Basil is a common aromatic herb in the mint family, the same plant family as other nutrient-dense, beneficial herbs, including mint, oregano and rosemary. The taste is sweet, but savory, and just like the smell, it is peppery, yet ever so slightly minty. Basil, of course, is used to add flavor to a variety of recipes, but what may surprise you is the many benefits of basil that make it well-known for its immunity-enhancing properties and is one of the most important medical herbs known today. Basil has vitamin A, K, C and manganese.