Page:Indian Medicinal Plants (Text Part 2).djvu/262

than the rounded upper, lateral smaller than the lower. Corolla ⅓-½in. long, large for the genus white pinkish-purple. Ovary 4-partite. Nutlets drupe, about 1/12in. long, ellipsoid, black, basal scar small.

Uses :— The seeds of this plant are mucilaginous and cooling, given in infusion in gonorrhœa, diarrhœa 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. = 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 C₁₀H₁₆ 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. from that obtained by Semmler from dihydromyrcene. 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.)

Eng. : —Shrubby Basil.