Basil
Basil is a green leafy aromatic herb native to Asia and Africa.It is a member of the mint family and there are many different varieties.
Popular as a food condiment, this aromatic herb is also used in teas and supplements that can provide a number of health benefits.
Most common varieties of basil
The scientific name for basil commonly purchased for cooking is Ocimum basilicum (abbreviated O. basilicum). There are many different varieties of O. basilicum, including:
- Sweet basil: the most widely grown and popular basil, renowned for its use in Italian dishes. Commonly sold dried in supermarkets. It has a licorice clove flavor.
- Bush or Greek basil: has a strong aroma but a mild flavor, so can be substituted for sweet basil. It forms a compact bush with small leaves and grows well in pots.
- Thai basil: has an anise and licorice flavor and is commonly used in Thai and Southeast Asian dishes.
- Cinnamon Basil: native to Mexico. It has a flavor and scent similar to cinnamon. Commonly served with legumes or spicy sautéed vegetables.
- Lettuce Basil: Features large, wrinkled, soft leaves with a licorice-like flavor. Works well in salads or tossed with tomatoes and olive oil.
The basil commonly used in supplements and herbal teas is holy basil - sometimes called tulsi - which is the species O. tenuiflorum, also known as O. sanctum. It is added to some Thai dishes for its distinct flavor.
Health Benefits of Holy Basil
Holy basil(Ocimum tenuiflorum) is not like the sweet basil in your mother's marinara sauce or the Thai herb you use to flavor a steaming bowl of pho.
This green leafy plant, also known as Ocimum sanctum L. and tulsi, is native to Southeast Asia. It has a history in Indian medicine as a treatment for many conditions, from eye diseases to ringworm.
From leaves to seed, holy basil is considered a tonic for the body, mind and spirit. Different parts of the plant are recommended for the treatment of different conditions:
- its fresh flowers for bronchitis.
- its leaves and seeds, with black pepper, for malaria.
- the whole plant for diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
- the pill and form of the ointment for eczema.
- an alcoholic extract for gastric ulcers and eye diseases.
- an essential oil made from the leaves for insect bites.
Many studies support the use of the entire holy basil plant for human use and its therapeutic value. The Trusted Source nutritional value is also high, as it contains:
- vitamin A and C
- calcium
- zinc
- iron
- chlorophyll
Always talk to your doctor before taking supplements. Like many supplements, holy basil is not approved as a first-line treatment. It may also interact with medications you're already taking.
Reduce stress and anxiety
All parts of the holy basil plant act as an adaptogen. An adaptogen is a natural substance that helps the body adapt to stress and promotes mental balance.
The concept of an adaptogen is a holistic approach. But scientific research shows that holy basil has pharmacological properties to help your mind cope with many types of stress.
The source of your stress can be:
- chemical
- physical
- infectious
- emotional
In cases of physical stress, holy basil has been known to increase resistance in animals. Animals that had extracts of holy basil leaves and went through environmentally induced stress scenarios showed:
- enhanced metabolism
- improved swimming time
- less tissue damage
- lower stress levels in noisy environments
Human and animal studies have seen a reduction in:
- fatigue
- sexual problems
- sleep problems
- forgetfulness
- exhaustion
According to the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, holy basil has antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties comparable to diazepam and antidepressant drugs. These studies looked at the leaves.
One study found that people who took 500 milligrams (mg) of holy basil extract every day felt less anxious, stressed, and depressed. People also felt more sociable.
Ayurvedic practitioners recommend drinking holy basil as a tea using the leaves. And since it is caffeine free, it is fine and also recommended to drink daily. The act of drinking tea can be as ritualistic and calming as yoga. It promotes clear thoughts, relaxation and a sense of well-being.
But if the bitter, spicy taste of basil isn't your thing, a supplement is available in pill form or as an alcoholic extract. There is less risk of contamination when you take an herb in its natural form.
Protect against infection and heal wounds
Extracts made from its leaves are believed to increase the speed and strength of wound healing. Holy basil is:
- antibacterial
- antiviral
- antifungal
- anti-inflammatory
- analgesic (a painkiller)
Some people even use holy basil after surgery to heal and protect their wounds. Holy basil increases wound breaking strength, healing time, and contraction. Breaking strength refers to the pressure or weight a wound can take before it breaks.
Research shows that holy basil can work against infections and wounds, such as:
- mouth ulcers
- keloids
- raised scars
- acne
