Basil is one of the most common and well-beloved herbs that you can find in everyone’s kitchen and even in their edible garden. This aromatic green leaf is so easy to grow, and its distinct flavor makes it a favorite garnish or seasoning for many dishes around the world. But did you know that basil is so much more than it seems? Packed in each handful of basil leaves are numerous health benefits for the mind, body, and skin. Here are some of the wonderful things that basil can do for us.
Basil Can Help Fight Stress
Did you know that basil can help alleviate stress? Heightened cortisol levels can cause insomnia, and not getting enough sleep can often lead to stress. However, research has proven that basil can reduce cortisol levels and induce better sleeping patterns. Additionally, the study shows basil as a strong anti-stress agent that can increase physical and mental endurance. Ergo, drinking a cup of basil tea at night can help you reduce stress and anxiety and the headaches that may come with it.
Basil is an Anti-inflammatory Herb
Basil contains tons of essential oils such as eugenol, linalool, and citronellol, with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. These powerful oils can inhibit enzyme activity and, in turn, reduce inflammation in the body. People with health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and inflammatory bowel conditions can do well with adding basil to their everyday diet. Additionally, basil can also help alleviate flu symptoms, cough, colds, and headaches. Brew some basil leaves together with a few chops of ginger, and you’ve got yourself a delicious herbal tea remedy.
Basil Promotes Healthy Digestion
When consumed regularly, basil can improve bowel movement, which is crucial for healthy digestion. In addition, basil helps balance acid in the body and also maintains the body’s proper pH levels. Holy basil, in particular, is perfect for treating acid reflux because it stimulates the stomach to produce more mucus in its inner linings, which prevents acid from hitting the stomach walls. For those looking to shed a few pounds, eating basil can also help reduce bloating and water retention. Try incorporating some fresh basil leaves into your next meal and see the improvement for yourself.
Basil Is Great For Your Skin
It’s no secret that eating fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs can make your skin glow from within. However, if you want to take it a step further, you can harvest basil’s essential oils and apply them topically to give you that extra boost for beautifully supple skin. Basil is an excellent skin cleanser that is perfect for anyone who has oily skin. It can also help remove dirt and impurities which clog your pores and cause acne.
Furthermore, basil is also a well-known anti-aging solution that has been used for centuries because of its abundant amount of antioxidants. These antioxidants can easily rejuvenate your skin and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Many beauty gurus swear by this holy herb as the secret to everlasting youthfulness. If you suffer from eczema and ringworms, basil’s antifungal and antibacterial properties can also combat such skin infections. To test out the astonishing benefits of basil for your skin, tons of beauty products with basil are available on the market. If you opt for a more natural way, you can try making basil paste by mushing leaves with other beneficial herbs, then apply the paste to your face or body.
Basil Is The Perfect Companion Plant
And because this is a gardening site, after all, you didn’t think we were going to end this blog without revealing basil’s gardening benefits, did you? Vegetables like beans, asparagus, cabbage, peppers, eggplant, oregano, marigolds, and tomatoes benefit from basil companion planting. Experienced gardeners have said that growing tomatoes and basil next to each other makes both crops taste better. No wonder why the Italians love to pair these two together in almost everything they eat! More importantly, basil can also attract beneficial insects and repel harmful ones. Bees and butterflies are especially drawn to basil; meanwhile, aphids, asparagus beetles, tomato hornworms, whiteflies, and mosquitoes are warded off by the scent of basil.
And now that you know all these wondrous benefits of basil, we highly suggest you start growing some in your garden or windowsill right now! Don’t worry. We’ll guide you step by step on how to grow your basil, so you don’t have to spend hours on YouTube researching how. And if you already have some growing and ready for harvest, why not try making this refreshing Thai Basil Summer Roll that’s perfect for a light snack. We’re sure you’ll be a guaranteed basil lover just like us in no time!
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