Drinking boiled basil has several health benefits, the most prominent of which are:
- Calms the nervous system: Basil contains compounds that help calm the nervous system and reduce stress and anxiety, which helps improve mood and reduce psychological stress.
- Promoting digestion: Basil is considered one of the beneficial herbs for the digestive system, as it stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes, helps relieve gas and bloating, and improves the digestive process.
- Supporting respiratory health: Basil contains compounds that help relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections such as cough and nasal congestion, and may help purify the respiratory system and relieve respiratory allergies.
- Promoting heart health: Basil seeds contain antioxidant compounds that help strengthen cardiovascular health, reduce harmful cholesterol levels and enhance blood circulation.
- Improving immunity: Basil contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help boost and strengthen the immune system, making the body more able to fight diseases and infections.
Basil herb can be eaten in several ways, including:
- Tea : Dried basil leaves can be placed in a cup of boiling water and left for a few minutes until the flavor and active compounds are transferred to the water. The taste can be improved by adding honey or lemon as desired.
- Spices and seasonings : Fresh basil leaves can be used as a seasoning in various dishes, such as salads, pasta, and main dishes. They are usually added at the end of the cooking process to preserve their fresh flavor.
- Essential Oil: Basil essential oil can be used for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes. It is applied topically to the skin or inhaled through a vaporizer, and is considered effective in calming the nerves and improving mood.
- Supplements: Basil is also available in the form of nutritional supplements such as dried basil capsules or basil oil. It is best to consult a physician or qualified expert before taking any nutritional supplement.
What are the benefits and harms of basil?
Basil is a medicinal herb that has many health benefits, but it may also have some side effects for some people. Here is an overview from Atara Shop of the benefits of basil and some possible side effects:
Benefits of basil:
- Calms the nervous system: Basil helps calm the nerves and relieve stress and anxiety.
- Promoting respiratory health: Basil helps relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections such as cough and nasal congestion.
- Improving digestion: Green basil leaves help enhance the digestion process and relieve gas and bloating.
- Supporting heart health: Basil contributes to enhancing heart health and strengthening blood vessels.
- Antioxidant: Basil contains antioxidants that help fight damage caused by free radicals in the body.
Possible side effects of basil:
- Interaction with medications: Basil may interact with some medications, such as anticoagulants, so you should consult a doctor before taking it if you are taking any medications.
- Allergies: Basil may cause allergic reactions in some people with itching, rash, and redness. Its use should be discontinued if allergic symptoms appear.
- Anticoagulant effect: Basil can affect the clotting process, and thus may cause an increase in wound bleeding or a decrease in the clotting rate.
- Effect on pregnancy: Pregnant women are advised to avoid using basil in large quantities, as it can affect hormones and pregnancy.
It should be noted that when taking medicinal herbs, the recommended dosage and special warnings and directions for each herb must be taken into account. The effect of basil on individuals may vary depending on the individual health condition and interaction with other medications, so it is recommended to consult with a doctor or qualified expert before starting its use.