Are Basil and Oregano in the same botanical family?

Yes — both belong to Lamiaceae.

Can you substitute Basil for Oregano?

They share the Lamiaceae family, so they can sometimes substitute in recipes — with notable differences in aroma.

Compare · per-herb profile

Basil vs Oregano

Ocimum basilicum · Origanum vulgare

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

D No Clinical Evidence

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum
Primary use: culinary

Basil, also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. In Western cuisine, the generic term "basil" refers to the variety also known as Genovese basil or sweet basil. Basil is native to tropical…

Oregano

Origanum vulgare

D No Clinical Evidence

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Origanum
Primary use: culinary

Oregano is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It was native to the Mediterranean region, but widely naturalised elsewhere in the temperate Northern Hemisphere.

At a glance

· Both in Lamiaceae, but different genera (Ocimum vs Origanum).
· Both are primarily culinary.
· Evidence tiers — Basil: D; Oregano: D.