1012 
INDIAN MEblClNAL fl.AN'l’S. 
than the rounded upper, lateral smaller than the lower. Corolla 
a'iin. long, large for the genus white pinkish-purple. Ovary 
4-partite. Nutlets drupe, about T ’ 3 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. Trvine remarks that the seeds in doses of from 
3j to 3 ii i 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. =0 9154 at 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 basilicum contains a new terpene, ocimene 
C 10 H 16 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-oeimene, which gives a crystalline bromine addition 
compound differing in Sp. Gr. from 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, 1904, p. 1235.) 
Experiments with Ocimum basilicum 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.i., iv. 608 ; 
Roxb. 464. 
Eng . : —Shrubby Basil. 
