Basil tea has valuable properties for health and well-being

Basil is very aromatic and widely used in cooking, not only for its aroma, but also for the unique flavor it gives to foods. What not everyone knows is that the herb can still be used to prepare basil tea, a great ally for those looking for more health and well-being through food.

Ana Paula Moura (CRN 95100221), clinical nutritionist, phytotherapist and nutritional coaching, comments that basil tea has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antibacterial, analgesic and digestive properties, among other effects. She checks out the main advantages that tea offers, learn how to consume it and clarify your main doubts about it.

12 benefits of basil tea

Understand why basil tea can be a great ally of good health and well-being, according to Ana Paula:

1. Improves digestion;
2. It has an expectorant function, helping to prevent respiratory problems;
3. It has antipyretic action, helping to improve fever;
4. Contributes to the proper functioning of the kidneys;
5. Helps fight anxiety and stress as it has anxiolytic action;
6. Relieves headaches;
7. Controls inflammation in the body;
8. It is an ally in the slimming process (especially due to its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties);
9. Prevents premature aging due to its antioxidant properties (which fight free radicals);
10. Contributes to oral health, preventing gingivitis, bad breath, among other problems, due to antimicrobial properties;
11. It has a carminative effect, preventing the formation of intestinal gas;
12. It has antispasmodic action, treating and/or preventing muscle spasms.

Basil tea is still very much appreciated in aromatherapy for providing energy cleanses.

Questions about basil tea

As it has numerous valuable properties, many doubts arise about the consumption of basil tea. See below for clarification on the main issues.

Basil tea for weight loss?

Ana Paula replies that he does not have this objective directly. “But as it relieves stress, provides better digestion, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, tea ends up playing an important (albeit secondary) role in weight loss.”

Basil tea in pregnancy, what is it for?

There is no evidence of any benefit of basil tea for pregnant women. “The only tea recommended and approved by numerous herbal studies for use in pregnancy is ginger. The others need to be evaluated by the obstetrician responsible for the pregnant woman”, warns Ana Paula.

Can basil tea be used to treat urinary tract infection?

Yes, according to Ana Paula, it can be beneficial in these cases, due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions.

Is basil tea good for the flu?

The nutritionist and phytotherapist highlights that it is a great option. “This is because the essential oils present in the plant relieve fever and mucus in the chest and nose, and the tea is an excellent ally in the treatment of respiratory diseases”, she explains.

Does basil tea regulate high blood pressure?

Ana Paula explains that tea helps control blood pressure due to its diuretic property, reducing fluid retention and excess sodium.

It is worth remembering that no tea or food has any effect when consumed sporadically and/or in isolation. Therefore, to enjoy the benefits of basil tea, it is necessary to have a healthy lifestyle and, preferably, consume it according to the guidelines of a nutritionist or other health professional.

Contraindications of Basil Tea

Although completely natural, basil tea has some contraindications. According to Ana Paula, it should not be consumed by pregnant women, lactating women, children under 12, people with very low blood pressure and people allergic to the plant.

4 basil tea recipes

The preparation of basil tea is simple, through infusion. Check out some preparation options:

1. Simple basil tea

Ingredients

• 1 liter of water
• 10 basil leaves

Preparation mode

1. Heat the water, when it starts to boil, add the leaves and turn off the heat;
2. Cover with a pan lid for about 10 minutes;
3. Strain and drink, preferably unsweetened.

2. Basil tea with mint

Ingredients

• 1 liter of water
• 10 basil leaves
• 10 mint leaves

Preparation mode

1. Boil the water;
2. Add the mint and basil leaves and turn off the heat;
3. Cover with the lid of a pan for about 10 minutes;
4. Strain and consume the tea without sweetening.

3. Purple basil tea

Ingredients

• 1 liter of water
• 10 purple basil leaves

Preparation mode

1. Boil the water;
2. Add the purple basil leaves and turn off the heat;
3. Cover with the lid of a pan for about 10 minutes;
4. Strain and consume the tea without sweetening.

4. Basil tea with rosemary

Ingredients

• 1 liter of water
• 10 basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon rosemary

Preparation mode

1. Boil the water;
2. Add the basil leaves and rosemary and turn off the heat;
3. Cover with the lid of a pan for about 10 minutes;
4. Strain and consume the tea without sweetening.

You can also include lemon, green tea, ginger, among other ingredients in basil tea to vary the preparation whenever you want.

According to Ana Paula, basil tea can be consumed three times a day, in the morning, afternoon and evening.

Basil tea offers interesting health benefits, but for that, it must be consumed regularly and within a balanced diet. The ideal is not to sweeten this type of tea, but if you cannot consume it that way, use some natural sweetener (xylitol, for example), brown sugar or honey, preferably following the guidelines of a nutritionist or herbalist. Also get to know Desinchá, a tea that promises to deflate and reduce measurements.

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.