Some of the basil benefits for the body and mind are to combat stress, prevent chronic and eye diseases, slow aging, improve heart function and reduce inflammation.
The basil "ocimum basilicum", is an herb of the Lamiaceae family native to Iran, India and other regions of Asia, and has been used for hundreds of years as a traditional remedy.
The size of the plant is about one meter high, it is easy to grow, and the harvest time is not very long. Its leaves vary from light green to purple and its flowers are quite large, white or purple in color, and highly fragrant and similar to mint (they are from the same family).
There are several types of basil that differ in taste and smell; sweet basil, considered the most popular in Italian food, lemon-lime which has a strong citrus aroma, and Thai basil which has characteristics typical of Asian food.
Today basil can be found planted in most homes in India and many other parts of the world, and is one of the most respected and honored herbs due to its medicinal and culinary importance..
A publication from the Victoria University of Melbourne in Australia found that basil has some antibacterial properties. This is believed to be due to its volatile oils, which fight bacteria and build antibodies in the body..
This could mean that adding fresh basil to your food not only adds flavor, but also helps reduce the number of harmful bacteria on your plate, especially in salads with lettuce..
The results obtained in a study published in "The Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education & Research" show that the extract of the basil plant has more antioxidant activity than many drugs.
Antioxidants help prevent and fight chronic diseases, as well as various types of cancer and heart disease.
There are several studies stating that the components of basil have anti aging properties.
One of the most notable research was one presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference (BPC) in Manchester, which showed that basil has properties that can help prevent the harmful effects of aging when applied topically. Moisturizing properties were also evidenced.
Research reported in the book "Growing Medicinal Plants in Your Own Backyard" revealed that basil extracts are capable of reducing swelling by up to 73%.
These effects on inflammation were similar to those seen with the drug Diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug that is widely used in the treatment of arthritis..
In another study, the use of basil as an anti-inflammatory was also examined and they found that it is highly recommended for patients with arthritis, since it helps to decrease the volume of the joints and reduce the pain it produces.
Our eyes are susceptible to viral and bacterial infections and some fungi that can be very dangerous. Fortunately, basil has the power to fight these evils..
According to a study, this herb fights conjunctivitis, in addition to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that protect the eyes from environmental damage such as pollution and chemical agents.
Additionally, basil leaves may ward off a variety of eye problems, including cataracts, vision defects, and inflammation of the eyeball..
According to a study conducted in India, sun-dried basil leaves can be used to brush your teeth, adding a tablespoon of mustard oil to make a paste and use as a toothpaste. This to maintain dental health and counteract bad breath.
In addition, it can be used to massage the gums and treat various gingival and periodontal diseases caused by the large number of microorganisms that can enter our mouth and cause dental problems such as cavities..
In that same study, it was discovered that the presentation of the 4% herb has a high antimicrobial power that is capable of cleaning the mouth and creating a protective barrier. Therefore, it is recommended to use the paste preparation in each cleaning to maintain the effect. In the same way, it helps to calm dental pain.
In an investigation of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, it was discovered that the activity of basil against the fungus that produces candidiasis is highly effective, because its essential oils and other organic components create the necessary antibodies to fight the illness.
In addition, its antifungal benefits were verified in two types of fungi with different highly resistant strains. The application of this treatment reduced the size, which suggests a high mechanism of action.
There is research stating that basil is good for the kidney, since in cases of kidney stones the juice of basil leaves with honey helps to expel the stones.
In addition, it has been reported that due to its diuretic properties, it reduces the level of uric acid.
An investigation of the University of Medical Sciences of Tabriz in Iran, sought to define the effect of basil on heart function and the changes that arise in myocardial infarction. This herb was combined with ethanol and allowed to marinate for a few days. Then it was applied as treatment to six control groups.
The results of the study show that basil strongly protects the myocardium against heart attack and suggests that the cardioprotective effects could be related to its antioxidant activities.
A study published in the medical journal "Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy", reviewed the anti-hyperglycemic influence of the aqueous extract of basil seeds in diabetics.
The results show that these seeds have antidiabetic potential and can be widely used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and its complications (anemia, diabetic nephropathy, liver dysfunction and immunosuppression)..
An investigation by the Central Research Institute of Lucknow in India, sought to know the benefits of basil for the treatment of ulcers, and concluded that this herb has powerful healing properties that could be highly effective as a therapeutic agent against it. disease.
Therefore, basil can be used as an early care that eradicates the symptoms of ulcers, and prevents the appearance of more complex aspects in the body.
Most people today are immersed in high levels of stress, which in turn can generate the appearance of various diseases.
Recent studies have shown that basil leaves provide significant protection against stress. In addition, it purifies the blood and helps prevent several common psychological disorders.
Some naturopaths recommend chewing a few leaves of this herb, twice a day to prevent stress.
Certain studies have confirmed that herbal preparations with basil are administered to patients with gastric and liver disorders, as they serve to shorten the course of clinical symptoms and biochemical parameters in patients suffering from viral hepatitis.
It is also effective for increasing the proper movements of the gastrointestinal tract, as it contains mild laxative properties, and therefore helps in the evacuation and the maintenance of a healthy intestine..
Lastly, it is useful to improve appetite and is given to patients to treat gastric infections and digestive disorders in general..
Since basil is traditionally used to treat anxiety, nerve pain, seizures and a variety of neurodegenerative disorders, the University of Punjab in India conducted a study that found that it also has anti-amnesic effects.
Due to its antioxidant properties, basil reduced brain activity and oxidative stress, which contributed to create a protective barrier that prevented the development of the pathology.
It is said that a natural drug with anti-amnesic elements can be derived from basil, however more studies in humans are needed to verify this.
Basil leaves and their juice appear to work in treating ringworm and other skin conditions. In addition, it is believed to be very beneficial in skin disorders such as vitiligo..
This is due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which progressively reduces the symptoms of skin diseases..
It is possible that basil can decrease blood clotting, so taking it with other medications that also have this side effect could increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Long treatments with basil essential oil are contraindicated due to its toxic effects. Scientific studies warn that high doses can be harmful.
This herb can also be counterproductive during pregnancy, since the essential oils it contains can cause uterine contractions, which carries the risk of the loss of the baby.
A serving of (100 grams) of basil contains:
It is an ideal recipe to improve the condition of the skin, it is incredible against acne. Very easy to prepare and makes 30 servings.
Ingredients:
Preparation
Mix all the ingredients with a hand mixer, to help form a compact paste that includes all the elements. Pour into a clean, sanitized bottle and store in a cool place.
Apply every night before bed. Leave on for 5 minutes and then remove with warm water.
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