Basil is an herb. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Basil is used for stomach spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, kidney conditions , fluid retention, head colds, warts, and worm infections. It is also used to treat snake and insect bites.
What are the health benefits of basil?
Nutrient Powerhouse. Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese ; a very good source of copper, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids such as beta-carotene), and vitamin C; and a good source of calcium, iron, folate, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids making it quite nutrient rich!
Does basil have healing properties?
Essential oils in basil, including eugenol, linalool, and citronellol, can help to fight inflammation in the body. These anti-inflammatory properties can help to lower the risk of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. heart disease, and bowel issues. Basil has antibacterial properties .
Can you eat raw basil leaves?
The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw . Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter. There are many ways to incorporate holy basil into your daily life. You can cook with it, take it in supplement form, or make a tea with it.
How much basil do you need to eat for health benefits?
Fragrant fresh basil, for instance, offers a healthy dose of blood-clotting vitamin K — 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil provide 27% of the RDA — as well as vitamin A, manganese, and magnesium.
What happens if you eat too much basil?
In some people basil can cause low blood sugar . The above-ground parts of basil and basil oil are POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine, long-term. These contain estragole, a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.
Is basil good for kidneys?
Kidney Health
Basil leaves act as a kidney tonic by cleansing the kidneys and lowering uric acid levels , which is the root cause of kidney stones. Basil contains compounds like acetic acid which help in the expulsion of kidney stones via urine.
What does basil do for your skin?
Basil’s powerful oil helps cleanse the skin from within . The excellent skin cleanser is perfect for those with oily skin. It also helps remove dirt and impurities that clog pores. ... The strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of basil would help prevent formation of acne.
Is basil good for high blood pressure?
Basil contains compounds, such as eugenol, that may help reduce blood pressure , according to animal studies.
Is there a difference between basil and Sweet Basil?
Sweet basil is a sub-type of common basil with milder or licoricey taste. ... Sweet basil leaves can sustain better in high-temperature cooking than common basil, so they are widely used in the South Asian cuisine. Cinnamon basil is another type of basil distinct from sweet or common basil.
What are the side effects of basil?
In some people basil can cause low blood sugar . The above-ground parts of basil and basil oil are POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine, long-term. These contain estragole, a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.
Does basil give you gas?
However, it contains fructans, which can cause bloating . Cooking garlic can reduce these effects. Or, flavor food with other spices and herbs like parsley, chives, thyme or basil. Other veggies with strong flavors that can cause bloating include shallots, leeks (the white bottom) and scallions (the white part).
Is basil better cooked or raw?
If a recipe simply calls for “basil,” sweet basil is the way to go. Other varieties can have stronger flavors that can give you an unintended result in your recipes. Holy basil is best cooked (it can be bitter when raw), but purple basil is best raw as that pretty purple color turns black when cooked.
Can basil make you sleepy?
Holy Basil is not some new trendy supplement made in a lab that’s going to sedate you. It has been around and used for thousands of years, and there is plenty of research to support it. It is very likely that this ancient Indian herb can get to the cause of your insomnia, plus, it does a lot more than help with sleep .
Can you eat basil stems?
Green stems from any herb (for example, basil, parsley or cilantro) can be cut fine or tossed into anything you’re cooking in the exact same way you’d use a bay leaf. Large stems are easy to remove once they’ve cooked with the rest of your meal. They are a great addition to sauces, soups and even sitrfrys.
What do I do if I put too much basil?
- Make pesto. Making pesto may be the most obvious answer, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook the power of such a vibrant homemade condiment. ...
- Make cocktails. Know what else basil goes great with? ...
- Use it in a rehydrating salad. ...
- Save it. ...
- Root it. ...
- Try These Basil Recipes.
