The Best Benefits of Basil

There is nothing like the scent of fresh basil. It is one of my favorite herbs to grow as well as to eat.

Basil is native to India,Iran and other tropical regions of Asia.There are many varieties of basil.Sweet basil is often used in Italian cooking and lemon and holy basil are often used in Asia. Basil grows best in a warm tropical climate. Its leaves and seeds are used medicinally and its leaves are also enjoyed in many dishes. Essential oil of basil is extracted by steam distillation form the leaves and flowering tops. A basil plant grows about 100cm tall and the color of its leaves can vary from light green to purple. They are round and sometimes pointed and the plant looks like peppermint to which it is related.The flowers are quite big and can be white or purple.

The Best Benefits of Basil

The health benefits of basil come mainly from two of its features: its flavenoids and volatile oils. The flavenoids provide protection at a cellular level and help to shield chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damage.

Basil contains many vitamins and other nutrients including vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting, iron, calcium, vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, copper manganese and folate. It is low in calories.

Basil is a very good source of magnesium, which makes it beneficial for cardiovascular health. It encourages relaxation of the muscles and blood vessels, which improves the flow of the blood, lessening the possibility of irregular heart rhythms.

Basil contains a concentration of carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant. It protects the cells that form the lining of the different organs, known as epithelial cells, from free radical damage. It also helps prevent the oxidization of cholesterol so that it can't build up in the walls of the blood vessels and cause a heart attack or stroke.

The antioxidants contained in basil can also hinder the progress of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and help in cases of asthma.

The volatile oils in basil contribute to its anti-inflammatory effect, which again makes it useful in cases of arthritis, as well for inflammatory bowel conditions, for which it can give symptomatic relief.

It facilitates digestion.

Basil leaves are an excellent source of iron, which facilitates the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Basil is a diuretic. It helps increase urine outflow, flushing out excessive water and toxins from the body.

Tips for Using Basil in Cooking

Basil is one of the most popular herbs to add to various dishes hot and cold and its refreshing fragrance and taste is certainly one of my favorites.

It is commonly used in pesto, a dish enjoyed by many.

Try adding some copped basil to tomato slices served with mozarella cheese- a delicious dish I enjoy in the summer.

Chopped basil leaves can be added to stir fries but be sure to add them towards the end of the cooking so that they retain their flavor.

Basil is also nice to put into a puree with olive oil and onions, which can then be added to tomato soup.

Another way to receive the benefits of basil is from drinking a warm cup of basil tea. Infuse chopped basil leaves in boiling water for about five minutes.

Tips For Cultivating Basil

I love to try my hand at growing different herbs as well as vegetables and I have had varying degrees of success. Basil is relatively easy to cultivate. It only grows in summer and needs full sun. It actually grows best in a tropical climate and needs moist soil so during the dry, summer spells, it can be watered freely. It grows well with tomatoes.

The seeds can be started indoors about six weeks before the last spring frost.

When the last frost has passed, plant the seedlings in the ground about a quarter of an inch deep.

Make sure the place where the basil is planted is exposed to six to eight hours of full sun daily and the soil should be kept moist.

It is also important to plant the basil in clean soil, away from traffic on busy streets or even driveways so car exhaust doesn't settle onto the plants.

Pick the leaves regularly to encourage growth and if flowers start growing, cut them off.

If cold weather is approaching, harvest the basil before it arrives.

Basil plants are easily maintained indoors too.

Essential Oil of Basil

Basil essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and flowering tops.It is useful in the treatment of many conditions. It is used topically and can be massaged into the skin or added to skin and hair-care products to enhance them.It can be added to a base oil for a body massage and blends well with bergamot, clary sage, clove bud, geranium, lime, lemon, hyssop, juniper,eucalyptus, neroli, marjoram, rosemary, melissa and lavendar.

It helps in cases of nausea and motion sickness and helps to prevent vomiting.

The carminative properties of essential oil of basil give relief from gas, constipation and indigestion.

It is beneficial in cases of respiratory problems and helps to cure colds, influenza, bronchitis and fever as well as relieving asthma attacks.

Essential oil of basil has been known to improve the health of the eyes and to clear bloodshot eyes.

 It is also good for treating cuts, wounds and skin infections, as well as bladder and viral infections because of its antibacterial properties.

The refreshing scent of this oil has a calming effect so it is used in aromatherapy for relaxation, nervous tension, mental fatigue and depression. It helps give mental strength and clarity.

Basil oil is analgesic and generally helps give relief from pain. So it is commonly used in treatment of wounds, injuries, burns, bruises, scars, sports injuries, surgical recovery and headaches.

It can stop insect bites and stings from itching.

Essential oil of basil has shown that it can inhibit several species of pathogenic bacteria that have built up a resistance to commonly used antibiotic drugs.

Risks of Basil

Essential oil of basil and basil in any form should be avoided by pregnant and nursing women. It should not be used on very young children. Basil is not a commonly allergenic food but a patch test must be done before applying it to the skin in any form to check for skin sensitivity.

Selecting and Storing Basil

Fresh basil is preferable to dry basil as the flavor is better. Fresh basil leaves should be a vibrant, deep green color without dark spots or yellow patches. If purchasing dried basil, spice stores generally have a better quality product than a supermarket. Be sure to choose organically grown basil as it won't have been irridated, which decreases its vitamin C and carotenoid content.

Fresh basil must be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in a slightly-damp paper towel. It can be frozen, either whole or chopped, and stored in airtight containers. Basil can also be frozen in ice-cube trays covered with water or stock and then directly added to soups and stews. 

Dried basil can be kept for about six months in a tightly-sealed glass container in a cool, dark place.

Essential oil of basil should be 100% pure and organic and must be stored in a dark-colored glass bottle in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.