The Health Benefits of Basil: Aromatic Herb with Antioxidant Properties and Therapeutic Benefits

2023-07-15 10:46:54

There are aromatic herbs that, in addition to being famous for complementing the flavor of meals in different cuisines around the world, also stand out for the benefits that their consumption has for the body.

One of the healthiest foods is basil, scientifically known as Ocimum basilicum, or also as Alhábega, Alfábega, Basílico or Hierba real, according to the Portuguese health, nutrition and well-being portal Tua Saúde. It is an aromatic plant used by many to add flavor and freshness to preparations. It also has vitamins and minerals, including calcium, basic to strengthen bones and teeth, and potassium, which regulates the water content of cells and their movement.

In turn, basil has antispasmodic, digestive, diuretic, sedative and antioxidant properties, according to the Portuguese portal. For this reason, he pointed out that it helps to alleviate digestive discomfort, since “it is rich in ursolic acid, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity that protects and improves the functions of the liver, favoring digestion.”

Basil contains therapeutic properties that relieve nervous system ailments, such as stress. | Photo: Getty Images

According to the Body and Mind web portal, one of the characteristics of basil is its essential oil, which is rich in estragole, cineol and eugenol, flavonoids and saponosides, compounds that can be good for the body. Frequently, this oil is used as a muscle relaxant, which is applied with gentle massages on the affected area to improve contractures and tensions.

There are many ways to consume a herb like basil and one of the best ways to take advantage of all its nutrients is in tea. It is prepared by placing 10 fresh or dried basil leaves in a cup of boiling water. Then cover the cup and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Finally, it must be strained and can be drunk up to 3 times a day.

One of the ways to consume basil is in tea, which can be taken about three times a day. | Photo: Getty Images

This was evidenced by the Scientific Committee of the European Union which, in 2001, advised to reduce and restrict the use of estragole, especially in high doses. This responds to the fact that it has been proven that it can become a natural genotoxic.

The plant offers various medicinal benefits. | Photo: Ursula Alter

It should be said that in the face of any health condition, you should go to health professionals, who will be able to indicate the best treatment to follow according to each particular health condition.

Other modes of use

Place two tablespoons of fresh basil leaves in a container, crush them well to form a paste and apply them directly to the wound or insect bite.

Basil essential oil:

Place a drop of essential oil in an aromatic diffuser necklace up to 3 times a day; inhale the oil directly from the bottle for two to three seconds, or dilute a drop of essential oil in a tablespoon of vegetable oil, such as avocado, jojoba or coconut oil and massage into the skin. 18 drops of basil essential oil should be diluted in three tablespoons of animal or vegetable milk and mix with the bath water, then relax in the water for 20 minutes.
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