Basil can be used for much more than cooking! You can find a few types of basil. The most popular are sweet basil, lemon basil, holy basil and Thai basil. Although there are some differences, they all contain the same essential oils. But basil of all varieties has many other benefits besides an amazing flavor. It is very nutritious with an abundance of vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids), vitamin K and vitamin C. It is also rich in magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium. Discover below the multiple benefits of basil.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

One of the health benefits of basil is that it can act as an antioxidant. It helps the body to get rid of free radicals. Sweet basil is an excellent source of antioxidants such as phenolic compounds and polyphenols. Research published in 2012 showed that these antioxidants make basil an excellent choice for fighting inflammatory diseases. This includes:

• Fever
• Cold
• Purify the blood
• Reduce blood sugar, heart attack risk and cholesterol levels
• Oral ulcer
• Arthritis

This study also mentions that the anti-inflammatory properties of basil are well known. As oxidative stress and‘inflammation are often associated with serious diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, this research holds promise for combating the rise of these health problems.

Anti-cancer

Basil also has anti-cancer properties. Researchers have found that holy basil contains phytochemicals that prevent chemically induced cancers. Basil does this by increasing antioxidant activity, altering gene expression, inducing cancer cell death, and inhibiting the development of blood vessels in the cell.

Antibacterial and antimicrobial

Basil also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. In a 2013 study, basil essential oil was used to test its effectiveness against multidrug-resistant strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli). Basil essential oil was active against all strains of E-coli tested. It has also been found to have antimicrobial properties that fight mold, yeast and bacteria.

Promotes healthy cognition and reduces depression

Some varieties of basil can also help the brain. Researchers found that holy basil improved cognitive function as well as other chronic health problems. A 2017 study also found that holy basil was an excellent remedy for stress.

While fresh basil leaves are a tasty addition to many recipes, this herb also has medicinal properties. What is not as well known are the various other herbal uses of basil. It is a traditional remedy that has been used in various cultures for hundreds of years for many non-cooking purposes.

Recipes

• Basil Pesto: This culinary use is one of the most popular ways to use basil and rightly so! At our house, we add pesto to everything from eggs to meats to fresh cucumber slices. There are variations of pesto in cultures around the world.
• Zesty Italian Dressing: This vinaigrette recipe is a staple in any kitchen. It is ideal for a quick side salad.
• Herbal Infused Water: For a fun mid-summer treat, try this watermelon and basil infused water recipe.
• Peach and Cucumber Salad with Basil Vinaigrette Recipe: Summer in a Bowl! Here is the recipe.
• General Cooking: Dried basil can be easily added to almost any dish. Basil is used around the world in many different cuisines for good reason. It adds a depth and flavor that is not matched by other herbs.

Natural remedies

Calm the stomach

Maybe the Italians are adding basil to everything. It is thought to have a calming effect on the stomach. Half a teaspoon of dried or fresh basil leaves in water can often help soothe indigestion and relieve feelings of fullness.

Coughs and colds

Many experts recommend using basil leaves to relieve coughs and colds. Some people chew fresh leaves to soothe a cough or make a soothing tea from dried basil to help relieve the illness.

Facial steam for headaches

A facial steam with dried basil leaves can help relieve a headache. Add 1 tablespoon of dried basil leaves to 2 cups of boiling water in a large saucepan. Lean carefully over the pan, cover your head with a towel and breathe in the steam for 5 to 10 minutes until the headache begins to subside.

Stings 

If you are working outdoors and are bitten or stung by an insect, chewing a basil leaf and applying it to the bite will help relieve the pain and draw out the venom.

Ear infections

Basil essential oil is antibacterial and drops of basil oil can often relieve ear infections.

Blood glucose

There is evidence that basil can stabilize blood sugar levels if consumed regularly in juice or tea form.

Reduce stress

One herbalist suggests adding 2 cups of strong basil leaf tea to a hot bath to help reduce stress and facilitate relaxation.

Natural home and beauty

Natural cleaning spray

The antimicrobial nature of basil makes this natural cleaning spray an excellent choice for disinfection.

Herbal hair rinse

This DIY recipe can help improve hair and scalp health. Basil promotes hair growth by nourishing it with vitamins A and C, flavonoids and polyphenolic acids.

Precautions for use and safety of basil

The medicinal use of basil is considered "possibly dangerous" for children and pregnant or nursing women. Also remember that basil essential oil is very concentrated and deserves special precautions.

Because basil could reduce blood pressure, in theory, it could cause hypotension. Consult your health care practitioner before taking basil (or any other herb).

Where can you buy it?

Of course, you can buy it fresh or dried at the grocery store. But if you use as much basil as we do, we recommend growing it in a vegetable garden or buying it in bulk to save money.

Do you grow basil? How to use it? Share below!

Sources:

Benefits of basil: Al-Maskari, M.Y. Hanif, Muhammad; Al-Maskri, A.Y. AlAdawi, Samir. (2012). Basil: A natural source of antioxidants and neutraceuticals.

Benefits of basil: Baliga, M. S., Jimmy, R., Thilakchand, K. R., Sunitha, V., Bhat, N. R., Saldanha, E., ., . . Palatty, P. L. (2013). Ocimum Sanctum L (Basil or Tulsi) and its phytochemicals in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Nutrition and Cancer, 65(Sup1), 26-35. doi:10.1080/01635581.2013.785010

Sienkiewicz, M., Yysakowska, M., Pastuszka, M., Bienias, W., & Kowalczyk, E. (2013). The potential of basil and rosemary essential oils as effective antibacterial agents. Molecules, 18(8), 9334-9351. doi:10.3390/molecules18089334

Suppakul, P., Miltz, J., Sonneveld, K., & Bigger, S. W. (2003). Antimicrobial properties of basil and its possible application in food packaging. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 51(11), 3197-3207. doi:10.1021/jf021038t. Benefits of basil.

Jamshidi, N., & Cohen, M. M. M. (2017). Clinical efficacy and safety of Tulsi in humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine, 2017, 1-13. doi:10.1155/2017/9217567