Properties and benefits of basil: uses and contraindications

Il basil (Ocimum basilicum) is one of the most used aromatic plants in cooking, and in addition to its extraordinary versatility, it has numerous beneficial properties for healthDigestive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant, it also has natural calming and relaxing properties. Basil has other uses besides its culinary counterparts: in particular, basil essential oil is used for aromatherapy and poultices with fresh leaves against insect bites and skin irritations.

Index of topics

Origins

The origins of basil are in India and in other tropical regions of theAsia (such as Iran and Southeast Asia), and date back over 5.000 years. In India, it was used both in cooking and in Ayurvedic medicine, and especially the tulsi variety, in religious rites. Basil was later known and used by the Greeks and Romans, who had discovered it following trade with the East, and since then it has spread throughout Italy and has become a key ingredient of Mediterranean cuisine.

The plant and the parts used

Basil is a fragrant annual plant with a slender root, a firm, erect, branchy stem up to 50 centimetres tall, entire, slightly serrated, glossy green leaves, and small, white or pink flowers clustered in inflorescences at the leaf axils with a corolla of 5 irregular petals with 4 yellow stamens. The parts of basil used are the leaves, which should be consumed when fresh.They are harvested from May to the end of September, but the basil plant's season can also be extended, especially if we manage to grow it at home.

Nutritional properties

Five fresh basil leaves, corresponding to approximately 2,5 grams, provide a calorie e:

2,30 grams of water
0,08 g of protein
0,02 g of lipids, including 0,001 g of saturated fatty acids, 0,002 g of monounsaturated fatty acids and 0,010 g of polyunsaturated fatty acids
0,07 grams of carbohydrates
0,01 g of sugars
7 mg of vitamin A
0,4 mg of vitamin C
0,023 mg of niacin
0,022 mg of pantothenic acid

Benefits

The benefits of basil, thanks to its properties, are truly numerous.

Antioxidant propertiesIt contains flavonoids, polyphenols, and vitamin C, which help fight free radical damage in the body, helping protect cells and slow the aging process. Thanks to these substances, it helps maintain heart health.
It has an anti-inflammatory action: relieves symptoms related to conditions such as arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.
Improves digestionBasil is known for its carminative properties, which help reduce bloating and abdominal cramps. It can also stimulate the appetite and promote digestion, also based on its characteristics as a natural diuretic.
Supports the immune system: thanks to the presence of Vitamin C and other compounds, basil helps strengthen the immune system, protecting the body from infections.
Antibacterial and antiviral: Some studies suggest that basil may have these qualities.
Relaxing and anti-stressBasil is also used for its properties in improving the body's response to emotional or physical stress, making it an excellent natural calming agent.
Blood sugar stabilizer: Some research indicates that basil may help keep blood sugar levels stable, making it useful for those suffering from diabetes or to prevent the onset of the disease.

The properties of basil are more evident when the leaves are consumed very fresh.

Uses of basil in cooking

The recipes that include and enhance basil are truly endless. Among these, we highlight some of the most important:

Basil essential oil

Basil essential oil, which is prepared only with fresh leaves, is used in aromatherapy, phytotherapy, especially for relieve stress. e headache, and in natural cosmetics. It is used through a room diffuser (4-6 drops are enough), or it is diluted in a vegetable oil (for example almond oil) for massages and localized applications.

Basil poultices

Basil poultices, easy to prepare with the fresh leaves of the plant, are precious in case of insect bites: They reduce itching, redness, and swelling. They can also be effective for skin irritations and for disinfecting minor wounds, given basil's antibacterial properties.

Basil infusion

Basil infusion, very easy to prepare, is suggested as an effective natural remedy for the oral cavity.

Ingredients

10-15 fresh basil leaves (you can increase or decrease the quantity according to taste)
1 cup of water (about 250 ml)
Honey or sugar (optional)

Preparation

Bring bring water to a boil in a saucepan.
Meantime, wash the basil leaves well.
Once that the water is boiling, turn off the heat and add the basil leaves to the water.
Cover with a lid and leave to infuse for 5-10 minutes, depending on how intense you want the basil flavor to be.
Filter the water, after the infusion, to remove the basil leaves.
Sweeten: the suggestion is to use the honey.

Gargling and rinsing with basil infusion are an excellent remedy against oral inflammation.

Contraindications of basil

Aside from the possibility of being allergic to this unique and fragrant herb, it's important to keep in mind that basil contains vitamin K, which can affect blood clotting. If basil leaves are taken in combination with anticoagulant medications (such as warfarin), interactions may occur that reduce the effectiveness of the drugs. It's always advisable to consult a doctor if you're taking anticoagulants.

If consumed in excessive quantities, basil may cause digestive disorders such as heartburn or nausea, especially in people with pre-existing gastrointestinal problems. Finally, during pregnancy, consuming large amounts of basil may not be safe, as it may stimulate uterine contractions or affect hormones. It is best consumed in moderation. Even during pregnancy,nursing, it is advisable to avoid excessive use.

Basil: Benefits, Uses, and Contraindications