what are health benefits of basil

What to use as a substitute for Basil?

Fresh Basil Alternatives

1. Spinach. Fresh basil leaves are most frequently used to make appetizing pesto. ...
2. Mint. Mint comes from the same family as basil with a minty taste. ...
3. Oregano. Oregano is a famous herb of the Mediterranean area. ...
4. Parsley. Parley is a flowering plant having the origin of Mediterranean. ...
5. Cilantro. ...
6. Arugula. ...
7. Celery Leaf. ...
8. Lemon Balm. ...
9. Tarragon. ...

What are the side effects of Basil?

Basil has anti-aging effects. Side effects of basil. What are the side effects of basil? Larger amounts of eugenol can cause liver damage. An overdose is also possible, causing symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat or convulsions.

What is Basil good for health wise?

Why basil is good for you

• Razzle dazzle…basil. Basil is a powerful antioxidant. ...
• B is for beneficial. Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K, manganese, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. ...
• Don’t stress! ...

Which Basil is the best?

• Sweet Basil. It is among the most popular basil varieties to grow and is used widely in cooking its tender, aromatic foliage.
• Genovese Basil.
• Thai Basil.
• Napoletano Basil.
• Dark Opal Basil.
• Christmas Basil.
• Lemon Basil.
• Lettuce Leaf Basil.

What are the benefits of eating raw basil?

It has compounds that can help to alleviate anxiety and depression, increase your ability to think clearly, and lower the risk for age-related memory loss. Essential oils in basil, including eugenol, linalool, and citronellol, can help to fight inflammation in the body.

What basil can cure?

Basil is used for stomach spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, kidney conditions, fluid retention, head colds, warts, and worm infections. It is also used to treat snake and insect bites. Women sometimes use basil before and after childbirth to promote blood circulation, and also to start the flow of breast milk.

Is drinking basil water good for you?

Holy basil has been shown to boost your body's health in a variety of ways. It can help protect against infection, lower your blood sugar, lower your cholesterol, ease joint pain, and protect your stomach.

Can basil leaves be eaten raw?

Raw or cooked, fresh basil adds its own distinct, beloved flavor to any number of dishes. It's one of those herbs that home cooks turn to so often that many have found it more convenient to grow their own so they always have a supply on hand.

Is basil good for your lungs?

Holy basil has diverse actions on the respiratory system. It effectively liquefies the phlegm and is effective for cough due to allergic bronchitis, asthma and eosinophilic lung disease.

Is basil good for kidneys?

Kidney Health Basil leaves act as a kidney tonic by cleansing the kidneys and lowering uric acid levels, which is the root cause of kidney stones. Basil contains compounds like acetic acid which help in the expulsion of kidney stones via urine.

Can you boil basil leaves and drink?

Essential oil of holy basil is distilled from leaves and flowers of the plant. You can also make holy basil tea using the leaves, flowers, or dried leaf powder. The herb can also be used to make freshly brewed tea by placing 2–3 teaspoons of holy basil in a cup of boiling water and letting it steep for 5–6 minutes.

Can I drink basil leaves as a tea?

While basil is best known for flavoring Italian recipes, its flavor lends intrigue to tea. This recipe has a slightly different method from our other herbal tea recipes. Because the flavor of basil isn't strong enough on its own, combine it with black tea and lemon for the perfect brew!

Are basil leaves poisonous?

Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice. Children: Basil is LIKELY SAFE for children in food amounts. But larger medicinal amounts are POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice.

Is basil a Superfood?

And if that's not enough to propel the beautiful basil leaf into superfood territory, basil can also help regulate diabetes, support liver function and detoxify the body as well as heal a regular tummy upset.

Is basil good for high blood pressure?

Basil contains compounds, such as eugenol, that may help reduce blood pressure, according to animal studies.

How long will basil last in the fridge?

How long does basil stay fresh in the fridge? This depends on how you store it. It will last up to 2 days when wrapped in a paper towel and put in a plastic bag. If you cover the leaves with olive oil, they can last up to 2 months.

Who should avoid taking holy basil?

Although holy basil is an excellent herb but avoid consuming holy basil if 1) Your blood sugar level is low. 2) You are trying to conceive. 3) You...

Can holy basil damage your liver?

As per the WHO (World Health Organization), if you are on painkillers like acetaminophen, you are at a higher risk of liver damage if you have holy...

Does holy basil have mercury in it?

Well, yes! It does contain mercury, and it is not good for your teeth. Therefore, you should not chew basil leaves because the mercury content rele...

Can you eat basil leaves on an empty stomach?

Consuming basil leaves early in the morning helps maintain a happy and healthy digestive system. And, if you eat this herb on an empty stomach, you...