Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Photo by June Stoyer

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Photo by June Stoyer

Basil has been used as a folk remedy for an enormous number of ailments, including boredom, cancer, convulsion, deafness, diarrhea, epilepsy, gout, hiccup, impotency, insanity, nausea, sore throat, toothaches, and whooping cough.

Basil has been reported in herbal publications as an insect repellent. (source: Hamilton College)