5 benefits of basil tea and how to make it tastier

the basil (Ocimum gratissimum) It is an herbaceous plant often confused with basil. It originates from tropical Asia and in Brazil it has been used as a natural seasoning in the preparation of culinary dishes and also to make tea. To learn more about basil tea, nutritionist Joice Oliveira (CRN/RJ 09100489) mentioned its benefits and gave tips on how to make it more delicious. Follow the article!

Benefits of basil tea you didn’t know

According to the nutritionist, basil “has several medicinal benefits: it can be used in the form of essential oil, in the form of dry extract and it is also possible to make tea.” The following are the main benefits of basil tea cited by the professional:

• Antioxidant diets: according to Joice, “Bavaca tea can be used to complement antioxidant diets, as it has the function of preventing premature aging of cells”;
• Treats intestinal worms: Joice reported that basil tea “can be used to help treat intestinal worms, as it has anthelmintic action and helps fight these parasites”;
• It has diaphoretic properties: because it has diaphoretic properties, basil tea helps in the production of sweat, that is, the drink increases perspiration and can help reduce fluid retention. What’s more, the nutritionist said that basil tea “can be taken before training on an empty stomach to increase sweating during physical activity”;
• Improves digestion: tea also acts as a digestive stimulant and gastric antispasmodic, as it aids in the digestion of food. In addition, the nutritionist reported that the drink helps fight constipation;
• Laxative effect: basil has another significant benefit, tea made with the plant can improve constipation and help improve intestinal transit. “The tea has laxative properties, so, in addition to hydrating, it helps to loosen the intestines”, said Joice.

The nutritionist warned that basil tea can cause palpitations and increase sweat production. Therefore, it is not indicated for hypertensive patients, pregnant women and children.

Alfavaca X basil

Basil is easily confused with basil because they belong to the same genus. “The basil plant belongs to the plant genus Ocimum gratissimum, so it causes confusion in some people. Basil is of the same genus, however, it is of another species and is called Ocimum basilicum L”, explained the nutritionist.

How to make basil tea

The professional advised that if you want to use the stem and leaves to prepare the tea, “it is interesting to boil these parts with water, this is called a decoction.” Now if you prefer to make the drink only with the leaves, it is not necessary to boil them, just follow the step by step below:

1. Boil 300ml of water and, when it starts to bubble, turn off the heat;
2. Then, add a handful of basil leaves to the water;
3. Let it rest for 15 minutes;
4. Then just strain and the tea is ready to consume.

You can make the tea tastier, just add a lemon peel or a little piece of ginger. In addition, the nutritionist recommended consuming it right after preparation. “So the tea does not lose polyphenols, substances that help in detox.”

The properties of herbs have been used since ancient civilizations and, like basil tea, there are other types of drink that are beneficial for health. So, learn more about yam tea and how it contributes to the proper functioning of the body!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.