Basil: Sweet Local Thai
(Ocimum basilicum)

Basil is an upright, aromatic, annual plant, up to 75 cm in height, and used as a culinary herb and for essential oil. The leaves of basil are often used as a seasoning in tomato sauces and the basis for making pesto. There are many varieties of basil with different colored leaves and unique flavors.

Dark green leaves with purple flowers and soft leaves. Used in both Thai traditional medicine and in food for flavoring, sweet basil is an annual herb. Its leaves are used as a spice. In medicinal applications, sweet basil is used to help headaches, coughs, diarrhea, and constipation.