Description

Basil – the king of herbs

Basil (ocimum basilicum) originates from Asia and belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It has toothed and oval leaves and its white or pink flowers grow in clusters. The plant is usually about 60 cm tall

Basil was a sacred plant dedicated to Krishna and Vishnu gods in India. However, Alexander the Great brought it to Greece, where it became very popular in the Mediterranean.

Therapeutic properties

Basil protects against free radicals.

Basil protects cells and chromosomes from radiation.

Basil has anti-inflammatory properties. Eugenol acts against the enzyme cyclooxygenase or COX that mediates the inflammatory process in the body, so it is suitable for those with rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Basil has antibacterial and anti-infective properties and inhibits many pathogenic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas and all pathogenic bacteria that are resistant to antibiotic drugs.

It has antispasmodic properties and is used in anxiety, nervous insomnia, dizziness and dry cough.

Stimulates the respiratory system in bronchitis, cough and asthma.

The compounds in basil oil have strong antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties.

Some Ways to use it

You can eat three to five basil leaves in the morning without having to cook them.

As a drink you put a teaspoon of basil in a cup of boiling water. Helps digestion.

As an extract, you throw in the boiling water, sprigs of basil together with sprigs of other similar herbs.

Side effects

Basil is generally safe when consumed in small quantities.

Basil leaves are high in vitamin K, which helps blood clot. If you are taking a blood thinner medication, try to consume small amounts of basil daily.

People taking medication for high blood pressure or diabetes should be careful with basil supplements because it can lower blood pressure or blood sugar too much.

Avoid basil if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.

Attention

The presentation of herbs is for informational purposes only. Herbs should be consumed with caution and with the consent of the doctor, especially for those who are receiving medical treatment, but also for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children.

Herbs are not drugs, nor should we consume them recklessly. They cannot cure all diseases. Plants should be used in moderation and always on the advice of experts who know better. Before using any herb, it is essential to make sure it is the right one. Misidentification of herbs is often the cause of many side effects.