Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

American Basil (Ocimum americanum), also known as "hoary basil," has a traditional history of use in folk medicine for treating bites and stings. In several cultures, particularly in Africa and parts of Asia where the plant is native or widely naturalized, crushed leaves or extracts are applied topically to the affected area. The rationale in traditional practices is often related to the plant’s perceived anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties, derived from its essential oils and phytoconstituents such as eugenol, camphor, and thymol.

However, while Ocimum species have demonstrated some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory studies, there is a paucity of direct scientific evidence specifically evaluating O. americanum for bites and stings in controlled clinical or preclinical trials. The evidence that does exist primarily consists of ethnobotanical surveys and anecdotal reports rather than robust pharmacological research. As a result, the use of American Basil for bites and stings remains largely justified by traditional practices rather than by modern scientific validation.

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