People have been using herbal plants from ancient times due to their different essential activities with fewer side effects. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a very well known herbal plant, belonging to the family Lamiaceae. It is found in Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America but originated in Asian content. Basil is a wondrous plant in nature because the whole parts of the plant have been used as a traditional medicine that is used as a home remedy against various human ailments. It has an important role in medicinal properties. Basil is commonly used in folk medicine systems such as Ayurveda or traditional Chinese medicine. The basil contains different active phytochemicals such as linalool, eugenol, 1,8- cineone, methyl eugenol, and anthocyanins. It plays an important role in preventing and treating human diseases such as fever, cough, flu, cardiovascular disorder, diabetes, digestive disorder, kidney malfunction, menstrual cramp, neuro degenerated disorder, and cancer. In addition, anti-oxidant, anti-convulsant, anti-microbial, and anti- larvicidal activities are also present in this herbal plant. The plant also has an application of basil oil in food science, especially in food flavoring, preservation and production. The review of this article is to highlight the pharmacological and phytochemical activity of Ocimum basilicum, which can create a footmark in the preparation of new herbal preparation.