Basil — Why You Need To Use This Herb Now
Enhances gut health — keeps your body and mind healthy
I love basil.
Each day I visit our garden several times.
I take such pleasure in watching plants grow.
I tell them how pretty they are and how much I am in awe of them.
And thank them for proving for us.
Whenever I pluck basil leaves for cooking, I inhale deeply, giddy from the essence of its heady aroma.
I enjoy its taste just as much.
My grandma grew this herb when I was a child.
She cooked with it and sometimes she made tea (here is a tea recipe I like).
Back then I drank it when presented with nary a care as to why.
Everyone in my old village used basil for something or another.
One thing is clear, people were very healthy back then.
We still grow basil now. My mother and I.
I appreciate its texture, color, smell, and medicinal properties.
I almost never cook without it.
I take the fresh leaves tear them, and toss them on top of my meals.
To me, they taste divine.
I am a fan of Thai and Italian cooking and basil often has a starring role.
What is Basil
Known as the “Queen of Herbs”, basil is available in 60 reported varieties. Some are known as sweet basil, Italian basil, lemon basil, and Thai basil.
By its scientific name, Ocimum basilicum, basil boasts its most popular use in the culinary department.
Known for its health-enhancing properties, basil has been used in medicine for generations to treat a variety of ailments, ranging from inflammation to simple bug bites.
It is also available in a concentrated oil extract. Though I have never tried this form.
Besides cooking what is basil used for?
Basil is no “one-hit” wonder!
This herb comes in many varieties and flavors and can impact your life in incredible ways.
- Protects organs and tissues against chemical stress from daily pollutants and heavy metals.
- Basil helps regulate blood glucose, blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels.
- Has positive effects on memory and cognitive function.
- Provides protection due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. It can be used as a hand sanitizer, mouthwash, and water purifier. Also useful in wound healing, and the preservation of food.
- It is also thought to imitate estrogen and may help regulate the menstrual cycle.
- May stimulate the immune system and lower the uric acid content that is responsible for arthritis and gout.
- Used to treat diarrhea, intestinal parasites, fevers, and skin infections.
- Used to treat the pain and inflammation.
Suggestions for Use
The main ingredients in basil are phenolic compounds that act as natural anti-oxidants.
Here are a few preparations for you to enjoy basil.
- Fresh basil with your pizza or wraps
- With the classic tomato and mozzarella with coconut or olive oil.
- Add to your grilled meats, broths, sauces, and stir-fries.
- Add fresh basil to a marinade.
- Chopped, or (my personal favorite way) hand-torn fresh leaves to your salads and foods.
Takeaway
Scientific studies have shown that basil has many health-boosting properties. It contains polyphenols that act as antioxidants to protect us from a plethora of ills.
Its properties can protect us against toxic injury by increasing the body’s own defensive molecules such as glutathione.
These polyphenols enhance gut health and improve your immune system.
Basil protects your cells by removing damaging free radicals.
It prevents cancers by reducing DNA damage. Causes cellular death to precancerous and cancer cells.
Enhances the detoxifying activity of the liver, thereby increasing the amounts of toxins excreted.
As an anti-depressant, its consumption influences the adrenal cortex to produce hormones that decrease our response to stress.
It improves your memory and helps combat the effects of jet lag. Basil is commonly used in the treatment of diarrhea, intestinal parasites, fevers, asthma, and diseases of the skin.
With this pandemic raging throughout our land, give your immune system all the help you can.
Eat basil and toast to your health!
Thank you all for reading and for your support. You may join me on this journey by clicking the links below.
A version of this was published on vocal.com