Health Benefits of Basil

Basil is said to be the "King of all herbs." In India, it is termed as "Holy Basil"  and is worshiped as a form of incarnation and God. It is also a sacred plant for Hindus and grown in pots near the temples and outside almost every Hindu home. Basil is attributed to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna according to Hindu mythology and is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine where it is called Tulsi or Holy Tulsi.

 It is recommended that if you will take 5 leaves of Basil or tulsi on a daily basis dipped in tea, then you do not need to go to the doctor. Basil herb is best to cure ailments of nervous and digestive system.

Basil is also;

• used to treat respiratory tract problems such as cough, cold, bronchitis, and asthma and improves blood circulation.
• a well known antiseptic, analgesic, and antidepressant.
• a carminative with antispasmodic properties.
• an emmenagogue (herb which stimulates blood flow.
• a natural expectorant and treats chronic and acute cough.
• a natural febrifuge (a medication that reduces fever).
• stimulates the adrenal cortex and stomach.
• a natural tonic and aphrodisiac.

There many kinds of flavonoids that is found in basil, which help to protect cells and chromosomes from damage. Studies have shown that two of these flavonoids in particular, orientin and vicenin, are useful in protecting cell structures and chromosomes from damage by radiation and oxygen.

Basil essential oil has been found to help stop the growth of several types of bacteria, many of which have become resistant to antibiotics. This essential oil has been found to inhibit growth of the widespread staphylococcus, enterococcus, pseudomonas, and e. coli bacteria, among others. Adding basil to your vinaigrette will both enhance the flavor, and ensure that the fresh salad greens are safe to eat.

Eugenol, which is found in essential oil of basil, provides an anti-inflammatory effect, by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. Aspirin and Ibuprofen work by blocking this same enzyme. So, basil can have healing benefits, and provide relief from the symptoms of inflammatory problems, like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions.

Basil is also a good source of vitamin A, which helps to prevent damage to the cells by free radicals. Vitamin A also prevents free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in the blood stream, preventing the cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels.

Magnesium is also present in basil. This essential mineral helps the heart and blood vessels to relax, improving blood flow. Other nutrients found in basil include iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C.

Benefits of Basil Oil Massage

• In Nervous System, Basil treats depression, stress, fatigue or tiredness, anxiety, headaches, neuralgia, and migraines. Basil is also used to treat the brain numbness with essential basil oil by inhalations, massage, etc.
• In Circulatory System, Basil helps in stimulation of blood circulation and works as a tonic.
• In Digestive System, Basil cures indigestion, nausea, and gastric spasm.
• In Respiratory System, Basil treats asthma, cough, cold, phlegm in the lungs, sinus congestion, and loss of smell with the use of basil oil by inhalations, massage, dilution in the chest.
• In skin, Basil works as an insect repellent and makes the skin smooth, flaccid, and toned.
• In Reproductive System, basil works as an emmenagogue which helps in stimulation of the delay or lack of menstruation. Basil relieves cramps. It is taken in form of oil with massage and dilution.

 

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