Lemon Basil vs Thai Basil

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Lemon Basil

Ocimum x citriodorum

Digestive

Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora

Digestive

Lemon Basil

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Thai Basil

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Lemon-scented basil hybrid popular in Southeast Asian cuisine; used in Indonesian and Thai folk medicine for digestive and respiratory conditions.

Southeast Asian basil variety with anise-clove flavor; used in Thai, Vietnamese and Cambodian traditional medicine and cuisine.

Active Compounds

citral, linalool, geraniol, nerol, eugenol

estragole, linalool, eugenol, methyl chavicol, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

Digestive complaints in Indonesian folk medicine, Respiratory conditions, Fever reduction, Sacred in Indonesian ceremonies

Digestive conditions in Thai traditional medicine, Respiratory infections, Fever reduction, Sacred and culinary in Southeast Asian traditions

Modern Uses

Carminative, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant

Adult Dosage

2–3 g fresh leaves as tea or food

2–3 g fresh or dried leaves as tea; culinary amounts

Contraindications

Anticoagulant medications in high doses

Anticoagulant medications, Pregnancy in large medicinal doses

Side Effects

Mild blood thinning, GI upset in excess

Blood thinning potential, Estragole content — long-term concern

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E