alternative-health
This webpage contains information on the herb; how to sow, grow, and use it.
Sacred basil/Tulsi can help prevent, or speed recovery from the H1N1 swine influenza.
Ayurvedic Medicine's, and Conventional Western Medicine's (allopathy) viewpoints. Ayurveda, the traditional 'science of life', has a remedy for diseases when every other stream of medicine fails. Now, at a time when swine flu is spreading like wildfire across the world, Ayurveda has the remedy in the form of the miraculous herb, the basil leaves commonly known as Tulsi.
Tulsi, the purest and most sublime plant, has been known and worshipped in India for more than five millennia for its remarkable healing properties. Considered as an 'Elixir of Life', this wonder herb has now been claimed to keep the deadly swine flu at bay and help fast recovery in afflicted persons.
"The anti-flu property of Tulsi has been discovered by medical experts across the world quite recently. Tulsi improves the body's overall defence mechanism including its ability to fight viral diseases. It was successfully used in combating Japanese Encephalitis and the same theory applies to swine flu," Dr U K Tiwari, a herbal medicine practitioner says.
Apart from acting as a preventive medicine in case of swine flu, Tulsi can help the patient recover faster.
"Even when a person has already contracted swine flu, Tulsi can help in speeding up the recovery process and also help in strengthening the immune system of the body," he claims.
Dr Bhupesh Patel, a lecturer at Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar is also of the view that Tulsi can play an important role in controlling swine flu.
"Tulsi can control swine flu and it should be taken in fresh form. Juice or paste of at least 20-25 medium sized leaves should be consumed twice a day on an empty stomach." This increases the resistance of the body and, thereby, reduces the chances of inviting swine flu," believes Patel.
As its name suggests, Tulsi has again proved to be the 'the incomparable' medicine - this time, in the prevention and cure of swine flu.
The symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with novel H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. The high risk groups for novel H1N1 flu are not known at this time, but it's possible that they may be the same as for seasonal influenza. However, Please consult a practitioner in case of any such symptoms.
http://in.news.yahoo.com/242/20090812/1512/tls-indian-natural-herb-tulsi-to-fight-b_1.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Holy basil is not widely used in western medicine. However, researchers have identified compounds in holy basil that could explain the traditional uses. Active compounds The essential oil from some populations of holy basil contains high levels of eugenol. This compound has anti-inflammatory activity, can kill bacteria and deters insects. The presence of this compound in the plant could explain why it could be used to treat pain, kill germs and provide people with some protection from being bitten by insects.
Another compound called rosmarinic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and these activities could contribute too many of the medicinal properties of holy basil. The plant also contains ursolic acid a compound that has been shown to provide some protection to enzymes in the liver that deal with the breakdown of fat in our diet. This is important as patients with diabetes often have high levels of cholesterol in their blood. The levels have been reported to decrease after taking holy basil.
SafetyHoly basil has a long history of safe use in India. Application to the skin can cause reactions in sensitive people. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Organic Tulsi, as shown below, is available via www.mercola.com via PRODUCTS, from ORGANIC INDIA. In India, there are 2 varieties, both of which are beneficial, but it is not yet known whether one variety is superior for this purpose. Google: "tulsi; seed; supplies" In Australia: Eden Seeds, (they don't export) MS 905, Lower Beechmont, QLD, 4211, Australia. Telephone. 07 5533 1107. Fax. 07 5533 1108. Website. www.edenseeds.com.au Tulsi
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum
Species: O. tenuiflorum
Binomial name
Ocimum tenuiflorum
L.
Synonyms
Ocimum sanctum
Ocimum tenuiflorum (also tulsi, tulasī (तुलसी) in Sanskrit,(तुलसी) in Nepali, (তুলসী) in Bangla, (तुळस) in Marathi, (तुलसी) in Hindi, tulasi (తులసి) in Telugu, (തുളസി) in Malayalam, (துளசி) in Tamil, (ತುಳಸಿ) in Kannada, Maduruthala in Sinhalese) is an aromatic plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is an erect, much branched subshrub 30-60 cm tall with hairy stems and simple opposite green leaves that are strongly scented. Leaves have petioles, and are ovate, up to 5 cm long, usually slightly toothed. Flowers are purplish in elongate racemes in close whorls.[1] There are two main morphotypes cultivated in India—green-leaved (Sri or Lakshmi tulsi) and purple-leaved (Krishna tulsi).[2] There is also a variety of Ocimum tenuiflorum which is used in Thai cuisine, and is referred to as Thai holy basil, or kha phrao (กะเพรา)[3]—not be confused with "Thai Basil", which is a variety of Ocimum basilicum.
Tulsi is native throughout the Old World tropics and widespread as a cultivated plant and an escaped weed.[4] It is cultivated for religious and medicinal purposes, and for its essential oil. It is widely known across South Asia as a medicinal plant and an herbal tea, commonly used in Ayurveda, and has an important role within the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism, in which devotees perform worship involving Tulsi plants or leaves.
Tulsi flowers.Tulsi has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing properties. It is mentioned by Charaka in the Charaka Samhita,[5] an ancient Ayurvedic text. Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogen,[6] balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress.[7] Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is regarded in Ayurveda as a kind of "elixir of life" and believed to promote longevity.[8]
Tulsi’s extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria. Traditionally, tulsi is taken in many forms: as herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf, or mixed with ghee. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora Tulsi is mostly used for medicinal purposes and in herbal cosmetics, and is widely used in skin preparations due to its anti-bacterial activity. For centuries, the dried leaves of Tulsi have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.[9]
Recent studies suggest that Tulsi may be a COX-2 inhibitor, like many modern painkillers, due to its high concentration of eugenol (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene).[10][11] One study showed Tulsi to be an effective treatment for diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels.[12] The same study showed significant reduction in total cholesterol levels with Tulsi. Another study showed that Tulsi's beneficial effect on blood glucose levels is due to its antioxidant properties.[13] Tulsi also shows some promise for protection from radiation poisoning[14] and cataracts.[15]
Some of the main chemical constituents of Tulsi are: Oleanolic acid, Ursolic acid, Rosmarinic acid, Eugenol, Carvacrol, Linalool, and β-caryophyllene.[6]
Notes
^ Warrier, P K (1995). Indian Medicinal Plants. Orient Longman. p. 168.
^ Kothari, S K; Bhattacharya, A K, et al. (November/December 2005). "Volatile Constituents in Oil from Different Plant Parts of Methyl Eugenol-Rich Ocimum tenuiflorum L.f. (syn. O. sanctum L.) Grown in South India". Journal of Essential Oil Research: JEOR. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa4091/is_200511/ai_n15935884/pg_1. Retrieved 2008-09-05.
^ Staples, ibid.
^ Staples, George; Michael S. Kristiansen (1999). Ethnic Culinary Herbs. University of Hawaii Press. p. 73. ISBN 9780824820947.
^ NIIR Board, National Institute of Industrial Research (India) (2004). Compendium of Medicinal Plants. 2004. National Institute of Industrial Research. p. 320. ISBN 9788186623800.
^ a b Kuhn, Merrily; David Winston (2007). Winston & Kuhn's Herbal Therapy & Supplements: A Scientific and Traditional Approach. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 260. ISBN 9781582554624.
^ Botanical Pathways article with clinical trials details
^ Puri, Harbans Singh (2002). Rasayana: Ayurvedic Herbs for Longevity and Rejuvenation. CRC Press. pp. 272–280. ISBN 9780415284899.
^ Biswas, N. P.; Biswas, A. K.. "Evaluation of some leaf dusts as grain protectant against rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (Linn.).". Environment and Ecology (Vol. 23) ((No. 3) 2005): pp. 485–488.
^ Indian J Exp Biol. 1999 Mar;37(3):248-52.
^ Prakash P, Gupta N. Therapeutic uses of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) with a note on eugenol and its pharmacological actions: a short review.
^ Effect of Ocimum sanctum Leaf Powder on Blood Lipoproteins, Glycated Proteins and Total Amino Acids in Patients with Non-insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Journal of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine. V. RAI MSC, U. V. MANI MSC PHD FICN AND U. M. IYER MSC PHD. Volume 7, Number 2 / June 1, 1997. p. 113 - 118
^ Evaluation of Hypoglycemic and Antioxidant Effect of Ocimum Sanctum,. Jyoti Sethi, Sushma Sood, Shashi Seth, and Anjana Talwar. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, 2004, 19 (2) 152-155.
^ Devi, P. Uma; Ganasoundari, A.. Modulation of glutathione and antioxidant enzymes by Ocimum sanctum and its role in protection against radiation injury. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, v.37, n.3, 1999. March,:262-268.
^ Sharma, P; Kulshreshtha, S; Sharma, A L. Anti-cataract activity of Ocimum sanctum on experimental cataract. Indian Journal of Pharmacology, v.30, n.1, 1998:16-20
^ a b Adventures in Thai Cooking and Travel
^ a b Gernot Katzer's Spice Pages
^ Claus, Peter J.; Sarah Diamond, Margaret Ann Mills (2003). South Asian Folklore: An Encyclopedia. Taylor & Francis. p. 619. ISBN 9780415939195. http://books.google.com/books?id=au_Vk2VYyrkC&pg=PA619.
^ a b Simoons, Frederick J. (1998). Plants of life, plants of death. Univ of Wisconsin Press. pp. 7-40. ISBN 9780299159047. http://books.google.com/books?id=KEUAbrBoeBAC&pg=PA20.
^ Chatterjee, Gautam (2001). Sacred Hindu Symbols. Abhinav Publications. pp. 93. ISBN 9788170173977. http://books.google.com/books?id=NQ0XQHEkuIcC&pg=RA1-PA93.
^ Simoons, pp. 17-18.
^ Flood, Gavin D. (2001). The Blackwell companion to Hinduism. Wiley-Blackwell. pp. 331. ISBN 9780631215356. http://books.google.com/books?id=qSfneQ0YYY8C&pg=PA331.
Information on growing and propagating it. Note: I am informed that soft stem cuttings, suspended in water for around 2 weeks should develop roots, thereby avoiding the cross-pollination risk, and delays involved in growing by seed, if living in a warm climate. Holy basil grows up to 0.5-1 m high, depending on growing conditions. Tulsi is a perennial in tropics but is best treated as a half-hardy annual here as northern European light levels are insufficent during winter for it to keep growing. It has long purple flowers and smooth green foliage with a spicy fragrance. Harvest young shoots in early morning for maximum flavour and scent. Hardiness Half-hardy annual, usually best under cover on a sunny windowsill or a greenhouse, even during the summer, but can be grown in a sheltered place outdoors in mild areas. Minimum temperature 18ºC. Propagation Sow in moderate heat, 18-20ºC/65-70ºF, during April-May using any good seed compost with added 1/3 extra sharp grit for best results.
Cover seed very thinly with sieved compost or vermiculite.
If plants are very well established and growing in a greenhouse, you may be able to save seed to keep for next year, which may be easier to germinate than bought seed. Otherwise, remove spent flowers to prolong the life of plant. Cultivation As seedlings are large enough to handle, pot up until they are in a 30cm pot. If trying outside, plant out in summer in a sunny open place, perhaps near a south-facing wall. Feed potted plants fortnightly with a general liquid fertiliser and keep well watered, allowing plants to dry between waterings. Pests Basil Wilt occasionally causes plants to suddenly collapse and turn brown overnight. Don't try to save them but put them in the dustbin and wash your hands as well as the pots thoroughly before touching any other plants.This disease can be transmitted by infected seed, compost or sap regurgitated from another infected plant by aphids, so wash off any greenfly you see on the plants by holding it sideways under a running tap or squish them between fingers. Plant sources Seeds and young plants can be obtained from a number of supplier. Plant safety There are no safety concerns.
Sacred basil/Tulsi can help prevent, or speed recovery from the H1N1 swine influenza.
Ayurvedic Medicine's, and Conventional Western Medicine's (allopathy) viewpoints. Ayurveda, the traditional 'science of life', has a remedy for diseases when every other stream of medicine fails. Now, at a time when swine flu is spreading like wildfire across the world, Ayurveda has the remedy in the form of the miraculous herb, the basil leaves commonly known as Tulsi.
Tulsi, the purest and most sublime plant, has been known and worshipped in India for more than five millennia for its remarkable healing properties. Considered as an 'Elixir of Life', this wonder herb has now been claimed to keep the deadly swine flu at bay and help fast recovery in afflicted persons.
"The anti-flu property of Tulsi has been discovered by medical experts across the world quite recently. Tulsi improves the body's overall defence mechanism including its ability to fight viral diseases. It was successfully used in combating Japanese Encephalitis and the same theory applies to swine flu," Dr U K Tiwari, a herbal medicine practitioner says.
Apart from acting as a preventive medicine in case of swine flu, Tulsi can help the patient recover faster.
"Even when a person has already contracted swine flu, Tulsi can help in speeding up the recovery process and also help in strengthening the immune system of the body," he claims.
Dr Bhupesh Patel, a lecturer at Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar is also of the view that Tulsi can play an important role in controlling swine flu.
"Tulsi can control swine flu and it should be taken in fresh form. Juice or paste of at least 20-25 medium sized leaves should be consumed twice a day on an empty stomach." This increases the resistance of the body and, thereby, reduces the chances of inviting swine flu," believes Patel.
As its name suggests, Tulsi has again proved to be the 'the incomparable' medicine - this time, in the prevention and cure of swine flu.
The symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with novel H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. The high risk groups for novel H1N1 flu are not known at this time, but it's possible that they may be the same as for seasonal influenza. However, Please consult a practitioner in case of any such symptoms.
http://in.news.yahoo.com/242/20090812/1512/tls-indian-natural-herb-tulsi-to-fight-b_1.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Holy basil is not widely used in western medicine. However, researchers have identified compounds in holy basil that could explain the traditional uses. Active compounds The essential oil from some populations of holy basil contains high levels of eugenol. This compound has anti-inflammatory activity, can kill bacteria and deters insects. The presence of this compound in the plant could explain why it could be used to treat pain, kill germs and provide people with some protection from being bitten by insects.
Another compound called rosmarinic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and these activities could contribute too many of the medicinal properties of holy basil. The plant also contains ursolic acid a compound that has been shown to provide some protection to enzymes in the liver that deal with the breakdown of fat in our diet. This is important as patients with diabetes often have high levels of cholesterol in their blood. The levels have been reported to decrease after taking holy basil.
SafetyHoly basil has a long history of safe use in India. Application to the skin can cause reactions in sensitive people. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Organic Tulsi, as shown below, is available via www.mercola.com via PRODUCTS, from ORGANIC INDIA. In India, there are 2 varieties, both of which are beneficial, but it is not yet known whether one variety is superior for this purpose. Google: "tulsi; seed; supplies" In Australia: Eden Seeds, (they don't export) MS 905, Lower Beechmont, QLD, 4211, Australia. Telephone. 07 5533 1107. Fax. 07 5533 1108. Website. www.edenseeds.com.au Tulsi
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum
Species: O. tenuiflorum
Binomial name
Ocimum tenuiflorum
L.
Synonyms
Ocimum sanctum
Ocimum tenuiflorum (also tulsi, tulasī (तुलसी) in Sanskrit,(तुलसी) in Nepali, (তুলসী) in Bangla, (तुळस) in Marathi, (तुलसी) in Hindi, tulasi (తులసి) in Telugu, (തുളസി) in Malayalam, (துளசி) in Tamil, (ತುಳಸಿ) in Kannada, Maduruthala in Sinhalese) is an aromatic plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is an erect, much branched subshrub 30-60 cm tall with hairy stems and simple opposite green leaves that are strongly scented. Leaves have petioles, and are ovate, up to 5 cm long, usually slightly toothed. Flowers are purplish in elongate racemes in close whorls.[1] There are two main morphotypes cultivated in India—green-leaved (Sri or Lakshmi tulsi) and purple-leaved (Krishna tulsi).[2] There is also a variety of Ocimum tenuiflorum which is used in Thai cuisine, and is referred to as Thai holy basil, or kha phrao (กะเพรา)[3]—not be confused with "Thai Basil", which is a variety of Ocimum basilicum.
Tulsi is native throughout the Old World tropics and widespread as a cultivated plant and an escaped weed.[4] It is cultivated for religious and medicinal purposes, and for its essential oil. It is widely known across South Asia as a medicinal plant and an herbal tea, commonly used in Ayurveda, and has an important role within the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism, in which devotees perform worship involving Tulsi plants or leaves.
Tulsi flowers.Tulsi has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing properties. It is mentioned by Charaka in the Charaka Samhita,[5] an ancient Ayurvedic text. Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogen,[6] balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress.[7] Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is regarded in Ayurveda as a kind of "elixir of life" and believed to promote longevity.[8]
Tulsi’s extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria. Traditionally, tulsi is taken in many forms: as herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf, or mixed with ghee. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora Tulsi is mostly used for medicinal purposes and in herbal cosmetics, and is widely used in skin preparations due to its anti-bacterial activity. For centuries, the dried leaves of Tulsi have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.[9]
Recent studies suggest that Tulsi may be a COX-2 inhibitor, like many modern painkillers, due to its high concentration of eugenol (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene).[10][11] One study showed Tulsi to be an effective treatment for diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels.[12] The same study showed significant reduction in total cholesterol levels with Tulsi. Another study showed that Tulsi's beneficial effect on blood glucose levels is due to its antioxidant properties.[13] Tulsi also shows some promise for protection from radiation poisoning[14] and cataracts.[15]
Some of the main chemical constituents of Tulsi are: Oleanolic acid, Ursolic acid, Rosmarinic acid, Eugenol, Carvacrol, Linalool, and β-caryophyllene.[6]
Notes
^ Warrier, P K (1995). Indian Medicinal Plants. Orient Longman. p. 168.
^ Kothari, S K; Bhattacharya, A K, et al. (November/December 2005). "Volatile Constituents in Oil from Different Plant Parts of Methyl Eugenol-Rich Ocimum tenuiflorum L.f. (syn. O. sanctum L.) Grown in South India". Journal of Essential Oil Research: JEOR. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa4091/is_200511/ai_n15935884/pg_1. Retrieved 2008-09-05.
^ Staples, ibid.
^ Staples, George; Michael S. Kristiansen (1999). Ethnic Culinary Herbs. University of Hawaii Press. p. 73. ISBN 9780824820947.
^ NIIR Board, National Institute of Industrial Research (India) (2004). Compendium of Medicinal Plants. 2004. National Institute of Industrial Research. p. 320. ISBN 9788186623800.
^ a b Kuhn, Merrily; David Winston (2007). Winston & Kuhn's Herbal Therapy & Supplements: A Scientific and Traditional Approach. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 260. ISBN 9781582554624.
^ Botanical Pathways article with clinical trials details
^ Puri, Harbans Singh (2002). Rasayana: Ayurvedic Herbs for Longevity and Rejuvenation. CRC Press. pp. 272–280. ISBN 9780415284899.
^ Biswas, N. P.; Biswas, A. K.. "Evaluation of some leaf dusts as grain protectant against rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (Linn.).". Environment and Ecology (Vol. 23) ((No. 3) 2005): pp. 485–488.
^ Indian J Exp Biol. 1999 Mar;37(3):248-52.
^ Prakash P, Gupta N. Therapeutic uses of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) with a note on eugenol and its pharmacological actions: a short review.
^ Effect of Ocimum sanctum Leaf Powder on Blood Lipoproteins, Glycated Proteins and Total Amino Acids in Patients with Non-insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Journal of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine. V. RAI MSC, U. V. MANI MSC PHD FICN AND U. M. IYER MSC PHD. Volume 7, Number 2 / June 1, 1997. p. 113 - 118
^ Evaluation of Hypoglycemic and Antioxidant Effect of Ocimum Sanctum,. Jyoti Sethi, Sushma Sood, Shashi Seth, and Anjana Talwar. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, 2004, 19 (2) 152-155.
^ Devi, P. Uma; Ganasoundari, A.. Modulation of glutathione and antioxidant enzymes by Ocimum sanctum and its role in protection against radiation injury. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, v.37, n.3, 1999. March,:262-268.
^ Sharma, P; Kulshreshtha, S; Sharma, A L. Anti-cataract activity of Ocimum sanctum on experimental cataract. Indian Journal of Pharmacology, v.30, n.1, 1998:16-20
^ a b Adventures in Thai Cooking and Travel
^ a b Gernot Katzer's Spice Pages
^ Claus, Peter J.; Sarah Diamond, Margaret Ann Mills (2003). South Asian Folklore: An Encyclopedia. Taylor & Francis. p. 619. ISBN 9780415939195. http://books.google.com/books?id=au_Vk2VYyrkC&pg=PA619.
^ a b Simoons, Frederick J. (1998). Plants of life, plants of death. Univ of Wisconsin Press. pp. 7-40. ISBN 9780299159047. http://books.google.com/books?id=KEUAbrBoeBAC&pg=PA20.
^ Chatterjee, Gautam (2001). Sacred Hindu Symbols. Abhinav Publications. pp. 93. ISBN 9788170173977. http://books.google.com/books?id=NQ0XQHEkuIcC&pg=RA1-PA93.
^ Simoons, pp. 17-18.
^ Flood, Gavin D. (2001). The Blackwell companion to Hinduism. Wiley-Blackwell. pp. 331. ISBN 9780631215356. http://books.google.com/books?id=qSfneQ0YYY8C&pg=PA331.
Information on growing and propagating it. Note: I am informed that soft stem cuttings, suspended in water for around 2 weeks should develop roots, thereby avoiding the cross-pollination risk, and delays involved in growing by seed, if living in a warm climate. Holy basil grows up to 0.5-1 m high, depending on growing conditions. Tulsi is a perennial in tropics but is best treated as a half-hardy annual here as northern European light levels are insufficent during winter for it to keep growing. It has long purple flowers and smooth green foliage with a spicy fragrance. Harvest young shoots in early morning for maximum flavour and scent. Hardiness Half-hardy annual, usually best under cover on a sunny windowsill or a greenhouse, even during the summer, but can be grown in a sheltered place outdoors in mild areas. Minimum temperature 18ºC. Propagation Sow in moderate heat, 18-20ºC/65-70ºF, during April-May using any good seed compost with added 1/3 extra sharp grit for best results.
Cover seed very thinly with sieved compost or vermiculite.
If plants are very well established and growing in a greenhouse, you may be able to save seed to keep for next year, which may be easier to germinate than bought seed. Otherwise, remove spent flowers to prolong the life of plant. Cultivation As seedlings are large enough to handle, pot up until they are in a 30cm pot. If trying outside, plant out in summer in a sunny open place, perhaps near a south-facing wall. Feed potted plants fortnightly with a general liquid fertiliser and keep well watered, allowing plants to dry between waterings. Pests Basil Wilt occasionally causes plants to suddenly collapse and turn brown overnight. Don't try to save them but put them in the dustbin and wash your hands as well as the pots thoroughly before touching any other plants.This disease can be transmitted by infected seed, compost or sap regurgitated from another infected plant by aphids, so wash off any greenfly you see on the plants by holding it sideways under a running tap or squish them between fingers. Plant sources Seeds and young plants can be obtained from a number of supplier. Plant safety There are no safety concerns.
