An array of flavonoids exist in basil, which help to protect cells and chromosomes from damage. Studies have shown that two of these flavonoids in particular, orientin and vicenin, are useful in protecting cell structures and chromosomes from damage by radiation and oxygen.
Essential oil of basil has been shown to inhibit the growth of several types of bacteria, many of which have become resistant to antibiotics. This essential oil has been found to inhibit growth of the widespread staphylococcus, enterococcus, pseudomonas, and e. coli bacteria, among others. Adding basil to your vinaigrette will both enhance the flavor, and ensure that the fresh salad greens are safe to eat.
Eugenol, which is found in essential oil of basil, provides an anti-inflammatory effect, by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. Aspirin and Ibuprofen work by blocking this same enzyme. So, basil can have healing benefits, and provide relief from the symptoms of inflammatory problems, like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions.
Basil is also a good source of vitamin A, which helps to prevent damage to the cells by free radicals. Vitamin A also prevents free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in the blood stream, preventing the cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels.
Magnesium is also present in basil. This essential mineral helps the heart and blood vessels to relax, improving blood flow. Other nutrients found in basil include iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C.
The fresh, spicy flavor and scent of basil will wake up any boring salad or soup. Use fresh basil whole, or shredded to add a burst of flavor to your dinner. If you are using fresh basil in a cooked dish, add it towards the end of cooking, so that the volatile oils will not be dissipated by the heat.
Insalata Caprese is a simple salad, utilizing tomatoes, fresh mozzerella cheese, basil, and olive oil.
1/2 pound, fresh mozzerella, sliced 1/4 inch thick.
2 large tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick.
1 cup fresh basil leaves.
salt and pepper
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.
On a serving plate, arrange the mozzerella and tomato around the edge, alternating mozzerella and tomato slices.
Tear up the basil leaves, and sprinkle them on top of the tomatoes and mozerella cheese.
Season with a bit of salt and pepper.
Just before serving, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad.
Serves 4.
Health Benefits Of Basil
Native to India, basil was held in great reverence and was used by Indians to swear their oaths in court upon.
In Italy, on the other hand, it symbolises love.. Italian suitors signalled their love by courting with a sprig of basil in their hair. In Mexico it is carried around in the hope of returning a lover's roving eye.
Tulsi because of its great healing property has been indicated in variety of diseases. Being ushan (hot) in potency it is regarded as vata and kapha suppressant, hence all the diseases caused by vata and kapha can be treated with the help of tulsi.
Today herbalists recommend basil for nausea and motion sickness, because of basil's antispasmodic properties. Basil's strong taste promotes the production of saliva, letting the body digest food properly.
Basil has a powerful essential oil that contains methyl chavicol. Fresh basil contains folic acid, and dried basil is a good source of potassium, iron and calcium. Dried basil is also good for the respiratory system and can be used to treat nose and throat infections.
Health Benefits of Basil
Basil also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, making it a good food to consume by people who have problems with arthritis. It does this in a manner similar to aspirin. An oil in basil called eugenol blocks the activity of an enzyme in the body called cyclooxygenase. The enzyme would normally cause swelling.
Respiratory Disorder: The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a liter of water till only half the water is left and add then taken.
* Basil tea:
The infusion is prepared of 1-2 spoonfuls of basil leaves, shredded, boiled in 250 ml of water. The tea is left to infuse 2 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups a day. It is recommended to drink a cup after every meal. This tea treats distention and intestinal colics, gastric ulcer, anorexia, urinary infections, diarrhea.
In case of diabetes, the tea should be consumed unsweetened, but in all the other cases can be sweetened with bee honey. The tea for throat wash will be prepared like a decoction with 2 spoonfuls of shredded leaves at 100 ml of water. It will be used to treat mouth lesion, inflammation and erosion.
*Basil tincture:
20 g of minced basil plants are left to macerate in 100 ml of 70 degrees alcohol. The macerating process lasts 15 days. After macerating, it is filtered and put in a well sealed bottle. For internal use is administered to children 3-5 drops in 100 ml of water 3 times a day. Adults take a spoonful of tincture in 100 ml of water, 3 times a day. For external use the tincture will be diluted in water in a ratio of 1/5 and can go to 1/10 for more sensible patients. In case of insect stings, wounds, eczema, tampon with tincture or apply compresses.
DISCLAIMER: These are only general guidelines as a first aid. It is always better to see a doctor depending upon the intensity of the case. The views expressed above are entirely those of the author.
Both Tim Sousa & Brain are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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