Basil Ocimum basilicum native to tropical regions from central Africa to Southeast Asia is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae.

In general, it is added at the last moment, as cooking quickly destroys the flavour. Basil is one of the main ingredients in pesto—a green Italian oil-and-herb sauce. The Chinese also use fresh or dried basils in soups and other foods. In Taiwan, people add fresh basil leaves to thick soups. They also eat fried chicken with deep-fried basil leaves. Basil is commonly steeped in cream or milk to create an interesting flavour in ice cream or chocolates (such as truffles).

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Basil has religious significance in the Greek Orthodox Church, where it is used to sprinkle holy water.The ancient Egyptians and ancient Greeks believed it would open the gates of heaven for a person passing on.