Basil Health Benefits

Basil or Ocimum Basilicum is a member of mint (Lamiaceae) family, native to India, Asia and Africa, But today is cultivated around the World, Particularly in hot and dry climates.

Basil is hardly annual, the name “Basil” comes from a Greek word, “Basilikohn” which means “Royal” a nod to its revered status in this ancient culture. The parts of plant that grow above the ground are used both for medical and culinary purposes.

Basil is a adaptogen herb and has been used both internally and topically to treat a variety of health concerns including stomach spasms, cold and fever, insect bites and respiratory infections. Basil is also used in meals for flavoring. Aromatic Basil leaves are used as a stimulant in many European and Asian cosines. 

Aromatherapy of Basil essential oil is used as a stimulant to relieve depression and anxiety. Basil tea is very famous for its unique aroma and anti-inflammatory properties.

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Anti Depressant

Basil is a adaptogen herb and famous for its anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties; adaptogen herb balance the actions of metabolism. it is far much safe and potent natural remedy as compare to drugs. Basil regularizes cortisol level, Cortisol is a hormone, the excess of cortisol reduces sleep and affect body’s ability to counter stress.

Take some fresh basil leaves, boil them in water, and add sugar to taste, drink it before going to bed at night.

Nourishes Skin

Basil is very useful plant for skin, Being having antiseptic properties Basil leaves help to make your skin blemish free from pimples and acne. Basil is a natural remedy for removing toxins from human body thus beneficial in preventing pimples and acne.

1-    Take Basil and Neem leaves in equal quantity. Make their paste by grating them and apply this paste on your skin.

2-    Squeeze juice of Basil leaves and put 15 to 20 drops of this juice in water and take a bath daily.

3-    Take crushed Basil leaves and a cup of gram flour, mix both and add some water into it. Now apply this paste on your face for clear and shiny skin.

4-    Take Basil leaves and mint leaves in equal quantity, crush them and add a teaspoon of lemon juice, apply this mixture on face and let it dry then wash.

Detoxifies the Body

Using Basil leaves help to detoxify the body. As our environment is becoming more polluted with the passage of time due to traffic and heavy, industrialization and we inhale toxins and other lethal chemicals that are harmful for our body. Basil leaves remove these toxins from our body and boost our immune system. Basil is an excellent herb for liver health, it helps to prevent building up fat around the lever thus keeps the liver efficient.

Make Basil tea by adding few basil leaves in water, then add few drops of lemon juice into it and drink this tea couple of times in a day.

Relieves Headache or Migraine

Basil is the best natural remedy for headaches and Migraine. Basil contains Analgesic properties, which relieves headache, stops nausea, and vomiting associated with Headache or Migraine. Basil works as a relaxant for brain muscles and relieve Headaches.

Take some fresh Basil leaves and dry them in shady place, make powder by grinding them and take 1 teaspoon of powder with honey at night.  

 Effective in Fever and Cold

Basil leaves proved to be an effective natural remedy to cure many types of fever including dengue and Malaria.

1-    Take a few leaves of Basil and boil them in water, strain it and add a crushed piece of ginger in boiled basil water, boil the water again until it reduce to half, now add a teaspoon of honey and drink it couple of times in a day for three days. Its an effective remedy for Cold and fever.

2-    Take 2 teaspoons of licorice root powder, 1 teaspoon of black cumin powder and 50gm crushed ginger, put all these things in some water and heat it for a few minutes, then add some basil leaves and honey strain it and drink three times a day.

Best for Sore Throat

Basil is an adaptogen herb and it balances the body functions and hormones. Basil reduces the excess level of acidity in body and restores normal pH level.

Take Basil leaves water, add a teaspoon of honey and a quarter teaspoon of black seed, gargle it before going to bed.

Cures Mouth Ulcers and Infections

The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of basil leaves effectively cure all types of mouth ulcers and infections.

Take some fresh basil leaves, wash them with water and chew them. It will speed up the healing process of mouth ulcers and infections.

Treats Kidney Stones

Basil leaves provide effective treatment for kidney stones. It balanced the amount of uric acid in the body and contains citric acid, which is helpful in dissolving kidney stones.

Take 8 to 10 fresh basil leaves, boil one cup of water on a low flame, strain it and add some honey, drink it twice in a day.

 Alleviates Heartburn

Basil leaves cures heartburn by stimulating the stomach to produce mucus, which relieves the symptoms of heartburn and acidity.

Chew some Basil leaves or take a teaspoon of basil leaves powder with a glass of water to reduce acidity in the stomach.

 Relieves Infection or Earache

The antibacterial and analgesic properties of basil help to provide immediate relief in ear infection and earache, especially in children.

Grate some basil leaves and extract their juice by straining them, add some olive oil or coconut oil to make it more effective, use this mixture to treat the ear.

Side effects and Precautions

Basil is generally safe to use, but women with pregnancy should avoid using basil leaves in high doses, as it contains a chemical “Estragole” which can be harmful for the liver.

Taking high doses of basil for the long time may cause low libido and negatively effects the production of semen.

Avoid consuming Basil essential oil.