Basil UK /ˈbæzəl/; US /ˈbeɪzəl/ (Ocimum basilicum), also called great basil or Saint-Joseph's-wort, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is also called the king of herbs and the royal herb. The name basil comes from Greek βασιλικόν φυτόν (basilikón phutón), royal/kingly plant.