Basil

This is an automatic translation

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a herbaceous annual plant belonging to the Labiatae family. Ocimum is a derivative of the Greek term which means “perfume”, while basilicum, from the Greek basilikos, means “royal”. This name describes the plant very well in its elegant simplicity and its intense scent reminiscent of summer.

From a botanical point of view, it has erect stems that can reach a height of 60 cm and lanceolate leaves that vary from pale green to intense green, up to the purple or purple of some varieties. The small flowers are white or pink and have a corolla of 5 irregular petals. It germinates only when the climate is already spring, with minimum temperatures above 15-20 ° C and requires frequent watering. It is a plant native to India and through the Middle East it has spread to Europe, in particular to Italy and the south of France.

It is also rich in therapeutic properties: an important action it performs is to rebalance the intestinal flora by restoring the optimal microbiological conditions and protecting it from acid fermentations. When inhaled, it helps to open congested airways and calm coughs. In addition, it is useful to keep it handy during the summer as it acts as a repellent against mosquitoes because it is toxic for them.

The essential oil of basil has a spicy and sweet scent, it is extracted from the aerial part of the fresh plant by steam distillation. The result is a straw-colored liquid with an intense fragrance. It has invigorating properties, so much so that aromatherapists consider it one of the best nerve tonics as it calms the nerves without sedating. It fights mental fatigue, insomnia and stress.

From a cosmetic point of view, the essential oil of basil is particularly suitable for oily or impure skin, since it restores the balance of the skin while also carrying out an antioxidant action. Like all essential oils, even that of basil must not be applied pure on the skin but must always be diluted to avoid allergic reactions or sensitization phenomena. Basil essential oil is a fragrance contained in many fragrances used to make cosmetic products of all kinds more pleasant.

Fair trade supply chain

The officinal herbs that we use for our products come from Phalada, an Indian company in Bangalore active in the promotion of organic farming and in the marketing of related products from numerous small agricultural producers (about 1400 for a total territory of 10,000 acres in all India), specialized in the cultivation of spices, herbs, medicinal and aromatic herbs, and coffee.

All these small farmers receive organic certification after a long training course conducted by the company itself, focused on organic cultivation techniques but also on marketing and business management. This guarantees small farmers a secure source of income and allows them to free themselves from dependence on chemicals (fertilizers and pesticides) which are often very expensive, all following a single principle: maintaining an ethics that guarantees respect for both humans. than of nature. Phalada ensures that farmers receive fair compensation for the product sold and conducts regular inspections to ensure that the entire production chain, from seed to final packaging, is compatible with the holistic approach supported by the company.

Phalada also promotes cultural and social projects such as the one aimed at spreading the use of Ayurvedic medicine or literacy in rural areas. Phalada runs an Ayurvedic clinic and herb processing laboratory and a college for the training of doctors and social workers. Since 2006, it has also financed an elementary school in a rural location inserted in the social and productive context of herb and spice growers. Phalada, with a part of the proceeds from the sale, supports the salary of teachers and promotes specific training relating to the cultivation and use of medicinal herbs