Medicinal Uses and Health Benefits of Basil
- Healing: Sharpen memory, use as a nerve tonic, and remove phlegm from your bronchial tubes.
- Fevers: Basil leaves are used for quenching fevers, especially those related to malaria and other infectious, eruptive fevers common to tropical areas.
- Coughs: Basil is an important ingredient in cough syrups and expectorants.
What are the health benefits of eating Basil?
What Are the Health Benefits of Fresh Basil Leaves?
- Vitamin A. Fresh basil leaves serve as a generous source of vitamin A. ...
- Vitamin K. Consuming basil leaves also boosts your intake of vitamin K. ...
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Use fresh basil in your cooking and you'll also increase your intake of lutein and zeaxanthin, two beneficial nutrients.
- Serving Tips. ...
What's so healthy about Basil?
Basil, being a good source of vitamin A , promotes better eye vision and fights against cancers of lung and oral cavity. Basil contains significant amounts of vitamin K which play an important role in strengthening bones and assisting the mineralization process of the bones.
What can you do with Basil?
What to Do With 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. ...
What are the culinary uses of Basil?
basilicum, including ( 1 ):
- Sweet basil: The most widely grown, popular basil, renowned for its use in Italian dishes. ...
- Bush or Greek basil: Has a strong aroma but mild flavor, so it can be substituted for sweet basil. ...
- Thai basil: Has an anise-licorice flavor and is commonly used in Thai and Southeast Asian dishes.
- Cinnamon basil: Native to Mexico. ...
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What is basil used for in cooking?
This popular herb is used in a variety of Mediterranean and Asian dishes, ranging from creamy sauces to light, herbaceous salads and spicy curries. Ingredients that are complimented by the addition of basil include meats like chicken and beef, olive oil, eggs, tomatoes, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
Can I 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 does basil help your body?
Basil helps balance acid within the body and restores the body's proper pH level. According to the book 'Healing Foods', the culinary herb contains a range of natural antioxidants, which can help protect body tissues against free radical damage.
Does basil make poop?
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) seed has been found to relieve constipation by acting as a bulk-forming laxative in one preliminary study.
Is drinking basil water good for you?
It has compounds that can help to alleviate anxiety and depression, increase your ability to think clearly, and lower the risk for age-related memory loss. Essential oils in basil, including eugenol, linalool, and citronellol, can help to fight inflammation in the body.
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.
Can basil help you lose weight?
Since holy basil targets metabolic stress, it can also help with weight loss and cholesterol levels.
Is basil good for high blood pressure?
Basil contains compounds, such as eugenol, that may help reduce blood pressure, according to animal studies.
What is the best way to eat basil?
How to Use BasilTop whole leaves onto pizza.Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.Blend it into sauces.Puree it into soups.Chop it up to add to a salad.Use it to garnish avocado toast.Turn it into an ice cream topping! Jazz up vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, basil, and a balsamic reduction.
Is basil poisonous?
Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice. Children: Basil is LIKELY SAFE for children in food amounts. But larger medicinal amounts are POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice.
Can you be allergic to basil?
While an allergy to basil is uncommon, it may cause a reaction in individuals with a food sensitivity. In addition, ingestion of basil or basil-based products may activate an individual's immune system response. The immune system views certain substances as harmful and produces IgE antibodies to combat these invaders.
What is Sangig?
In the Philippines, where it is called sangig, particularly in Cebu and parts of Mindanao, Lemon basil is used to add flavor to law-uy, which is an assortment of local greens in a vegetable-based soup. The seeds resemble frog's eggs after they have been soaked in water and are used in sweet desserts.
Health Benefits
Basil is not only a popular folk remedy for ailments like nausea and bug bites but also widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and other holistic medicine systems ( 4, 6, 7 ).
Buying, Growing and Storing
Though fresh basil gives stronger flavor, dried basil is less expensive and more convenient. You can also buy basil frozen into recipe-portioned cubes in the freezer section of stores.
Culinary Uses
Basil gives zest to tomato dishes, salads, zucchini, eggplant, meat seasonings, stuffing, soups, sauces and more.
Safety and Side Effects
Basil is generally safe when consumed in small amounts, but a few precautions are warranted.
The Bottom Line
Basil comes in many varieties. While this herb may not contribute significant nutrients to your diet, it can spice up your meals.
Reducing oxidative stress
Antioxidants are essential for eliminating free radicals from the body.
Supporting liver health
A 2015 study in rats concluded that antioxidants in a powdered preparation that included tulsi, or holy basil, had a positive impact on liver health. The scientists applied the powder after using a toxin to induce liver injury.
Fighting cancer
A review published in 2013 looked at whether tulsi, or holy basil, could prevent cancer.
Protecting against skin aging
According to research published in 2011, sweet basil has properties that might help protect the skin from some effects of aging.
Reducing high blood sugar
Some practitioners of traditional medicine commonly recommend basil to help manage blood sugar levels.
Supporting cardiovascular health
A 2011 review reported on findings that a sweet basil extract briefly reduced high blood pressure, possibly due to the extract’s eugenol content. Eugenol can block calcium channels in the body, lowering high blood pressure.
Boosting mental health
Mental stress can trigger the production of free radicals in the body.
Overview
Basil is an herb. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.
How does it work ?
Basil contains many chemicals. These chemicals might kill bacteria and fungi. Chemicals in basil might reduce symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract.
Strange Uses for Basil
In Italy, basil has always been a token of love. Other cultures have had more interesting basil uses, or rather downright strange uses, for basil. Whatever the ancient Greeks and Romans were using it for, they thought it would only grow if you screamed and cursed at the plant.
Interesting Basil Uses
Craft cocktails are all the rage presently and what better way to put an excess of basil to use. Try adding some bruised leaves to basic cocktails such as gin and tonic, vodka and soda, or even the trendy mojito.
Medicinal Basil Plant Uses
Basil has been used for centuries for its medicinal attributes. New studies have found that phenolics found in the herb act as antioxidants. In fact, purple basil has about half the amount found in green tea.
Other Basil Plant Uses
A century of use validates basil plants as a medicinal herb and, of course, it’s already made its mark in the culinary world, but there are still some other, more unusual, ways to use basil in the kitchen.
What Is Basil?
Basil ( Ocimum basilicum) is a common aromatic herb in the mint family, the same plant family as other nutrient-dense, beneficial herbs and spices, including mint, oregano and rosemary.
Benefits
What is the herb basil good for? Scientific studies show that Ocimum basilicum has some of the following positive effects:
Nutrition Facts
Two tablespoons (about five grams) of chopped, fresh basil contains approximately:
How to Grow and Use
Today, basil is one of the most important herbs in many cultures and cuisines, including Italian, Indian, Thai and Vietnamese.
Recipes
Some of the most common uses for basil in recipes include making pesto sauce, marinara tomato sauce or combining it with flavors like olive oil, garlic, cheese, vinegars and nuts.
Risks and Side Effects
Why might basil be bad for you? In fresh form it is considered very safe and is usually well-tolerated since it doesn’t commonly cause allergic reactions or side effects in most people.
An Anti-Aging Adaptogen That Protects the Heart and Brain
Sherry Christiansen is a medical writer with a healthcare background. She has worked in the hospital setting and collaborated on Alzheimer's research.
Health Benefits
Hindu people worship holy basil. It's considered the "Mother Medicine of Nature." It’s been revered since ancient times as an herb that can promote a healthy body, mind, and spirit.
Possible Side Effects
In the 2017 review, the only specific side effect reported was mild nausea that went away with continued use. All of the reviewed studies reported either no side effects or mild ones. 2
Selection, Preparation, and Storage
Unlike prescription drugs, herbal supplements aren't regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It’s not always easy to identify which products are potent and pure.
Summary
Holy basil is an adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and more. It may be beneficial for many conditions. Research is in its early stages but it's starting to support some of the traditional uses.
A Word From Verywell
Holy basil appears promising. Still, not enough long-term, quality studies have been done. Its safety and effectiveness still need to be proven.
Pesto
Go the traditional route and whip up a mean pesto sauce. Use as a condiment or as a sauce for fish or pasta dishes.
Infused Oil
Infuse your favorite olive oil with basil. It only takes a few minutes!
Appetizers
Having a few guests over? Whip up simple finger foods using fresh basil leaves.
Vegetable Soups
Whip up a batch of a summer veggie soup--add ribbons of chopped basil for more seasonal flair.
Salads
Basil pairs nicely with a wide variety of seasonal veggies. Just chop and toss into your favorite salad.
Pizza
Toss whole basil leaves on your favorite pizza when it's hot out of the oven. Delicious!
Fish & Seafood Dishes
Tomato and basil are a match made in seafood heaven. Combine with shrimp or halibut for a delicious main dish.
Does your recipe call for basil? Turns out there are plenty of types of basil to choose from
Basil is a kitchen herb in the mint family. Although it’s native to India, basil is used in a wide number of cuisines, from Italian to Thai and Vietnamese recipes. While sweet basil might be the most commonly used variety, there are several different kinds, each with a unique flavor profile.
Sweet Basil
Sweet basil is the most common variety at the grocery store. If your recipe doesn’t specify what kind of basil to use, it probably calls for sweet basil. This type of basil has dark green, glossy leaves and a sweet but slightly spicy flavor. Use it to make pesto or a caprese salad.
Thai Basil
Thai basil is strong and bold, with a spicy, licorice-like flavor. The leaves are smaller and pointier, and the plant produces beautiful purple flowers. This type of basil holds up well to high-temperature cooking, so don’t be afraid to add it to your favorite stir-fry recipe.
Holy Basil
Holy basil (also called tulsi) is a sacred plant in Hinduism. It’s used for medicinal purposes in Ayurveda, but you’ll also find it in many Thai dishes like pad kra pao. It can taste bitter when consumed raw, so it’s best to cook with this type of basil.
Lemon Basil
Combining the flavors of fresh basil and lemon is a sure winner, so it makes sense that this variety is gaining in popularity. This herb is sweet and has a powerful lemon scent, making it ideal for grilled vegetables or fish dishes.
Purple Basil
As its name suggests, this type of basil isn’t green like most herbs. It’s a vibrant purple color with larger-than-normal leaves. It’s not as sweet as other basil varieties, and it has a strong clove flavor.
Varieties of Basil
Fresh vs. Dried
- Basil is sold fresh and dried but fresh basil is typically preferred for cooking. Although dried is more concentrated than fresh, dried basil does not have the same taste; the dehydrating process draws out more of the mint flavor and less of the anise. The general rule is to use one-third the amount of dried basil when substituting it for fresh. For example, one tablespoon of fresh chopp…
What Does It Taste like?
- The taste of basil will depend on the variety. Sweet basil has a fresh aroma with a subtle peppery flavor and a hint of mint. Other varieties taste of citrus and spice. Thai basil is more savory with a spicy licorice flavor.
Cooking with Basil
- Before using, basil should be rinsed under running water and patted dry. The leaves are most often removed from the stem and either torn, cut into chiffonade, or finely chopped. They can also be used whole and added as a pizza topping or garnish. Thicker stems and stalks should be discarded because they tend to be bitter, but it is okay to include the small stems in dishes. How…
Where to Buy Basil
- Fresh basil is readily available in most supermarkets and can be found in the produce section packed in plastic clamshell containers or sold as full plants. When buying fresh basil, look for bright green leaves that are not browning or dried on the edges. Dried basil is sold in jars and found in the spice aisle. It is easy to grow your own basil, whether in the garden or a pot on the w…
Storage
- How to store fresh basil depends on what form you have purchased. Fresh basil leaves should be kept in the refrigerator layered in damp paper towels and stored in a plastic bag where they will last up to four days. Basil with the stems can be placed upright in a jar of water, with the leaves covered by a plastic bag (secured to the top of the jar). In the refrigerator, they will last up to a w…