1012 



INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 



than the rounded upper, lateral smaller than the lower. Corolla 

 .i-fiu. long, large for the genus white pinkish-purple. Ovary 

 4-partite. Nutlets drupe, about T ^in. long, ellipsoid, black, 

 basal scar small. 



Uses :— The seeds of this plant are mucilaginous and cooling, 

 given in infusion in gonorrhoea, diarrhoea and chronic dysentery. 

 The juice of the leaves form an excellent nostrum for the cure 

 of ringworms, and the bruised leaves for scorpion stings. The 

 seeds and flowers also possess stimulant, diuretic and demulcent 

 properties. Diaphoretic and expectorant properties are also 

 ascribed to this plant ; a cold infusion of the seeds can relieve 

 after-pains of parturition. The leaves are useful in the treatment 

 of croup, for which the juice warmed with honey is given. 

 (Kanai Lall De). Dr. Irvine remarks that the seeds in doses of from 

 3j to 3 iii are used as an aphrodisiac. The seeds washed and 

 pounded are used in poultices for unhealthy sores and sinuses. 

 They are also given internally with sherbet in cases of habitual 

 constipation and in internal piles. The juice is dropped into 

 the ears for the cure of ear-ache and dulness of hearing. 

 Roots are used for the bowel complaints of children. 



The oil, obtained, by distilling the leaves with water has a yellowish 

 colour and a strong characteristic smell. It has a specific gr. = 09154at 15°, 

 and a rotation of-7°40' in a 100 mm. tube. (J. Ch. S. LXXII. pt. I, (1897) p. 429.) 



The essential oil of ocimum basilicnm contains a new terpene, ocimene 

 C 10 H l0 - closely resembling myrcene : like that terpene, it readily absorbs 

 oxygen, being converted into a colourless viscid substance. Ocimene differs 

 from myrcene, however, in physical characters and on reduction with Sodium 

 in alcohol yields dihydro-ocimene, which gives a crystalline bromine addition 

 compound differing in Sp. Gr. f rom that obtained by Semmler from dihydro- 

 myrcene. Incidentally, it is noted that basil oil finds useful application for 

 blending with 'mignonette bouquets (J. S. Ch. I. Dec. 31, 1004, p. 1235.) 



Experiments with Ocimum basilicnm show that plants which have been 

 deprived of their flower buds produce appreciably more essential oil than 

 plants allowed to grow naturally, the increase of oil obtained amounting to 

 about 82 per cent. The weight of the plant was also increased by about 39 

 per cent. Fecundation and fructification are, therefore, accompanied by a 

 consumption of the odorous principles of the plant (J. S, Ch. I., 15-12-1905, 

 p. 1253.) 



970. 0. gratissimum, Linn., h.f.b.l, iv. 608 ; 

 Roxb. 464. 



Eng. : —Shrubby Basil. 



