Throughout human history, plants have played a significant role in various areas such as sustenance, medicine, and enhancing the environment. In the earlier days, people would experiment with different plants across different domains. Over time, as science progressed, numerous studies were conducted to explore the efficacy, characteristics, and potential drawbacks of various plants. These investigations have yielded intriguing and effective findings. At Plants Folder, our objective is to assist you in selecting the most suitable plant for different conditions by focusing on scientifically proven properties. In this article, we aim to shed light on the remarkable and nourishing plant known as Basil, providing you with insights into its attributes and precautions. Join us on this informative journey.
History and origin of the plant
Basil is a fragrant and aromatic plant with the scientific name “Ocimum basilicum”. It is an annual plant of the Lamiaceae family. Its height reaches 30 to 130 centimeters. It is found in two types, green and purple, and some of its famous species include Egyptian basil, sweet basil, clove basil, and holy basil. Its nature is hot and dry, and it is native to tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia. In a tropical or Mediterranean climate, it can be grown like a perennial or biennial plant.
Its leaves are opposite, bright green and thin. Its flowers are small and white, and its inflorescences have a clustered arrangement. Its fruit is a nut and when a stem of it blooms, leaf production stops in that stem and becomes woody. In the end, the amount of essential oil in the leaves of that stem also decreases. To prevent the stems from becoming woody, the branches must be regularly pruned.
Properties
Effect on anxiety
According to research, this vegetable can have a significant effect on reducing stress levels in people. In other words, it helps you to have more control over your impulses in stressful and stressful situations. Therefore, its consumption is highly recommended for people with anxiety disorders, impulsiveness, depression, etc.
In the treatment of headache and sore throat
Its decoction is very useful in the treatment of headaches, especially one-sided headaches or migraines, and nervous headaches, to the extent that even inhaling the smell of crushed basil can relieve headaches caused by frequent travel. In inflammatory diseases of the throat and colds, it also has many properties due to its abundance of softening mucus. A small amount of its decoction with honey can be very helpful in treating sore throat.
Properties of basil decoction
Treatment of asthma: You can rinse your mouth with a thick decoction of this plant several times a day to treat asthma.
Reduction of fever: Consuming cold decoction of this plant is also effective in reducing fever. It also relieves constipation of the digestive system and is antiemetic and antiemetic.
Treatment of diarrhea:In traditional medicine, roasted basil seeds are recommended for the treatment of diarrhea. Because this vegetable kills the diarrhea and cholera microbes, and its smell repels mosquitoes and flies.
Cardiovascular health: This herb is a source of magnesium. Apart from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with its abundant beta-carotene and carotenoid compounds, it fights cholesterol. It can prevent the aggregation of platelets and prevent blood clots and heart attacks. By helping muscle function, it improves blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body and cardiovascular health.
Anti-aging
This herb blocks the way to free radicals due to its abundant antioxidants and can protect the skin from changes over time, premature aging, and even skin diseases.
Benefits for women
Consumption of basil and its seeds, due to its abundant softening mucus, helps to relieve kidney swelling and vaginal discharge, and therefore its consumption is recommended for women.
Other antioxidant properties
It is a source of antioxidants and essential oils that help to repair damage caused by free radicals. They are responsible for taking care of DNA and cells. Its antioxidants include phenolic acids and flavonoids, which prevent changes in chromosomes or cellular changes such as the growth of cancer cells.
Anti-inflammatory properties
One of the most important properties of basil is its anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory substances in it, including Eugenol, Citronellol, and Linalool, make this medicinal herb a very effective plant in improving inflammation, which can be useful in improving diseases such as rheumatism, heart disease, and intestinal inflammation.
Prevention of diabetes
The compounds in this herb reduce blood sugar and inflammation, which in turn reduces the risk of people developing diabetes and other metabolic disorders. In addition, its essential oil is effective in reducing triglyceride and cholesterol levels. The likelihood of increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetics is higher than in others.
Effect on improving the functioning of the digestive system.
it is also very beneficial for the digestive system. This herb is high in water and fiber and with its alkaline and antibacterial properties, it can help to improve the functioning of the digestive system. This herb can be very useful in controlling bloating, swelling, stomach microbes, and even constipation.
Body PH regulator
According to studies conducted on animals, it can restore the PH level to its proper state and help to balance the acids in the body. This leads to an increase in the beneficial bacteria in the gut, improved digestion, and the immune system, and reduces the number of disease-causing bacteria. It is customary to use this plant to reduce bloating and water retention in the body, loss of appetite, acid reflux, and even to eliminate worms and parasites in the stomach.
Contraindications
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
This plant is known to have anti-fertility effects. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume it in large amounts during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, consuming basil in small amounts as part of a meal is generally safe.
Mutagenic effect
It contains a compound called Estragole, which has a slight mutagenic effect. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume this plant in large amounts during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Essential oil
Basil essential oil should be diluted with water before applying to the skin. It is also not recommended to consume this essential oil.
Interactions with medications
Basil supplements and essential oils may interact with cholesterol-lowering medications and diabetes medications. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking basil supplements or using basil essential oils.
How to consume
Tea
To make this tea, simply boil 4 to 5 fresh basil leaves in a cup of water. Reduce the heat and let the water steep for 4 to 5 minutes. Strain the tea and enjoy it with honey or lemon juice. For a better taste, add cardamom and ginger.
Smoothie
To make basil and mango smoothies, you will need 1.5 cups of milk, 1 chopped mango, 1/2 cup of basil leaves, 1 banana, and 1/2 cup of ice. First, add the milk, mango, basil leaves, banana, and ice to a blender. Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Pour the smoothie into a glass and add a scoop of protein powder, if desired. Enjoy!
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