Herb & supplement monograph

Basil Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Basil interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Basil is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Basil is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Basil Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Basil drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every one rests on lab or animal research rather than studies in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The combinations that deserve the most care involve blood thinners and blood pressure medications. Lab and animal studies suggest basil may make platelets less sticky, which could in theory add to the bleeding risk of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, where even small changes matter. Animal research also shows basil extract can lower blood pressure, so it might add to the effect of antihypertensive drugs. Neither effect has been confirmed in humans, but these medicines are monitored closely enough that the possibility is worth knowing about.

What the rest of the list means

Although basil appears alongside a long list of medications, that number reflects two broad drug categories rather than hundreds of separate proven problems. Every interaction here is theoretical, predicted from how basil behaved in lab or animal studies, and none has been shown to cause meaningful changes in people so far.

Check your medications against Basil

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Basil interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Basil

289 medications have a known interaction with Basil, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AbciximabReoPro
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Basil + Abciximab interaction
AbrocitinibCibinqo
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Basil + Abrocitinib interaction Abrocitinib drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcebutololRhotral, Sectral
Moderate Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.

Read the full Basil + Acebutolol interaction Acebutolol drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcenocoumarolSintrom
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Basil + Acenocoumarol interaction
Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Basil + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interaction
Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Basil + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interaction
Acetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Basil + Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interaction
AcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox
Moderate Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.

Read the full Basil + Acetazolamide interaction Acetazolamide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Acetylsalicylic AcidEntrophen
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Basil + Acetylsalicylic Acid interaction Acetylsalicylic Acid drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AliskirenTekturna
Moderate Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.

Read the full Basil + Aliskiren interaction Aliskiren drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Alteplase, TpaActilyse, Activase
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Basil + Alteplase, Tpa interaction
Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Basil + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interaction
Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Basil + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interaction Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AmbrisentanLetairis, Volibris
Moderate Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.

Read the full Basil + Ambrisentan interaction Ambrisentan drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AmilorideAmilamont, Midamor
Moderate Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.

Read the full Basil + Amiloride interaction Amiloride drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Amiloride, HydrochlorothiazideAmil-Co, Amilzide, Moduret 25, Moduretic
Moderate Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.

Read the full Basil + Amiloride, Hydrochlorothiazide interaction Amiloride, Hydrochlorothiazide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AmlodipineNorliqva
Moderate Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.

Read the full Basil + Amlodipine interaction Amlodipine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Amlodipine BenzoateKaterzia
Moderate Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.

Read the full Basil + Amlodipine Benzoate interaction Amlodipine Benzoate drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Amlodipine BesilateIstin
Moderate Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.

Read the full Basil + Amlodipine Besilate interaction
Amlodipine BesylateNorvasc
Moderate Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.

Read the full Basil + Amlodipine Besylate interaction Amlodipine Besylate drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Amlodipine Besylate, BenazeprilLotrel
Moderate Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.

Read the full Basil + Amlodipine Besylate, Benazepril interaction
Amlodipine, CelecoxibConsensi
Moderate Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.

Read the full Basil + Amlodipine, Celecoxib interaction
Ammonium ChlorideAmmonium Chloride
Moderate Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.

Read the full Basil + Ammonium Chloride interaction
Anacaulase-bcdbNexoBrid
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Basil + Anacaulase-bcdb interaction
AnagrelideAgrylin
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Basil + Anagrelide interaction Anagrelide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AnisindioneMiradon
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Basil + Anisindione interaction
Antithrombin IiiThrombate III
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Basil + Antithrombin Iii interaction
ApixabanEliquis
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Basil + Apixaban interaction Apixaban drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AprocitentanTryvio
Moderate Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.

Read the full Basil + Aprocitentan interaction Aprocitentan drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
ArgatrobanArgatroban
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Basil + Argatroban interaction
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Basil combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Basil affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Basil is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 2 drug categories Basil interacts with
Anticoagulant/antiplatelet DrugsAntihypertensive Drugs
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal studies suggest that basil oils and extracts inhibit platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, basil might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research suggests that basil extract can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Basil: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Basil is a popular cooking herb that is generally safe in the amounts used in food. While it has a long history of traditional medicinal use and contains antioxidant compounds, strong human evidence for most health claims is limited. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using concentrated supplements or essential oils.

Basil
Scientific name
Ocimum basilicum
Family
Lamiaceae
Part used
Leaves, flowering tops, seeds, and essential oil
Common forms
Fresh or dried leaves, culinary herb, tea, capsules, extracts, and essential oil
People commonly use it for
  • Digestive upset and gas
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Antimicrobial support
  • Cold and cough symptoms
  • Headache
  • General antioxidant support

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallLikely safe

Basil is generally safe when eaten as a food, but concentrated extracts and essential oils are less studied.

PregnancyLikely Safe

When the above ground parts are used in amounts commonly found in foods.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingLikely Safe

When the above ground parts are used in amounts commonly found in foods.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a fragrant herb in the mint family. It is native to warm, tropical parts of Asia and Africa and is now grown around the world. Many people know it best as a cooking herb that adds a sweet, slightly spicy flavor to sauces, salads, and other dishes.

Beyond the kitchen, basil has a long history in traditional medicine. People have used its leaves, seeds, and essential oil for digestive complaints, colds, headaches, and many other reasons. It is sold fresh, dried, as a tea, in capsules or extracts, and as a concentrated essential oil.

It is worth noting that Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil) is different from holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum, also called tulsi), which is a related plant studied separately.

How it works

Basil contains many active plant compounds. Its essential oil is rich in substances such as linalool, eugenol, estragole (methyl chavicol), and citral. The leaves also contain antioxidants like rosmarinic acid, along with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron.

In laboratory and animal research, these compounds have shown antioxidant effects (helping neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals), as well as possible antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. Some essential oil components may also relax smooth muscle, which is one proposed reason for its traditional use in digestive complaints.

Keep in mind that effects seen in a test tube or in animals do not always carry over to people taking basil by mouth, and the amounts used in studies are often far higher than what you would get from food.

Effectiveness

Does Basil work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 13 uses evaluated
13 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Basil, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 13 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Acne
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Topical basil has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral basil for prevention of CKD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of basil for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Common cold
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral basil for the common cold, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of basil for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Constipation
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral basil for constipation, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of basil for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diarrhea
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral basil for diarrhea, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of basil for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Flatulence
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral basil for flatulence, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of basil for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Headache
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral basil for headache, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of basil for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Insect bite
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using topical basil for insect bites, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of basil for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Intestinal parasite infection
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral basil for intestinal parasite infections, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of basil for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Lactation
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral basil to stimulate lactation, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of basil for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Mental alertness
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Inhalation of basil as aromatherapy has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Peptic ulcers
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral basil for peptic ulcers, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of basil for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Warts
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using topical basil for warts, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of basil for this purpose.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Basil eaten in normal food amounts is generally considered safe for most people. Concentrated supplements, extracts, and especially the essential oil are less studied, and stronger products may carry more risk.

One compound in basil, estragole (methyl chavicol), has raised concern in animal studies at high doses because of possible cancer-causing effects. This is mainly a worry with concentrated essential oil or large, ongoing supplemental amounts rather than the small amounts found in cooking.

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid medicinal doses of basil and basil essential oil, since safety has not been established; food amounts are likely fine. Use caution if you have a bleeding disorder or are scheduled for surgery, and never swallow undiluted essential oil. When in doubt, check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Side effects

When used as a food, basil rarely causes side effects. Some people may have an allergic reaction, especially if they are sensitive to other plants in the mint family.

Concentrated extracts or essential oil are more likely to cause problems. Swallowing large amounts of essential oil can be toxic, and applying undiluted oil to the skin may cause irritation. If you notice a rash, swelling, trouble breathing, or other signs of an allergic reaction, stop using basil and seek medical care.

Basil: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Basil from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Reports by condition
Dermatitis Immunologic

Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported in a 45-year old woman with occupational exposure to basil.

  1. Kiec-Swierczynska M, Krecisz B, Chomiczewska D, et al. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by basil (Ocimum basilicum). Contact Dermatitis 2010;63(6):365-7.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no well-established standard medicinal dose for basil. As a food and seasoning, it is used freely to taste with no special precautions for most people.

For supplements, teas, or extracts, the right amount is not clearly defined by research. Follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed them. Essential oil should never be swallowed unless directed and supervised by a qualified professional, and it should always be diluted before any skin use.

Because product strengths vary widely, it is a good idea to check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting any concentrated basil product.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Basil & Pregnancy

Likely Safe

When the above ground parts are used in amounts commonly found in foods.

Possibly Unsafe

When used in larger amounts due to the estragole constituent of the essential oil. Estragole might have mutagenic effects.

  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.

Basil & Breastfeeding

Likely Safe

When the above ground parts are used in amounts commonly found in foods.

Possibly Unsafe

When used in larger amounts due to the estragole constituent of the essential oil. Estragole might have mutagenic effects.

  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 7 references that drive our Basil monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  3. Tognolini, M., Barocelli, E., Ballabeni, V., Bruni, R., Bianchi, A., Chiavarini, M., and Impicciatore, M. Comparative screening of plant essential oils: phenylpropanoid moiety as basic core for antiplatelet activity. Life Sci. 2-23-2006;78(13):1419-1432. PubMed
  4. Tohti, I., Tursun, M., Umar, A., Turdi, S., Imin, H., and Moore, N. Aqueous extracts of Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil) decrease platelet aggregation induced by ADP and thrombin in vitro and rats arterio--venous shunt thrombosis in vivo. Thromb.Res 200 PubMed
  5. Amrani, S., Harnafi, H., Gadi, D., Mekhfi, H., Legssyer, A., Aziz, M., Martin-Nizard, F., and Bosca, L. Vasorelaxant and anti-platelet aggregation effects of aqueous Ocimum basilicum extract. J Ethnopharmacol. 8-17-2009;125(1):157-162. PubMed
  6. Umar, A., Imam, G., Yimin, W., Kerim, P., Tohti, I., Berke, B., and Moore, N. Antihypertensive effects of Ocimum basilicum L. (OBL) on blood pressure in renovascular hypertensive rats. Hypertens.Res 5-7-2010; PubMed
  7. Kiec-Swierczynska M, Krecisz B, Chomiczewska D, et al. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by basil (Ocimum basilicum). Contact Dermatitis 2010;63(6):365-7.
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Basil

112 brands in our database make a supplement containing Basil.

Product directory

Supplement products with Basil

401 products in our database contain Basil. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Ultra Protein Green by Douglas Laboratories Powder 30.9 Gram(s) · 1.09 Ounce(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Ultra Protein Green French Vanilla Flavor by Douglas Laboratories Powder 619 Gram(s) · 21.8 oz. Off market View ingredients & interactions Vegan Organic All in One Nutritional Shake Natural Unflavored by Natural Factors VegiDay Powder 12.7 Ounce(s) · 360 Gram(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Vegan Organic All in One Shake & Go Decadent Chocolate by Natural Factors VegiDay Powder 15.9 Ounce(s) · 450 Gram(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Vegan Organic All in One Shake & Go French Vanilla by Natural Factors VegiDay Powder 15.2 Ounce(s) · 430 Gram(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Vegan Organic All in One Shake & Go Natural Unflavored by Natural Factors VegiDay Powder 12.7 Ounce(s) · 360 Gram(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Vitamineral Green by HealthForce SuperFoods Capsule 120 VeganCap(s)(TM) Off market View ingredients & interactions Vitamineral Green by HealthForce SuperFoods Capsule 400 Vegan Cap(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Vitamineral Green by HealthForce SuperFoods Capsule 120 VeganCap(s)(TM) Off market View ingredients & interactions Vitamineral Green by HealthForce SuperFoods Powder 300 Gram(s) · 10.6 Ounce(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Vitamineral Green by HealthForce SuperFoods Powder 150 Gram(s) · 5.3 Oz(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Vitamineral Green by HealthForce SuperFoods Powder 500 Gram(s) · 17.64 Oz(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Vitamineral Green by HealthForce SuperFoods Powder 300 Gram(s) · 10.6 Oz(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions WholeMega Focus by New Chapter Softgel Capsule 60 Softgel(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Women's Formula by SmartyPants PhD Capsule 60 Capsule(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Women's Multivitamin by GNC Earth Genius Other (e.g. Tea Bag) 60 Vegetarian Caplet(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Women's Multivitamin by GNC Earth Genius Other (e.g. Tea Bag) 120 Vegetarian Caplet(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Basil: Common Questions

What is Basil used for, and does it work?
People use Basil for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Basil interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 289 medications with a known interaction with Basil. Use the checker above to see how Basil interacts with a specific drug.
How are Basil interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Basil with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Basil interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
Is Basil safe to eat every day?
Yes, for most people Basil is safe to eat regularly as part of a normal diet. Concentrated supplements or essential oils are a different matter and have not been as well studied.
Is sweet Basil the same as holy Basil (tulsi)?
No. Sweet Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) is the common cooking herb, while holy Basil or tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a related but different plant that is studied separately.
Can I use Basil if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Eating Basil in normal food amounts is likely fine, but you should avoid concentrated medicinal doses and Basil essential oil because their safety has not been established. Check with your doctor first.
Does Basil have proven health benefits beyond cooking?
Basil contains antioxidants and other helpful compounds, but strong human evidence for treating specific health conditions is limited. It is best thought of as a nutritious, flavorful food rather than a medicine.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Products that contain Basil

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See all 401 products with Basil →
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