How to Use Basil Benefits, Harms and Types

Basil When I say it, I think of a potted flower that grows on the balcony of our house and spreads a wonderful smell when I rub my hand. And yours?

There are those who grow it just for its appearance rather than its smell. But basil This has a much different value than what I've said. The plant has many medicinal uses.

BasilIt is a plant of Asian and African origin, leafy green and grown as an annual. from the mint family basil plantThere are many different varieties of .

This aromatic plant, which is also used as a spice, has so many valuable benefits; That's why capsules were made. Basil tea ise basil A different and delicious way to use it.

“What is basil”, “where is basil used”, “what is basil good for”, “what are the properties of basil”, “how to brew basil tea” Among the most searched and curious topics. Lets start then basil To tell you what you need to know about…

What is basil?

Basil (Ocimum basil), an aromatic plant of the mint family; mint, thyme and rosemary from the same plant family as herbs. It usually grows in hot summer months.

They have pointed, oval leaves, the leaf sizes of different species also differ. There are varieties with small and large leaves.

Although it is known as Reyhan in our country, it is actually basil and basil different species of the same plant. In regions such as Southeast Asia and India, it is mixed with other plants and used as a medicine among the people.

What are the types of basil?

Used in cooking basilscientific name Ocimum is basilicum (abbreviated basilicum ). basilicum including many basil variety var: 

• Sweet basil

It is most famous for its use in Italian dishes. licorice root and clove It has a mix taste. 

• Greek basil

It has a strong aroma, but the taste is milder than the others. 

• Thai basil

Licorice It is used in Thai and Southeast Asian dishes. 

• Cinnamon scented basil

It is native to Mexico. It has a cinnamon-like taste and smell. It is usually served with legumes or spicy, stir-fried vegetables. 

• Lettuce leaf basil

It has large, wrinkled, soft leaves that taste like licorice. It is used in salads with tomatoes and olive oil. 

The variety commonly used in supplements and herbal teas is known as tulsi. holy basild.

Nutritional value of basil

1 tablespoon (about 2 grams) nutritional content of sweet basil is as follows:

Basil herb It also contains beneficial plant compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties.

What Are the Benefits of Basil?

This plant nausea and used for ailments such as insect bites. It has a wide range of uses in Chinese medicine, Indian Ayurvedic medicine, and other medical systems.

Today, scientists basilThey examined the medicinal benefits of pineapple and used extracts or essential oils, which provide plant compounds, instead of leaves in studies. with many medical uses basilThe most important benefits and features are as follows;

• Prevents diseases with its antioxidant content

Basil plantThe antioxidants and oils contained in it protect the DNA structure and cells, and prevent free radical damage. It contains flavonoid antioxidants that protect white blood cells responsible for immune function.

With these properties, it helps to remove toxins from the body, prevent cancerous cells and slows down the effects of aging.

• It has anti-inflammatory properties

BasilContains powerful essential oils such as eugenol, citronellol and linalool. These oils reduce inflammation that causes most diseases, such as heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel conditions.

• Prevents cancer

BasilContains phytochemicals that naturally prevent certain types of cancer, such as skin, liver, mouth and lung cancers.

BasilThe plant compounds in it have antioxidant properties, cause the death of cancerous cells and stop their spread.

basil extractIt protects tissues and cells from the negative effects of cancer treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy.

• Prevents the growth of bacteria

basil oil benefitsOne of them is to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. In studies, basil extractinhibited resistant bacterial strains that did not respond to antibiotic therapy. Studies on the subject are still continuing.

• Prevents viruses and infections

basil oil prevents the growth of various bacteria, yeast, molds and viruses. Candida mushroom and protects from skin irritation.

• It reduces stress

Adaptogens refer to plants that increase the body's resistance. Basil, stressIt calms the harmful effects of the body and restores the disturbed balance of the body.

• Relieves depression

Among the most common diseases today anxiety ve depression symptoms of mental disorders such as basil can be reduced with

BasilBy affecting the adrenal cortex region of the brain positively, it stimulates the hormones that make the person feel happy and energetic. With this feature, it is considered an antidepressant.

• Good for heart health

Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties basilIt supports healthy blood pressure by allowing the muscles that control blood vessels to contract and relax.

It has the ability to prevent dangerous platelet aggregation. It also reduces inflammation that can cause cardiovascular diseases.

• Beneficial to the liver

basil extractAntioxidants in the liver reduce the accumulation of fat that may occur in the liver.

• Good for digestion

Basil plant balances the acid in the body and allows the body to restore the pH level. 

This helps healthy bacteria thrive and improves immunity while reducing harmful bacteria that can cause illness.

It kills stomach parasites by reducing bloating and edema, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, acid reflux.

• It is a natural aphrodisiac

This aromatic herb increases libido by increasing blood flow and energy levels, while reducing inflammation.

• Prevents diabetes

BasilThe compounds in it reduce circulating blood sugar levels and inflammation, thereby preventing the development of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Benefits of basil oil among diabetic patients triglyceride ve cholesterol It also has lower levels.

Basil benefits for skin

BasilContains powerful and healing essential oils that deeply cleanse the skin. If you have oily skin basil oil It will be a savior for you. Removes dirt and oil that clog pores. 

A handful basil leavesMix it with sandalwood powder and rose water to make a thick paste. Apply this mask on your face and neck, wait for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash off with cold water. 

Basil tea

Basil tea, basil plantIt is made by brewing the dry leaves of Basil plantThis tea can be brewed with different types of making basil tea a sweet basil used.

Basil tea recipe

Materials

• ½ cup basil leaves
• 2 water glass of water
• One or two black tea bags
• honey on request

How is it done?

Half a glass of water to 2 glasses of water basil leaves Add and boil. After it starts to boil, lower the heat and boil for another 3-4 minutes.

Add one or two black tea bags to the water; Boil the water again. Take it off the stove and basil leavesfilter it. You can add honey to sweeten it if you want.

How to store basil?

Fresh basilAlthough it has a strong taste, dried basil it is cheaper and easier to use and more readily available. If you want to use it fresh, you can make your own in a pot at home. basilYou can use it by growing the trace.

If you've grown too many, you can dry the leaves and store them in a tightly sealed jar. 

How to use basil

Basil spice as; It adds flavor to tomato dishes, salads, zucchini, eggplant, meat dishes, stuffed dishes, soups, sauces and many more.

Pesto sauce is one of its most popular uses. Garlic, marjoram, mustard, thyme, red pepper, parsley, pepper, rosemary and sage as well as other herbs and spices.

In meals fresh basil If you are going to use it, use the leaves, not the root, and add it just before turning off the stove so that it does not lose its color. This table indicates how much you should use in which dishes:

What are the side effects of basil?

BasilIt is safe when consumed in small amounts, but there are a few points to be considered about its consumption. 

Basil leaveshelps blood clot Vitamin K in terms of high.

When the leaf is consumed in excess, it can interact with blood-thinning medications. too much like pesto basil Eating foods made using

basil extracts, can thin the blood; can cause bleeding disorder or cause problems if you have an upcoming surgery.

Additionally, people taking blood pressure-lowering medications or diabetes medications, as they can lower blood pressure and blood sugar. basil extracti shouldn't use it.

If you are pregnant or trying to conceive holy basil avoid eating. animal studies, this basil varietyIt shows that supplements obtained from cedar can affect sperm negatively and trigger contractions during pregnancy. The risks during breastfeeding are unknown.

Basil allergy although rare, a few cases have been observed in people reacting to pesto.