Basil is a favourite herb of many people, even more people use it regularly in salads and main dishes, and some people often make various smoothies from this herb. Basil is one of the oldest medicinal plants known to mankind, although it has only been popular in our country for a few decades.
The smell and taste of basil varies depending on the concentration of essential oils in the herb. It is a culinary herb with many health benefits.
Basil is good for the digestive and nervous systems, but it can also be used for headaches and insomnia. The eugenol in the leaves has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to basil, the pH level of the body is also successfully restored.
Basil, and more specifically its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, can help us with a wide range of ailments and health problems. The essential oils it contains, including eugenol, citronellol and linalool, inhibit the proliferation of enzymes in the body that cause inflammation, reducing the risk of heart disease, arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
The culinary herb also contains a number of natural antioxidants, which are of great help in protecting against the negative effects of free radicals that can damage our bodies. Free radicals are also dangerous because they cause oxidative stress, which in turn can lead to various diseases, including chronic diseases. However, the antioxidants in basil can neutralise these harmful free radicals.
Basil oil has excellent skin cleansing properties and regular use can be particularly beneficial for people with oily skin. It helps remove impurities from the skin that clog pores. You can also make a great facial cleanser by adding basil leaves. Mash some basil leaves and then add sandalwood essential oil and rose water. Leave the paste on the face for at least 20 minutes, then wash it off thoroughly. This face mask has outstanding antimicrobial properties, so it can also be very useful against acne breakouts.
As regular consumption of basil only slowly releases glucose into the bloodstream, it can be very useful for people with diabetes. Not to mention that the herb is also effective in lowering triglyceride levels and cholesterol.