Health Benefits Of "Basil"
“Basil” Herb Benefits
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| Benefits | Chemical & Nutrient Content |
Growing | Suggestions |
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| Genus: Ocimum Species: O. basilicum Also known as: Sweet basil, St. Josephwort Parts used: Leaves and flower tops |
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| Basil Sweet French Essential Oil 1/3 fl oz: C |
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| Now Foods Basil Oil |
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| Basil, Sweet Organic Essential Oil 1/3 oz: K |
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| Basil, Sweet Essential Oil ½ oz: K |
It has never become a major healing herb in North America, but around the world, it has been used as frequently in healing as in cooking. American herbalist suggest it as a digestive aid, appetite stimulant, and milk promoter in nursing women.
Indian researchers have reported that basil kills bacteria when applied to the skin. They have used basil leaf oil to successfully treat acne.
One animal study shows it stimulates the immune system increasing production of disease fighting antibodies by up to 20 percent. This may help explain its supposed effectiveness against bacteria and its traditional uses in treating various infectious illnesses.
Basil is one of many healing herbs containing both pro- and anti- cancer substances. On the cancer prevention side, it contains vitamins A and C, antioxidants that help prevent cell damage. But, it also contains estragole, a chemical that produced liver tumors in mice.
The cancer risk, if any, from basil remains unclear. Despite its estragole content, it is on the Food And Drug Administrations list of herbs generally regarded as safe. As with all herbal nutrition supplements, basil supplements should only be used in amounts typically recommended for medicinal purposes and you should always consult with a health professional first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking precription medications.
CHEMICAL & NUTRIENT CONTENT:
Essential oils, polyphenolic flavonoids, dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, folic acid, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and; the essential amino acids isoleucine, leucine, lycine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.
HOW TO GROW BASIL:
Basil plant is an aromatic annual that grows easily from seeds. Plant after the danger of frost and the soil has warmed to about 50 degrees. It grows best in well drained soil under full sun. Pinching promotes bushiness. Trim branches every couple of weeks. Use fresh leaves in your recipes, or dry and store in an airtight container.
Basil is easy to grow indoors, and growing herbs indoors, just steps away, enables you to harvest healthy ingredients all year round.
SUGGESTIONS:
Other herbs with parasiticide actions include cinnamon, chaparral, feverfew, garlic and thyme.
BASIL
