Basil contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Many of basil’s health benefits come from these antioxidants, as well as its essential oils.
Why is basil called holy?
Holy basil is native to the Indian subcontinent and grows throughout Southeast Asia. The plant is widely used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine, often as an herbal tea for a variety of ailments, and is considered sacred in Hinduism. It is also used as a culinary herb with a pungent flavour that intensifies with cooking.
What are two interesting facts about basil?
Here are some cool things and facts:
- Basil is native to tropical Asia and belongs to the mint family.
- Sweet basil is also called Genoese Basil, it has a sweet aroma with a warm flavor with notes of clove and anise.
- Store it in a glass of water at room temperature out of direct sunlight.
What does basil do to your body?
Holy basil has been shown to boost your body’s health in a variety of ways. It can help protect against infection, lower your blood sugar, lower your cholesterol, ease joint pain, and protect your stomach.
What does a basil symbolize?
Basil is one tasty little plant, but it’s suffered a symbolism identity crisis over the years. Originally meaning “hate,” it later became embraced as a symbol of love. During the Victorian era Sweet Basil conveyed “good wishes” to the receiver. In Italy, a man who accepted basil from a woman was destined to marry her.
Can basil leaves be eaten raw?
Yes, basil leaves can be consumed raw as long as they are well sanitized before consumption. You can consume them along with other salad leaves or with tomato and cheese, it is a good combination, it depends on your creativity and your taste.
Is basil good for your stomach?
Basil is a gas-relieving herb that may be helpful in calming an upset stomach. Carminatives (also called aromatic digestive tonics or aromatic bitters) may be used to relieve symptoms of indigestion, particularly when there is excessive gas.
Does basil have fruit?
Basil, like many herbs, is grown for its foliage, not fruit or flowers.
Where is basil native to?
Basil is likely native to India and is widely grown as a kitchen herb. The leaves are used fresh or dried to flavour meats, fish, salads, and sauces; basil tea is a stimulant.
How was basil discovered?
It was found in mummies in Egypt because the ancient Egyptians used this herb for embalming. In Greece, basil was a symbol of mourning. The herb was referred to as basileus phuton, meaning magnificent, royal or kingly herb. Today, basil is frequently referred to as the ‘King of Herbs’.
Is drinking basil water good for you?
The eugenol in basil can block calcium channels, which may help to lower blood pressure. The essential oils in the herb can help to lower your cholesterol and triglycerides. Basil also contains magnesium, which can help to improve blood flow by allowing muscles and blood vessels to relax.
Is basil a Superfood?
And if that’s not enough to propel the beautiful basil leaf into superfood territory, basil can also help regulate diabetes, support liver function and detoxify the body as well as heal a regular tummy upset.
Is basil good for skin?
Aiding its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, basil helps prevent acne. Basil is also an excellent pore cleanser since it contains natural oils that help act as a natural cleanser and remove surplus oil and impurities. It also soothes and calms the skin, swelling and pain that may come with acne.
Does basil help with anxiety?
There’s less risk of contamination when taking an herb in its natural form. Holy basil has been shown to have antidepressant and antianxiety properties similar to antidepressant drugs. Studies have shown that it can help people feel more social and less anxious.
What is the spiritual benefits of basil leaves?
In Hinduism, it’s said that holy basil plants protect your space, call in luck and prosperity, and ward off negative vibrations. Keep a potted holy basil plant in your home to maintain your space’s positive energy!
What is basil associated with?
Basil is comonly associated with prosperity and money. The bright green leaves just scream abundance. It’s also a popular herb for banishing. This herb can be used to call in success, peace, protection, happiness, purification, tranquility, and love.
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.
Does basil lower blood pressure?
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a flavorful herb that comes in various forms. It’s popular in alternative medicine because it’s rich in various powerful compounds. Sweet basil is high in eugenol. Research has linked this plant-based antioxidant to many health benefits, including lowered blood pressure ( 3 ).
How do you use basil for weight loss?
Additionally, holy basil is not only low in calories but high in essential nutrients. The easiest way to include Tulsi leaves in your daily diet is to soak them in water overnight and drink it first thing in the morning. You can also add mint leaves and lemon juice to it.
Does basil help you sleep?
Administration of Ocimum tenuiflorum extract (Holixer), or Holy basil, in low doses can reduce stress and insomnia and increase sleep efficiency, according to the results of a recent trial, published in Nutrition.
Is basil good for diabetics?
Chronic hyperglycemia marked as elevated advanced glycation end products plays an important role in complications of diabetes. Basil leaves (Ocimum basilicum) originating from India and commonly found in Southeast Asia, is widely used empirically to decrease the blood sugar in diabetic patients.