Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an ancient herb that was cultivated 5000 years ago in Asia. The species that developed in India is holy basil – Ocimum tenuiflorum – (formerly called Ocimum sanctum), that is highly regarded in the Ayurvedic medical system of that country.
Culinary Use
Sweet basil is a popular herb for the garden, and sprouts from seed very easily and quickly. It is an excellent source of vitamin K, which aids normal blood clotting, and a very good source of calcium, iron and vitamin A. And, it is packed with healthy antioxidants.
In the garden, watch it closely and begin to harvest it way before flowering; in fact, to facilitate bushing of the plant, snip back to the second or third leaf stem from the top. Probably the most famous use of basil, other than serving atop fresh tomatoes, is pesto sauce.
Antibacterial Properties
Reported in the July 2003 issue of the Journal of Microbiology Methods, researchers found that basil essential or volatile oil repressed the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, commonly called Staph, and other bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics. In addition, Belgium researchers reported in the February 2004 issue of Food Microbiology, that rinsing lettuce in a solution of 1% basil (or thyme) oil and water, kills the bacteria Shigella that causes diarrhea.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
In 2002 Argentine researchers conducted studies in mice that found the chemical eugenol, in basil volatile oil, performs the same way as the anti-inflammatory aspirin and ibuprofen, in that it blocks a Cox enzyme in the body that causes pain. Customarily, people have used basil for just this purpose as a fever-reducer. In addition, University of Michigan researchers recently found that eugenol gives basil its strong aroma.
Keep Away Insects
Traditionally, basil leaves crushed and rubbed on the skin repel insect bites and offer relief to the itching of a bite that has already occurred. Scientifically, basil volatile oil– specifically eugenol – works to deter ticks; this 2008 information is according to Italian researchers.
Soothe Away Anxiety
By tradition, stressed-out people use diluted basil essential oil as a refreshing massage to ease nervous exhaustion, and for the relief of headaches. It is O. tenuiflorum that has been looked at extensively in animal studies. Researchers claim holy basil reduces the stress hormone cortisol, and this makes it renowned as an anti-stress natural healing aid. Among many other claims, O. tenuiflorum is recognized for offering mental clarity.
The Popular Herb Basil
Sweet basil is one of the most recognizable and aromatic herbs in the garden. Besides its complete acceptance as a top culinary herb with its healthy antioxidants, it has traditional uses as an insect repellent and a nervousness-reducer. So far, scientists have discovered promising antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects in animal studies.
Do not use basil essential oil if pregnant.
This is an educational article only. Seek the advice of your health care provider especially if taking prescription drugs.
Reference
“Health Benefits of Basil Essential Oil.” Organic Facts, accessed July 26, 2009.
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