The Benefits Of Basil

By Victor Rival


The word basil is taken from the Greek word Basilicum, meaning "king" or "royal". It is a fairly small annual herb that typically grows up to 3 feet (1 meter) in height. Basil is a thick-stemmed plant with larger lush, leaves and small, delicate flowers that range in color from white to pink.

The color of the Basil plant, stems and leaves can also range in color from a vibrant, radiant green to a deep, dark purple. Basil is also known as "Sacred Tulsi" or "Holy Basil". It is cultivated and known for around 5000 years. The tropical regions of Asia, Iran and India were the producers and consumers of basil for a long time.

The basil plant grows between 30-130 cm tall and has light green, silky leaves that are approximately 3-11 cm long and 1-6 cm broad. The flowers are very big and white in color. They arrange themselves along the plant in a spike shape. The basil plant is extremely sensitive to cold, as it grows best in hot, dry conditions.

Basil is not only a flavoring, but a definite source of health benefits. One study done by the University of Baroda in India found basil to help to lower fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyercide levels significantly. Basil may also help non-insulin-dependent diabetics to control their diabetes. Additional research has found that basil can also be useful for killing intestinal parasites, treating acne, and stimulating the immune system.

Basil oil is believed to possess biologically active constituents that may be insecticidal, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. It is believed to assist with such things as Bronchitis, asthma, colds, coughs, exhaustion, flatulence, flu, gout, insect bites, insect repellent, muscle aches, constipation, nausea, rheumatism, sinus congestion, mental clarity, steady nerves, migraines, fevers, menstrual problems and ear infections.

In the world of perfume making, basil is considered a top note. Top notes are often the first recognizable scent that evaporates in short time. These essential oils are typically refreshing and mentally stimulating. Basil offers a clean, clear, light, peppery and sweet aroma. And offering the greatest benefits often contain rich levels of methyl chavicol, eugenol linalool, camphor, and methyl cinnamate.

For aromatherapy purposes, Basil Oil has a warming effect to it as well. You can blend Basil Essential Oil with Sunflower Oil to make a fantastic massage oil. Because Basil Oil is used to treat depression and fatigue, a gentle massage from your significant other is not only relaxing, it calms your nerves and gives you an overwhelming feeling of content.

Basil grows just about anywhere which makes it easy for the amateur gardener to grow some on the kitchen windowsill all year round. Around the world, basil has been used as medicine for generations. When one considers that basil also tastes great, it is easy to see why mankind has been cultivating this impressive spice for thousands of years. Fresh basil is always best because it will have the highest nutrient value.




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