Basil - Nature Cures®

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Also known as Ocimum basilicum

Basil is an amazing medicinal herb that provides some huge benefits to overall health. Regular consumption can help the body to fight skin diseases, first stages of many cancers and strengthen the immune system. Components in basil have a balancing effect on the nervous system and hormones.

A basil tea is good for lowering blood sugar levels and blood pressure and can treat difficult urination, fever, flu, hay fever, headaches, kidney and bladder disorders, memory problems, migraines, nasal congestion and nervous conditions.

Basil is a natural remedy for kidney stones as it can strengthen the kidneys. Drinking two to three cups of basil tea everyday can help to alleviate the discomfort of kidney stones and treat all the conditions mentioned.

Make a basil tea

A tea made of one handful of leaves to one pint of water simmered gently for 10 minutes with a small handful of crushed black peppercorns is an effective remedy. Strain after simmering and add a teaspoon of raw pure honey then sip two to three cups per day.

NOTE: Adding the juice of one lemon and a tablespoon of pure unpasteurised apple cider vinegar will provide addition powerful health benefits.

Intestinal benefits of basil

Basil is a herbal antibiotic, antiseptic, carminative and appetiser that benefits the stomach during digestion and can provide immediate relief from constipation, flatulence, indigestion, nausea, stomach cramps and vomiting. It can also improve nutrient absorption and clear and relieve abdominal distension.

Its powerful anti-inflammatory properties can also provide relief for inflamed bowel conditions such as colitis, IBS, Crohn’s disease and coeliac disease.

Pain and inflammation relief

The essential oil of basil contains eugenol which works similarly to aspirin and ibuprofen in decreasing the swelling in joints and tissues to provide relief from arthritis, cramps, fibromyalgia, joint pain and rheumatism. It can also relieve congestion and respiratory disorders due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory components.

Antimicrobial properties of basil

Because of its antibacterial and antiviral properties it is also effective against bacterial infections, intestinal parasites and the viruses that cause colds, flu, herpes, mononucleosis and shingles.

How basil benefits the heart

Basil is a rich source of magnesium which relaxes muscles and blood vessels and supports cardiovascular health by lowering the risk of irregular heart rhythms and spasms.

Basil is also nerve tissue strengthening, a heart tonic, oxygenates the body, cleanses the brain, relieves depression and the effects of poisons, prevents the accumulation of fat in the body, especially for women after menopause.

Beneficial compounds in basil

Calcium
Cinnamate
Copper (the organic form needed to absorb iron)
Eugenol
Geraniol
Iron
Linalool
Magnesium
Manganese
Potassium
Vitamin A
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Vitamin C
Vitamin K

External uses of basil

Basil’s fungicidal properties also aid in healing wounds, skin rashes, warts and insect bites. Crush fresh leaves in a small amount of pure coconut oil, apply to the skin and wrap with a fresh bandage daily.

Basil can work as a natural antihistamine to treat hives. Heat a couple sprigs of basil leaves up under some steam and apply gently to the hives. Basil may help to reassure the body that the foreign agent causing the hives is not something it should be fighting.

Externally, diluted essential oil can also be useful for acne, hives, insect bites and skin infections.

NOTE: Essential oil is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women or people with high blood pressure.

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