🌿 Basil

{"conditions_treated": ["Digestive issues (bloating, gas, indigestion, stomach cramps)", "Anxiety and stress (mild nervine, adaptogenic properties)", "Headaches and migraines", "Common cold and respiratory infections", "Inflammation (anti-inflammatory)", "Minor cuts and wounds (antibacterial)", "Insect bites and stings"], "preparation_methods": ["Fresh leaf tea: Steep 1-2 tsp fresh leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes for digestive relief", "Essential oil: Steam distilled; used in aromatherapy for mental clarity and stress", "Poultice: Crushed fresh leaves applied to insect bites and minor wounds", "Tincture: 1:5 ratio in 40% alcohol; 2-4ml up to 3x daily for digestive issues", "Culinary use: Regular dietary inclusion for general health maintenance", "Infused oil: Leaves steeped in carrier oil for massage (anti-inflammatory)"], "active_compounds": ["Eugenol", "Linalool", "Estragole", "Rosmarinic acid", "\u03b2-caryophyllene"], "toxicity_warnings": "Generally safe in culinary amounts. Estragole in some varieties (especially holy basil) may have carcinogenic potential in extremely high isolated doses \u2014 not a concern in normal use. Essential oil should be diluted. Avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy."}