Basil, a part of the mint family, has got its name from the Greek word ‘basilikohn’ which denotes “royal”. The various health benefits of basil have made it one of the most widely-known herbs in households all over the world. In India, the ‘Queen of herbs’ has long been used to treat such conditions like bronchitis, cough, cold, etc. Chinese people used basil since the ancient times to treat epilepsy. Greeks used it as an aphrodisiac and also for treating headache.
Health Benefits of Basil Herb:
Listed below are numerous health benefits of basil herb:
- Fever Cure: Fever is a symptom that is caused mainly because of infections from different microbes. Such microbes can be various protozoa causing malaria, bacteria causing thyroid, various flu viruses, etc. The presence of mineral oils and phytonutrients in basil can be effective in preventing various kinds of microbial infections.
- Cure for Respiratory Diseases: Experts believe that the presence of antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties can help in treating various respiratory diseases. Apart from it, the presence of essential oils and phytonutrients can help in giving relief from congestion and difficulty in breathing. This can help in treating asthma.
- Cure for Lung Disorders: It is suggested that the compounds present in basil can help in treating various lung disorders. Such diseases can be tuberculosis, lung cancer, etc. Basil not only can treat congestion in our lungs, it can also heal damages of our lungs.
- Stress Cure: The presence of antioxidants such as vitamin C and others present in basil can reduce stress caused by free radicals. Basil can also help in soothing nerves and in keeping blood pressure down, thereby reducing stress.
- Dental Care: It is believed that the antibacterial property of basil leaves can help in preventing plaques, dental cavities, bad breath, etc. In addition, basil can help in strengthening the hold of gums and can prevent teeth from falling.
- Cure for Heart Diseases: It is believed that the presence of antioxidants including vitamin C can prevent heart diseases. Protection of heart can be possible by preventing cellular damage caused by free radicals. In addition, the presence of magnesium in basil can help in relaxing heart muscles and blood vessels. This can help in promoting blood flow, thereby treating arrhythmia or spasm of heart muscles.
- Cure for Kidney Stones: It is suggested that basil can help in curing kidney stones because of its detoxifying and mildly diuretic properties. Such properties can help in keeping the level of uric acid concentration down in blood through increased urination. Apart from it, the presence of components such as acetic acid in basil essential oil can help in breaking kidney stones.
- Immune System Booster: It is believed that because of its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, basil can give protection from nearly all sorts of infections. This can help in boosting our immune system, keeping us healthy.
Apart from its various health benefits, basil is widely known as a seasoning herb. It is used for making various types of mouth-watering dishes the world over.
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