Most of the supposed medicinal benefits of basil leaves are anecdotal. However, some studies have indicated that basil seeds and leaves may be of benefit in relieving indigestion and constipation as well as controlling blood-sugar levels in diabetes. One of the problems with using basil (or any other medicinal plant) is that the amount of active ingredients can vary widely from plant to plant. In addition, there are several species of basil (for example, the common kitchen spice is sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum, while holy basil or tulsi is Ocimum sanctum).

http://www.peacehealth.org/KBASE/cam/hn-3652007.htm

The National Institutes of Health does not include basil in its list of medicinal herbs and supplements.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/herb_All.html#B

Basil is native to warm climates. It does well as an annual herb in sunny locations with good soil drainage and can also be grown indoors.

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1644.html
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