BASIL- Health Benefits

BASIL- Health Benefits

Basil, or Sweet Basil, is a common name for the culinary herb Ocimum basilicum , of the family Lamiaceae (mints), sometimes known as Saint Joseph's Wort in some English-speaking countries. The herb Basil is used in cooking universally, and also for medicinal purposes. It’s a great herb and everyone should consider using it in their diet. 

Jews believe (an enduring belief) that eating basil provides  strength when fasting. It is used as tonic for the skin, a treatment for all kinds of colds, bronchitis, and coughs. It is used to treat gas attacks, flu, gout, muscle aches, rheumatism, insect bites, and sinusitis. An infusion of the green herb in boiling water is good for all obstructions of the internal organs, arrests vomiting and nausea. It is often used as an insect repellent. 

In West Africa it is used to reduce fevers and the Japanese use it as a cold remedy. As basil is both aromatic and carminative, it is used for mild nervous disorders and even for the alleviation of fibromyalgia(wandering body pains). It is said, the dried leaves used as a snuff, can cure nervous headaches. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, a variety of Indian basil has been used to treat many common ailments, and naturopathic physicians may prescribe it in the treatment of diabetes, respiratory disorders, impotence, allergies and infertility. 

Basil is also known to have extremely powerful antioxidant properties, especially when it is used in the  form of an extract or oil. The natural antioxidants found in basil can protect the body against damage from free radicals, thereby preventing cellular ageing, common skin ailments, and even most forms of cancer. Antioxidants are an important part of maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, and basil may be a safe and effective source of these potent, life-giving compounds. 

Basil is not only a herb that does you good, it also tastes good, so make sure you get plenty in your diet.