Basil: medicinal properties and how to take it

What is basil: uses and origins

The basil (Ocimum basilicum) is associated from the outset with the flavor of the mediterranean cuisineif goods originally from indiawhere it is usually consecrated to the deity of Vishnu and is used thoroughly in the ayurvedic medicinealong with the very similar holy basil or tulsi.

It was brought to Europe by the Greeks and already in ancient Rome it was used to relieve gas. It is also an irreplaceable ingredient of the rich Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.

Basil traditionally It is planted on balconies and windows in village houses and, according to Font i Quer, it was believed that place snail shells in the pot helped to enliven it.

In addition to his culinary useis known for its effectiveness as insect repellent and its healing properties. For this purpose they are used the leaves and flowers.

It’s used fresh in the kitchen, dry for infusion and, in external usein maceration, compresses, lotions, shampoos and as essential oil.

Growing and caring for a basil plant at home it is becoming more common. Although planting it is easy, stands in pots in most florists.

Basil in the kitchen

By placing it, for example, on the kitchen window sill, you can cut the leavesbig or small, and add them to the dishes completely fresh.

And not just to make a pesto sauce. in recipes of pasta and saladswith ingredients like tomato, lemon or olive oilits penetrating flavor is delicious, which some consider spicy.

Medicinal properties of basil

It contains an essential oil rich in estragole, cineol and eugenol, flavonoids and saponosides. Is considered digestive, aperitif, carminative and antispasmodic. Promotes digestion, reducinggases, theabdominal heavinessflatulence and gastrointestinal cramps.Relieves nausea and the bad taste in the mouth. diuretic acts against the fluid retention and the oliguria.soothes the throat in spasmodic and irritative coughs. Contributes to soothe headachesespecially those of digestive or hepatic origin, and the spasmodic pains of the menstruationHe is also credited with the power to stimulate the production of breast milk.Furthermore, it is slightly sedative and it has been used to calm nerves and irritability. Externally it has been used as an antiseptic, analgesic and healing agent on arthritic pains and muscular, contracturesminor injuries, eczema, boils andgrain.It has also been integrated into lotions and shampoos to strengthen hair.Its essential oil is an excellent muscle relaxant and is applied to contracted and tense areas, such as the neck, neck, neck or back. It is combined with rosemary essential oil and sweet almond oil. and is applied in a gentle massage, twice a day.

Basil infusion against gases

Basil, combined with other plants in infusion, can prevent digestive discomfort.

An excellent herbal formula against gas and flatulence is the one that combine basil with carminative plants like oregano, pennyroyal and chamomilein equal parts.

How to prepare it: One level tablespoon of the mixture is used per glass of water. The water is heated, the plants are infused for five minutes and strained. It is taken after the main meals.

Precautions and contraindications

The essential oil should not be ingestedespecially in the pregnancy and childhood.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”