Wild basil (Clinopodium vulgare) is not native to New Zealand but can be found growing wild across the Canterbury Plains and around Peel Forest, amongst other areas in New Zealand. It’s a perennial herb that will live for approximately 2 years.
It is non-toxic and has no known side effects. It has been used for culinary purposes, similarly, to cultivated basil varieties.
It has a variety of traditional medicinal uses, including for digestive issues, indigestion, menstrual cramps, nausea, weak digestion, stress relief, mouth infections, wound healing, haemorrhagic diseases, ulcers, diabetes, mastitis, prostatitis, skin inflammation, cataracts and arthritis.
Modern research shows wild basil may be anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, DNA protective, antioxidant, antibacterial, cell damage protective, cardiovascular disease protective and more.
Another underrated and useful herb.