Back to Ingredient checker
basil
Herbs & Spices
Trigger checker for basil
See basil rated across every trigger — FODMAP, histamine, salicylate, oxalate, tyramine and more — plus diet compatibility, all in one quick ingredient profile.
Related checkers
Compare basil across criteria
Sensitivities
What basil contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where basil fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about basil
Basil is a low-histamine herb, which is why it stays on most histamine-diet lists, but it is high in salicylates. If you react to salicylate-rich foods or to aspirin, fresh basil, pesto or a heavy basil garnish can trigger symptoms even though the same herb is treated as histamine-safe. Bear in mind a pinch of dried basil is a far smaller dose than a bowl of pesto.
Watch for
- High in salicylates, so pesto and generous fresh-basil garnishes are a much bigger dose than a light sprinkle in a sauce
- Low in histamine and not a histamine liberator, so it is one of the few herbs usually kept on low-histamine diets
- Strongly anti-inflammatory, so if basil bothers you the likely cause is salicylate sensitivity specifically, not inflammation
Explore related in Herbs & Spices
Compare similar foods to build a personalized list of swaps that work for your system.
FAQ
What does the FODMAP rating mean for basil?
Medium FODMAP: portion size matters more than the ingredient itself.
Is basil generally well tolerated?
Salicylates (Avoid) and FODMAPs (Low) Start with those if you react.
What should I check next?
Compare within the Herbs & Spices group.