Basil: benefit, harm, application

Indians consider basil to be a sacred plant. And in our country it is appreciated for its special piquant taste and spicy aroma. Basil is most often used as a seasoning for meat dishes. But it also has other useful properties.

The benefits of basil

Most of the beneficial properties that basil has are due to the high content in its leaves. essential oils... Their share reaches 1.5%. It is the essential oil that gives the basil leaves a delicate taste and pleasant aroma. Basil oil contains substances useful for the normalization of the heart and the activity of the respiratory system. Basil stems contain many tannins and minerals that have an antibacterial effect. There are few vitamins in the basil, but those that are present are useful for the treatment of a number of diseases.

This plant is able to heal wounds and relieve muscle spasms. The antibacterial effect of basil can hardly be overestimated; the plant can be successfully used to treat all sorts of inflammations in the body. Basil is useful for improving the condition of hair and nails, for this the plant contains beta-carotene, which is responsible for the synthesis of vitamin A. In addition, basil contains vitamins PP and C. These substances are useful for strengthening the vascular walls and improving the functioning of the heart.

Basil harm

Like any other product, basil is able to bring not only benefits, but also have harmful effects on the health of some people. Basil ingredients can cause unwanted effects:

• Basil is harmful to people with diabetes, thrombophlebitis and hypertension due to the content of mercury compounds.
• Basil is harmful for pregnant women, with epilepsy, various ailments of the heart.
• For some people suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, basil is harmful due to its high content of essential oils.

• Basil infusions are not recommended for children under 8 years old due to possible individual intolerance to some components.

But in general, basil is extremely beneficial for the body. The effect on the human body should be judged depending on the individual condition and characteristics, as well as on the amount of greens eaten. In the presence of chronic diseases, it is better to consult a doctor before using basil.

Basil application

This spice can be successfully used for toning and as an aphrodisiac for problems with the nervous system. Basil can improve appetite and have a beneficial effect on digestion process.

Basil herb infusion can be used to reduce body temperature, relieve cramps, and also as an antiseptic and to relieve pain. Basil can be used to improve digestion when high blood pressure and also as a relaxing agent.

To relax and calm the nervous system, it is useful to take warm baths with basil essential oil. Basil essential oils can be used to make a healing ointment or compress.

In addition to grass, it is useful to use other parts of the plant. For example, basil root effectively treats intestinal infections, flowers are used as a sedative, and fruits are useful for treating dysentery.

Basil is widely used in cooking. They are especially fond of adding herb to Asian, Azerbaijani and American cuisine. I use it most often for meat dishes. This gives the food a pleasant taste and unique aroma, and shortens the cooking process.