Basil is a herbal plant and has huge medicinal benefits. It helps in treating range of ailments and health disorders. The Basil leaf has volatile oils that contain anti bacterial properties that restrict the growth of bacteria and help in fighting disease. Basil leaf has been used for ancestral periods and its volatile properties have been used in treating diseases which occur in brain, heart, lungs, bladder, etc. The Thai basil leaves are known to be very effective and are also used for insect bites, snake bites and also for some skin irritations. Basil Oil has always known for its benefits and has been known as one of the best volatile Essential Oil.

 

A list of Important Basil Health Benefit:

• Basil is used to treat stomach cramps, constipation, indigestion, and flatulence.
• Basil helps prevent and postpone age related memory loss.
• Basil contains powerful antioxidants that potentially shield your body from harmful effects of toxins and free radicals.
• When food is prepared by adding basil leaf and thyme it helps prevent food poisoning.

 

Thai Basil

This basil variety is very often called licorice or anise as it has a resemblance to these both in taste and fresh spicy flavour. A great dietary source Thai basil is rich in fibre, beta carotene, magnesium, iron calcium potassium and vitamins C & K.

It also contains agents that help protect cell structures and chromosomes from damage and thus play a vital role in preventing and treating diseases.

 

Basil Oil Health Benefit

The oil of this herbal plant is extracted either by steam distillation of basil leaf and its flower. Due to stimulating properties, basil oil is not used during pregnancies or among children of small age.

Headaches and Nervous Disorders are also effectively treated with basil oil. It is also found to be beneficial for migraine conditions and in allergies.

It is also found to be effective for cases related to nausea, vomiting, cramp, and constipation. Further, it relieves scanty periods and is useful to normalize menses.

• Basil oil is effective for pain related to arthritis and also in acne management.
• Essential oils contained in basil have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
• The basil oil helps in relieving inflammation and is ideal for treatment of arthritis.
• The essential oil in basil, especially lemon basil, contains anti vomiting agent that suppress vomiting due to motion and sea sickness.
• Stress can be relieved through basil essential oil and renders a calming effect in aromatherapy massage.
• The essential basil oils help add luster for hair with dull appearance.
• The essential oil in basil helps cleanse your skin by reducing acne and pimples.

In addition, basil oil has positive effects on the respiratory tract and is often used to treat sinus infections, bronchitis, and asthma.

Basil is a tender low-growing plant that grows in warm, tropical climates. Its leaves look a little like peppermint, since they belong to the same plant family. Basil is native to Iran, India and other tropical region in Asia. The plant grows to between 30-130cm tall, it has a light green silky leaves and a white flower. Basil is very sensitive to cold and is best grown in hot, dry conditions.

Varieties of Basil

There are many varieties of basil, all of which differ somewhat in appearance and taste. The most commonly used variety in Italian cooking is sweet basil, and theThai basil or holy basil is used in Asian cooking. Other famous varieties are lemon basil; anise basil and cinnamon basil all have flavors that subtly reflect their names.

 

Health Benefits of Basil

• Studies have established that basil essential oil contain a substance that have a strong antioxidant that can prevent premature aging, age related problems and even cancer.
• Essential oil of basil has anti-bacterial properties. Studies have shown the effectiveness of basil in restricting growth of numerous bacteria (like staphylococcus, enterococcus and pseudomonas) that has become resistant to commonly used antibiotic drugs.
• Basil contain flavonoids (orientin and vicenin are the two important water-soluble flavonoids), the flavonoids in basil protect cell structures as well as chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damaged.
• Basil has anti-inflammatory effects, making it an ideal food for those people suffering from arthritis. The basil oil contains substance called eugenol which blocks the activity of an enzyme in the body called cyclooxygenase. This enzyme would normally cause swelling.
• Basil is a rich source of Beta-carotene, this help protect epithelial cells (lining of numerous body structures including the blood vessels) from free radical damage. Free radical damage is a contributing factor in the development of conditions like arthritis and cancer.
• Basil is also a good source of magnesium, a mineral that makes the muscles and blood vessels to relax, therefore improving blood flow and lessening the risk of irregular heart rhythm of the heart muscle or a blood vessel.
• Basil is a very good source of iron, calcium, potassium and vitamin C and K.
• Basil essential oil when used as skin and hair moisturizer, it enhances the luster of dull looking skin and hair.
• Basil essential oil is effective in treating skin problems like acne and psoriasis.
• Basil tea is used to treat constipation, stomach cramps, indigestion and flatulence. It can also provides immediate relief from the gas in your stomach and intestines.
• Basil essential oil is effective in providing relief from cold, influenza, whooping cough, asthma, bronchitis, and sinus infections.

 

 

Share This

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

About the author