7 Benefits of Basil That You May Now Know

7 Benefits of Basil That You May Not Know

Basil is one of the oldest herbs known to mankind and one of the most popular. Originally native to Africa, Asia, and India, it was once considered sacred and noble. Today this treasured herb is found around the world and celebrated not only for its many culinary uses but also praised for its numerous medicinal benefits. 

Of the over 60 varieties of Basil, Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum)  is the most commonly used and recognizable with its highly fragrant aroma and bright green leaves. I grow Sweet Basil and Thai Basil in my kitchen and love have both varieties on hand. They each offer a slightly different flavor however all varieties offer some incredible health benefits. 

Here are 7 reasons why you want to add basil to your next dish.

1. Anti-inflammatory 

Inflammation wreaks havoc on your health and over time can lead to serious and life-threatening conditions. The powerful essential oils found in Basil (eugenol, citronellol, and linalool) help lower inflammation through their enzyme inhibiting properties thus lowering the risk of Rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and aid with inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease.  

2. Improves Mental Health 

Basil acts as a natural adaptogen to help your body deal with stress. Research shows that Basil can help alleviate anxiety, stress and help ease depression. The herb is believed to stimulate neurotransmitters that regulate the hormones responsible for inducing happiness and energy.

It also increases your ability to think clearly and lowers the risk of age-related memory loss. 

3. Helps to detoxify 

Basil helps with liver function and helps your liver perform better in a short amount of time. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that when rats who were struggling with health issues were given basil extract, it helped their liver produce higher antioxidant defenses and a reduction of fat buildup in their liver.

4. Great for tummy troubles 

Basil can help with indigestion and may help with bloating and water retention. It also can work as an appetite suppressant and help with acid reflux. The next time you have heartburn, try chewing on 2-3 basil leaves to reduce stomach acid.

5. Full of powerful antioxidants and other vital nutrients 

 Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese; a very good source of copper, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It is also a good source of calcium, iron, folate, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Basil contains water-soluble flavonoids called rientin and viceninare which can help to protect white blood cells and has been known to help fight free radical damage.

6. Stop the itching from bug bites! 

Basil’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help to soothe the skin and even act as a natural insect repellent. To help stop the itch from a bug bite, you can crush up the leaves and apply them directly to the skin. I like to make a paste with Basil using a mortar and pestle and a little Witch Hazel and apply to the bug bite.

7. Basil Contains Natural Antibacterial Properties    

Basil extract has been shown to help in inhibiting resistant strains of bacteria that are unable to respond to antibiotics. Traditional medicine practitioners have turned to basil as an antimicrobial agent as well as a way to boost your immune system.  

Just add basil 

The easiest way to incorporate basil into your diet is to always have it on hand. Consider growing a pot of your favorite variety in your kitchen or garden. 

Sprinkle it on salads, make a fresh basil pesto or try this delicious strawberry lemon basil smoothie shown below. 

When cooking with fresh basil, it is best to add it at the very end of the process. The delicate flavor of basil is heightened when it first hits the heat but breaks down if cooked too long. When my homemade spaghetti sauce is finished cooking, for example, I take it off the heat and add the fresh basil last. By the time I am ready to serve the sauce, it is perfect.