Balanoy

Family labitae

Scientific name: Ocimum basilicum l.

 Local names

             Albahaka (Ibn, Tagl)

            Balanoy (Tag)

            Bauina (Sul)

            Bidai (Ilk)

            Bouak (Bis)

            Kalu-ui (C Bis)

            Kamangi ( P Bis)

            Rukuruku (Sul)

            Sanging (Bis)

            Samilig (Bik)

            Samirig (Bik)

            Sulasi (Tag, Pamp)

            Valanoi (Iv)

            Sweet basil (Engl)

 Traditional uses

 A.     roots

1. decoction used as bath to alleviate rheumatic pains.

2. decoction taken in to fever and abdominal pain.

  a.       leaves

1.      juice applied on ringworms and insect bites.

2.      juice used as drop for earache and toothache

3.      decoction used as wash for skin ulcer

4.      decoction taken in for fever and cough

5.      decoction taken in to increase amount of urine

6.      decoction taken in as stimulant

7.      decoction taken for stomach ache, vomiting, hiccups

8.      decoction taken in for delayed menstrual period

b.      flowers

1.      decoction taken in for cough

2.      decoction taken in for diarrhea and dysentery

3.      decoction taken in to increase amount of urine

            d.seeds

1.poultice applied to skin sores

2.decoction taken in to increase flow of urine

Research findings

            the herb contains volatile oil like methyl chavicol, linalool, cireoleugenol and anethol

 food values

            the herb is used as seasoningfor many dishes

 recommended medicinal uses

            for cough: boil dried leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 mnutes.

                        Mount of dried chopped leaves to be boiled:

                                    For adults: 4 tablespoons

                                    For children: 7 to 12 years old: 2 tablespoons

                        Cool and strain. Divide decoction into 3 parts.

                        Take 1 ppart 3 times a day

                       For gas pain: for adults, boil 1 tablespoon of dried crushed leaves in 1 cup of water for 15 minutes. Coll and strain. Drink

            For toothache: wet a small piece of cotton with the juice of crushed leaves and insert into the tooth cavity.

             For ringworms: apply juice of crushed leaves on affected areas. Do this 2 or 3 times daily.

             For skin ulcers: boil a handful of leaves in small pot of water.

             Use decoction as wash.

Botanical and agricultural characteristics

            Habit: herb

            Habitat: settled areas at low and medium altitudes; planted but is often spontaneous in open waste places

            Propagation: stern cutting or seed