Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is native to India, stretching from Southeast Asia to Africa, and other tropical regions and has now become globalized as a result of human cultivation.

And belongs to the family Labiaceae and is cultivated as an aromatic and seasoning plant. It is widespread all over the world, but still remains deeply associated with Asian, Gastronomy and Mediterranean culture.

This aromatic herb has become one of the most used herbs in cooking to prepare many dishes, including pesto, a mixture of basil, pine nuts and parmesan, which is very popular.

Although it has a pungent flavor, and other varieties also offer unique flavors: anise and cinnamon and lemon. But also, this wonderful plant surprises us for its healing properties, and its ease of use to improve health.

What is Basil

Basil is an annual plant, most often green in color. It has a fragrant, sweet smell and peppery taste. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

It’s leaves are ovate and serrated with bouquet flowers, normally white or pinkish, and its stem is about 60 cm long. There are over 60 varieties of basilica that differ somewhat in appearance and flavor. mint,

Scientific Name(s) 

• Ocimum basilicum

Common Name(s)

• Basil

Genus

• Ocimum

Species

• O. basilicum

Family

• Lamiaceae

What Is Basil Good For?

This aromatic herb is good for stomach spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, kidney conditions, fluid retention, head colds, cough, warts, and worm infections. It is also used to treat snake and insect bites.

But, basil isn’t only for medicinal purpose. When it’s oil are extracted to make an essential oil, it is used for treating cuts, wounds, and skin infections.

In the same way, it is often used in lotions to treat alopecia and its effects depend on the use we give it.

This aromatic herb is also used in teas, supplements and as food seasoning, which may provide a range of health benefits.

Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K, manganese, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It’s also a good source of calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Benefits Of Basil For Health

Also called Ocimum basilicum, basil is often used as a folk remedy to relieve many ailments that may occur due to the medicinal properties available to it.

Like most other herbs, Ocimum basilicum too comes with a horde of benefits. Some of them are:

Sore Throat

Basil is a plant that can be taken as a syrup to relieve coughs, and is also very suitable for soothing dryness in the throat by mixing it with alcohol. sweet water.

Improves Digestion

It has natural cleansing properties that help the body eliminate what it does not need, while at the same time it contains anti-inflammatory properties that help improve symptoms, due to heartburn.

Cold And Flu

It prevents cold and flu with its anti-microbial properties, and it also contains anti-fungal properties to prevent fungal growth.

Anti-bacterial properties

It is used as a mosquito repellent, because of its anti-bacterial properties, it can be used to heal snake bites or other infectious bites, and it stimulates healing of wounds. it is used with natural ointments.

Fights Depression And Reduce Anxiety

It helps us in the event of fatigue, or inflammation resulting from physical fatigue and helps to fight depression. In many cases it also helps reduce anxiety.

Anti-spasmodic Agents

This amazing herb contains anti-spasmodic agents that help prevent or relieve muscle weakness, indigestion, and pain in different parts of the body.

Pain Reliever

In the same way, it can be used to massage and soothe the spasms caused by painful periods, it also relieves some pains such as headaches and toothaches, and its tranquilizing aroma is used in different body oils.

Strengthens The Body’s Immune System

When it is consumed with tea or drinks that do not change its original composition, it is ideal for strengthening the body’s immune system and defense.

Benefits Of Basil For Skin

It Improves Appearance

Basil also known as grass of longevity, is widely used by skincare enthusiasts, and especially the face.

To enjoy its benefits, gently rub a the leaf on the skin every day, this method will give a natural glow to your skin, and improve its appearance.

Blood Purifier

It cleanses the blood and eliminates toxins, which will make your skin look much healthier, so this herb serves as a blood purifier.

Treats Acne

The anti-inflammatory properties of this aromatic plant lower the swelling of acne by alleviating the inflammation.

Mix Basil oil with rose water and lemon juice and apply this regularly to get rid of acne forever.

Side Effect Of Basil

Studies suggests that larger medicinal amounts of Ocimum basilicum are possibly unsafe due to it’s chemical, estragole properties, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice.

Bleeding disorders: It’s oil and extracts might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Conclusion

Basil has several benefits. This aromatic herb has been used in teas, supplements, and as food seasoning for centuries.

It also makes your food not only flavorful but also healthy. Add it to your food whenever possible to reap its benefits. The leaves are generally healthy.

If you experience any adverse effects, stop intake and consult your doctor.