, orexigenic, rubefacient, diuretic (soothing), galactagogue, stimulant (mild), anti-inflammatory in polyarthritis, anticoagulant (Vitamin K antagonist). Antimicrobial. Expectorant. Oestrogen-effect – Aberdeen University.
Uses: To disperse windy colic in infants; griping; to arouse appetite, sweeten a sour stomach, soothe an irritable bowel. To increase milk in nursing mothers. Obesity (traditional tea). Wrinkle smoother (tea). Old Chinese remedy for cholera. Externally, an eyewash for red-eye and blepharitis.
Preparations: As necessary.
Tea. Fresh or dried leaves: 3-4 teaspoons to teapot; add boiling water. Dose: adult; half-1 cup; infants, 2- 3 teaspoons.
Tea. Crushed seeds: quarter to half a teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Quarter to half a cup (infants, 2-3 teaspoons).
Liquid Extract BMP (1983) 1:1 in 70 per cent alcohol. Dose: 0.8 to 2ml.
Fennel water (distilled). 5-15 drops.
Powder. 300mg capsules; 2 capsules before meals thrice daily.
Lotion. Half a teaspoon crushed seeds in cold water. Infuse 1 hour. Half fill eyebath and use as a douche. Diet. Young shoots and root as a cooked vegetable. Seeds sprinkled on salads.
Note: Fennel seeds were discovered among personal chattels of Egyptian rulers salvaged from among the tombs.
Side-effects: slight return of periods in menopausal women. ... fennel
Action. Antispasmodic to respiratory and cardiovascular system. Alternative to use of steroids in children.
“A potent coronary vasodilator. Has been employed in the treatment of angina pectoris and bronchial asthma; a decoction is made for whooping cough.” (Hakim Mohammed Said: Hamdard Foundation, Pakistan)
Uses: Has a long reputation in Arabian medicine for asthma. On record for the treatment of diseases of the coronary vessels, gall bladder, kidney, bladder. To relieve painful spasm of stone in kidney or bladder. Myocardial infarction. Allergies.
Vitiligo, psoriasis. (Abdel-Fattah et al 1982/1983)
Seeds yield sodium cromoglycate, a preparation which is inhaled from a nebuliser or aerosol. ... khella
Constituents: volatile oil, coumarins, chalcones, triterpenes, flavonoids.
Action: demulcent expectorant, glycogenconservor, anti-inflammatory, mild laxative. Adrenal restorative (has glycosides remarkably similar to body steroids). ACTH-like activity on adrenal cortex (Simon Mills). Female hormone properties (Science Digest). Regulates salt and water metabolism (Medicina, Moscow, 1965). Anti-stress. Anti-ulcer. Antiviral. Increases gastric juices up to 25 per cent, without altering pH. Aldosterone-like effect. Liver protective. Anti-depressive.
Use s. Adrenal insufficiency – sodium-retention properties suitable for Addison’s disease. Hypoglycaemia. Peptic ulcer – reduces gastric juice secretion. Inflamed stomach. Mouth ulcer. Duodenal ulcer. Respiratory infections: dry cough, hoarseness, bronchitis, lung troubles, catarrh. Tuberculosis (Chinese traditional). In the absence of more effective remedies of value in food poisoning. To prevent urinary tract infections.
Combinations: with Iceland Moss for wasting and cachexia to nourish and increase weight; with Lobelia for asthma and bronchitis: with Raspberry leaves for the menopause; with Comfrey for dental caries.
“Liquorice is recorded as a cancer remedy in many countries.” (J.L. Hartwell, Lloydia, 33, 97. 1970) Preparations. Average dose: 1-5 grams. Thrice daily before meals.
Decoction: half-1 teaspoon to each cup water, simmer 15 minutes. Half-1 cup.
Liquid Extract: 1:1. Dose: 2-5ml.
Sticks: for chewing.
Powdered root: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon).
Diet: Pontefract cakes – use in kitchen for adrenal failure; because of their sodium-retaining properties may be taken as sweets without added sugar. Low salt when taken.
Contra-indicated: In pregnancy, cirrhosis (liver) and in the presence of digitalis.
Note: If over-consumed may result in low potassium levels, high blood pressure and falls in renin and aldosterone. Where taken for a long period, increase intake of potassium-rich foods. May cause fluid retention of face and ankles which could be tolerated while primary disorder is being healed. ... liquorice root
Since ancient times is still used in China, India, other Far Eastern countries and the Catholic Church as incense. With it, Egyptians embalmed their dead.
Action: used internally in drop doses of the tincture as an antimicrobial, antiseptic, diuretic and tonic. Uses. Historic remedy for venereal disease, open sores, suppurating wounds, tumour and cancer. Not confirmed by present-day research.
Preparation. Tincture: 1 part gum to 20 parts 90 per cent alcohol; macerate 8 days; shake daily, filter, bottle. Dose: 1-5 drops in water thrice daily. Or use as a lotion for suppurating external lesions; may be diluted many times. ... olibanum
FAMILY: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
SYNONYMS: T. ammi, Ammi copticum, Carum ajowan, C. copticum, Ptychotis ajowan, ajuan, omum.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: An annual herb with a greyish-brown seed, which resembles parsley in appearance.
DISTRIBUTION: Chiefly India, also Afghanistan, Egypt, the West Indies and the Seychelle Islands.
OTHER SPECIES: see Botanical Classification section.
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: The seeds are used extensively in curry powders and as a general household remedy for intestinal problems. The tincture, essential oil and ‘thymol’ are used in Indian medicine, particularly for cholera.
ACTIONS: Powerful antiseptic and germicide, carminative.
EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the seed.
CHARACTERISTICS: A yellow-orange or reddish liquid with a herbaceous-spicy medicinal odour, much like thyme.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Thymol, pinene, cymene, dipentene, terpinene and carvacrol, among others.
SAFETY DATA: Possible mucous membrane and dermal irritant. Due to high thymol level, should be avoided in pregnancy. Toxicity levels are unknown.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE Not recommended.
OTHER USES: It has been used extensively for the isolation of thymol, but this has largely been replaced by synthetic thymol.... ajowan
FAMILY: Malvaceae
SYNONYMS: Hibiscus abelmoschus, musk seed, Egyptian alcee, target-leaved hibiscus, muskmallow.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: An evergreen shrub about 1.5 metres high, bearing large single yellow flowers with a purple centre. The capsules, in the form of five-cornered pyramids, contain the greyish-brown kidney-shaped seeds which have a musky odour.
DISTRIBUTION: Indigenous to India; widely cultivated in tropical countries including Indonesia, Africa, Egypt, China, Madagascar, and the West Indies. Distillation of the oil is generally carried out in Europe and America.
OTHER SPECIES: A variety, H. esculentus, is grown largely in Istanbul as a demulcent. Another variety is also found in Martinique, the seeds of which have a more delicate scent.
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: Generally used as a stimulant and to ease indigestion, cramp and nervous dyspepsia. In Chinese medicine it is used to treat headache; in Egypt the seeds are used to sweeten the breath and are made into an emulsion with milk to be used for itch. The Arabs use the seeds to mix with coffee. Widely used as a domestic spice in the East.
ACTIONS: Antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, nervine, stimulant, stomachic.
EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation of the seeds. Liquid ambrette seed oil should be allowed to age for several months before it is used. A concrete and absolute are also produced by solvent extraction.
CHARACTERISTICS: A pale yellowy-red liquid with a rich, sweet floral-musky odour, very tenacious. It blends well with rose, neroli, sandalwood, clary sage, cypress, patchouli, oriental and ‘sophisticated’ bases.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Ambrettolide, ambrettolic acid, palmitic acid and farnesol.
SAFETY DATA: Available information indicates the oil to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE
Circulation muscles and joints: Cramp, fatigue, muscular aches and pains, poor circulation.
Nervous System: Anxiety, depression, nervous tension and stress-related conditions.
OTHER USES: Employed by the cosmetic and perfumery industries in oriental-type scents and for the adulteration of musk; also used as a musk substitute. Used for flavouring alcoholic and soft drinks as well as some foodstuffs, especially confectionery.
AMYRIS... ambrette seed
FAMILY: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
SYNONYMS: Anisum officinalis, A. vulgare, anise, sweet cumin.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: An annual herb, less than a metre high, with delicate leaves and white flowers.
DISTRIBUTION: Native to Greece and Egypt, now widely cultivated mainly in India and China and to a lesser extent in Mexico and Spain.
OTHER SPECIES: There are several different chemotypes of aniseed according to the country of origin. Not to be confused with star anise, which belongs to a different family altogether.
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: Widely used as a domestic spice. The volatile oil content provides the basis for its medicinal applications: dry irritable coughs, bronchitis and whooping cough. The seed can be used in smoking mixtures. Aniseed tea is used for infant catarrh, also flatulence, colic and griping pains, also for painful periods and to promote breast milk. In Turkey a popular alcoholic drink, raki, is made from the seed.
ACTIONS: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, galactagogue, stimulant, stomachic.
EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the seeds.
CHARACTERISTICS: Colourless to pale yellow liquid with a warm, spicy-sweet characteristic scent. Like star anise, it is a good masking agent.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Trans-anethole (75–90 per cent).
SAFETY DATA: Its major component, anethole, is known to cause dermatitis in some individuals – avoid in allergic and inflammatory skin conditions. In large doses it is narcotic and slows down the circulation; can lead to cerebral disorders. Use in moderation only.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE See star anise.
OTHER USES: By the pharmaceutical industry in cough mixtures and lozenges and to mask undesirable flavours in drugs. Also used in dentifrices and as a fragrance component in soaps, toothpaste, detergents, cosmetics and perfumes, mostly of the industrial type. Employed in all major food categories.... aniseed
FAMILY: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
SYNONYMS: Sweet basil, Comoran basil (oil), Reunion basil (oil).
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Botanically classified as identical from the French basil, though it is a larger plant with a harsher odour and different constituents.
DISTRIBUTION: Mainly produced in the Comoro Islands, but it is also processed in Madagascar.
OTHER SPECIES: The exotic basil is a dramatically different chemotype to the French basil and probably a seperate sub-species (possibly a form of O. canum), although this has not been specified. Essential oils are also produced in Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, Brazil and Indonesia from various chemotypes of the East Indian or shrubby basil (O. gratissimum), which contain a high percentage of either thymol or eugenol. The hairy or hoary basil (O. canum), originating in East Africa and found in India and South America, is also used to extract oils rich in either methyl cinnamate or camphor, which are produced in West and East Africa, India, the West Indies and Indonesia. See also entry on French basil.
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: See French Basil.
ACTIONS: See Basil French.
EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the leaves and flowering tops.
CHARACTERISTICS: The Exotic type oil is yellow or pale green, with a slightly coarse sweet-herbaceous odour with a camphoraceous tinge. It’s scent does not compare with the ‘true’ sweet basil oil.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Mainly methyl chavicol (70–88 per cent), with small amounts of linalol, cineol, camphor, eugenol, limonene and citronellol.
SAFETY DATA: Methyl chavicol is moderately toxic and irritating to the skin: ‘the methyl chavicol content of Comoran basil is sufficient reason to discard it for therapeutic usage in favour of the French type.’6 There has also been some recent concern over the possible carcinogenic effects of methyl chavicol. Basil should be avoided during pregnancy.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE None.
OTHER USE The oil is employed in high class fragrances, soaps and dental products; used extensively in major food categories especially meat products and savories.... basil, exotic
FAMILY: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
SYNOYNMS Common basil, joy-of-the-mountain, ‘true’ sweet basil, European basil.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A tender annual herb, with very dark green, ovate leaves, greyish-green beneath, an erect square stem up to 60 cms high, bearing whorls of two-lipped greenish or pinky-white flowers. The whole plant has a powerful aromatic scent.
DISTRIBUTION: Native to tropical Asia and Africa, it is now widely cultivated throughout Europe, the Mediterranean region, the Pacific Islands, North and South America. The European, French or ‘true’ sweet basil oil is produced in France, Italy, Egypt, Bulgaria, Hungary and the USA.
OTHER SPECIES: There are many varieties of basil occurring all over the world, used both for their culinary and medicinal applications, such as bush basil (O. minimum), holy basil (O. sanctum), both from India, camphor basil (O. kilimanjaricum) from East Africa (also grown in India), and the fever plant (O. viride) from West Africa. However, there are two principal chemotypes most commonly used for the extraction of essential oil: the so-called ‘French basil’ and the ‘exotic basil’ – see separate entry.
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: Widely used in Far Eastern medicine especially in the Ayurvedic tradition, where it is called tulsi. It is used for respiratory problems such as bronchitis, coughs, colds, asthma, ’flu and emphysema but is also used as an antidote to poisonous insect or snake bites. It has also been used against epidemics and fever, such as malaria. It improves blood circulation and the digestive system and in China it is used for stomach and kidney ailments.
In the West it is considered a ‘cooling’ herb, and is used for rheumatic pain, irritable skin conditions and for those of a nervous disposition. It is a popular culinary herb, especially in Italy and France.
ACTIONS: Antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, galactagogue, nervine, prophylactic, restorative, stimulant of adrenal cortex, stomachic, tonic.
EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the flowering herb.
CHARACTERISTICS: ‘True’ sweet basil oil is a colourless or pale yellow liquid with a light, fresh sweet-spicy scent and balsamic undertone. It blends well with bergamot, clary sage, lime, opopanax, oakmoss, citronella, geranium, hyssop and other ‘green’ notes.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Linalol (40–45 per cent), methyl chavicol (23.8 per cent) and small amounts of eugenol, limonene and citronellol, among others.
SAFETY DATA: Relatively non-toxic, non-irritant, possible sensitization in some individuals. Avoid during pregnancy.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE
Skin Care: Insect bites (mosquito, wasp), insect repellent.
Circulation, Muscles and Joints: Gout, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism.
Respiratory Syste: Bronchitis, coughs, earache, sinusitis.
Digestive System: Dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea.
Genito-Urinary System: Cramps, scanty periods.
Immune System: Colds, fever, ’flu, infectious disease.
Nervous System: Anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, migraine, nervous tension: ‘Oil of Basil is an excellent, indeed perhaps the best, aromatic nerve tonic. It clears the head, relieves intellectual fatigue, and gives the mind strength and clarity.’8
OTHER USES: The oil is used in soaps, cosmetics and perfumery; it is also used extensively in major food categories, especially savouries.... basil, french
FAMILY: Pinaceae
SYNONYMS: Atlantic cedar, Atlas cedar, African cedar, Moroccan cedarwood (oil), libanol (oil).
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Pyramid-shaped evergreen tree with a majestic stature, up to 40 metres high. The wood itself is hard and strongly aromatic, due to the high percentage of essential oil which it contains.
DISTRIBUTION: Native to the Atlas mountains of Algeria; the oil is mainly produced in Morocco.
OTHER SPECIES: Believed to have originated from the famous Lebanon cedars (C. libani), which grow wild in Lebanon and on the island of Cyprus. It is also a close botanical relation to the Himalayan deodar cedarwood (C. deodora), which produces a very similar essential oil. (NB the oil is quite different from the Texas or Virginia cedarwood.)
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: The oil from the Lebanon cedar was possibly the first to be extracted, it was used by the ancient Egyptians for embalming purposes, cosmetics and perfumery. The oil was one of the ingredients of ‘mithridat’, a renowned poison antidote that was used for centuries. The Lebanon cedar was prized as a building wood; its odour repelled ants, moths and other harmful insects, as does the oil from the Atlas cedar.
Traditionally, the oil was used in the East for bronchial and urinary tract infections, as a preservative and as an incense. It is still used as a temple incense by the Tibetans, and is employed in their traditional medicine.
ACTIONS: Antiseptic, antiputrescent, antiseborrheic, aphrodisiac, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, fungicidal, mucolytic, sedative (nervous), stimulant (circulatory), tonic.
EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the wood, stumps and sawdust. A resinoid and absolute are also produced in small quantities.
CHARACTERISTICS: A yellow, orange or deep amber viscous oil with a warm, camphoraceous top note and sweet tenacious, woody-balsamic undertone. It blends well with rosewood, bergamot, boronia, cypress, calamus, cassie, costus, jasmine, juniper, neroli, mimosa, labdanum, olibanum, clary sage, vetiver, rosemary, ylang ylang, oriental and floral bases.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Atlantone, caryophyllene, cedrol, cadinene, among others.
SAFETY DATA: Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Best avoided during pregnancy.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE
Skin Care: Acne, dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, fungal infections, greasy skin, hair loss, skin eruptions, ulcers.
Circulation Muscles And Joints: Arthritis, rheumatism.
Respiratory System: Bronchitis, catarrh, congestion, coughs.
Genito-Urinary System: Cystitis, leucorrhoea, pruritis.
Nervous System: Nervous tension and stress-related conditions.
OTHER USES: Fragrance component and fixative in cosmetics and household products, soaps, detergents, etc, as well as in perfumes, especially men’s fragrances.... cedarwood, atlas
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