04/06/2020
Basil is effective and divinely powerful
Basil, with its characteristic scents, is a spicy, medicinal and “sacred” plant. Originally from India, monks brought it to Europe in the 12th century. The Orthodox Church, Hindus and many other peoples attribute basil to divine power.
Records show that they knew of basil in ancient Egypt. The Romans identified this herb with love and devotion, and believed that the man would forever love the woman from whom he gets a basil sprig, while in India it was nurtured as a symbol of welcome.
As a spice, basil gives taste to dishes, improves digestion of heavy foods and keeps it from spoiling. Cooks recommend it as a supplement to dishes made from potatoes, corn, cauliflower and eggplant. In Mediterranean cuisine, it is an integral part of pasta sauces and toppings. Dried basil has a stronger taste than fresh, so it should be added to stews and various other vegetable dishes, such as peas and beans, but also to salads and spreads.
Traditional medicine also appreciates the healing properties of basil. It is used against cough, kidney disease, headache and depression, and in the form of tea to relieve menstrual problems. Its leaf juice is to fight colds and ear infections, and is seen as restorative. It is also effective in inflammation of the urinary tract, to eliminate insomnia and relieve nervousness, and stimulate appetite.
Medical research has shown that fresh basil successfully treats painful and swollen joints, especially from arthritis. Experts claim that the leaves of this plant act similarly to the anti-inflammatory drug Diclofenac. Eugenol, which gives the basil a distinctive aroma, and is found most in the Asian species, is the key anti-inflammatory ingredient.
Due to its sedative effect, it is not recommended for pregnant women at the beginning of pregnancy or for babies younger than six months.
Powerful antioxidant: Basil has strong antioxidant properties, protecting the body from damage caused by free radicals. At the same time, they prevent cell aging and the occurrence of certain types of cancer. Beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body, is one of its key antioxidants, preventing oxidation of cholesterol in the bloodstream, thus protecting the heart and blood vessels. Basil also strengthens the heart muscle, acting preventively against the onset of a heart attack.
Essential oil: The sweet aromatic basil leaves contain enviable amounts of essential oil, saponin tannin and bitter substances. There are estragole, linalool, cineole and other antiseptic ingredients in the essential oil that destroy harmful bacteria in food, preventing them from multiplying. Due to these characteristics, basil essential oil is an outstanding natural preservative and is also used in the pharmaceutical industry.
For cleaning: The essential oil from this aromatic herb refreshes the skin and cleanses it. In addition, it promotes cellular metabolism, which gives the skin a beautiful appearance.
Facial cleanser recipe: Pour a handful of dried basil with a cup of boiling water and add a tablespoon of powdered milk. When cool, use this solution instead of face cleansing milk. Particularly recommended for dry skin.