basil
Herbs & Spices
Is basil high in salicylates?
Find out whether basil is high or low in salicylates, see its exact rating, and check its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility all in one place.
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Sensitivity notes
Why salicylates food checker matters
Salicylates are natural chemicals found in many fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. They're related to aspirin and can cause reactions in sensitive individuals including hives, asthma symptoms, nasal congestion, and digestive issues.
- Start by eliminating the highest sources: spices, herbs, and concentrated products
- Peel fruits and vegetables when possible to reduce salicylate content
- Fresh is usually better tolerated than dried or concentrated
Triggers
Diets
Serving size, prep, and portion notes for 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
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Salicylates Guide
Everything you need to know about salicylates sensitivity and smart food choices.
Salicylates are natural chemicals found in many fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. They're related to aspirin and can cause reactions in sensitive individuals including hives, asthma symptoms, nasal congestion, and digestive issues.
Sensitivity varies widely. What triggers one person may be fine for another. Track your reactions to find your personal threshold.
These foods are generally well-tolerated for Salicylates sensitivity:
View all safe options
These foods have moderate levels and may be tolerated in small amounts:
These foods are high in salicylates and may trigger symptoms:
View full list
If you're sensitive to Salicylates, consider these strategies:
- 1Start by eliminating the highest sources: spices, herbs, and concentrated products
- 2Peel fruits and vegetables when possible to reduce salicylate content
- 3Fresh is usually better tolerated than dried or concentrated
- 4Build up tolerance slowly by reintroducing foods one at a time
- 5Sensitivity often improves with gut healing over time
Pro tip: Keep a food diary to track your reactions. The Triggerbites app makes this easy with automatic pattern detection.
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Get the AppFAQ
Is basil high in Salicylates?
Salicylates: higher signal - consider smaller servings or swaps.
Can I still eat basil if I'm sensitive to Salicylates?
Best to avoid or test carefully with a small amount.
What else should I check?
Check FODMAPs, FODMAPs, and Histamine next for a fuller picture.