Basil tea: health benefits
As you probably know, basil is used to add flavor to a variety of recipes, but what might surprise you are the many benefits of basil that make it known for its immune-boosting properties. The plant itself, as well as the essential oil used for production, have been proven to help prevent a number of conditions, making it one of the most important medicinal herbs and spices today. One particular species, called holy basil, also has a long history of religious and medicinal use in India, where it is considered one of the most important herbs and spices. It is a sacred plant in the Hindu religion and is believed to be protective and medicinal.
What is Basil?
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a common aromatic herb in the mint family, the same family of plants as other nutritious, beneficial herbs and spices, including mint, oregano, and rosemary. All basil plants generally grow as small plants that produce large green leaves, about a few centimeters long. Holy basil is commonly referred to as tulsi in India and is actually considered a sacred plant. It has been used in more than 300 different Ayurvedic herbal treatments for thousands of years, including tinctures, teas, ointments, and tonics. The plant comes in a range of varieties and sizes, and in fact there are some significant botanical differences between the different species.
Some of the many types include:
sweet basil
lemon basil
Italian or curly basil
Holy basil
Thai basil
Basil from lettuce leaves
Basil genovese
purple basil
shrub or Greek basil
cinnamon basil
The most common basil used as a fresh herb in recipes is Italian basil, which is rich in antioxidants, magnesium, and vitamins. Basil oil is also used to make perfumes, household cleaners, and dental care products because one of the known benefits of basil is its ability to act as an antibacterial and antimicrobial agent that fights germs and bacteria. Holy basil is the most researched species in terms of medicinal properties. To date, at least six different essential oils in tulsi have been identified inside its seeds, roots, leaves, and stem. Under the scientific name Ocimum sanctum L. or Ocimum tenuiflorum L., this variety is known as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and powerful adaptogen — meaning it helps the body respond to stress and fight disease.
Historical Uses of Basil:
Basil belongs to the genus Ocimum, which is derived from the Greek word ozo, which means “to smell”. The exact origin of the plant is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to be native to the area of Asia and Africa.Basil plants began growing as wild perennials on some Pacific islands thousands of years ago, and then were brought from India to Europe via the Middle East in the 16th century. Sometime during the 17th century, the plant reached America.
Here’s more about some of the main benefits of basil:
- Contains disease-fighting antioxidants
The antioxidants and oils of this plant have the ability to help fight free radical damage while protecting the DNA structure and cells. This plant contains flavonoid antioxidants, such as orientin and viceninare, which help protect the white blood cells responsible for immune function, as well as the cellular structures in which DNA is stored.
- It has an anti-inflammatory effect
Basil contains powerful essential oils, including eugenol, citronellol, and linalool. Findings from studies show that these enzyme-inhibiting oils help reduce inflammation, which is at the root of most diseases, such as heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel conditions.
- Helps fight cancer
It seems that the compounds within this plant can increase antioxidant activity, positively alter gene expression, induce apoptosis of cancer cells (death of harmful cells) and stop the spread of cancerous tumors. In animal studies, basil extract has shown protection against cancer and mortality while also selectively protecting normal tissue and cells from the negative effects of cancer treatments like radiation or chemotherapy.
- Contains antibacterial properties
Another benefit of basil essential oil is protection against harmful bacterial growth. Studies have even shown that basil extract is useful in inhibiting resistant strains of bacteria that do not respond to antibiotic treatment. When researchers involved in one study tested the antibacterial activity of basil oil against strains of E. coli and other potent bacteria that had been collected from sick patients with infections, the results showed that it was effective in acting against strains of bacteria and helping to inhibit their growth.
- Contains antimicrobial properties that fight viruses and infections
Basil essential oils have been found to exhibit antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria, yeasts, molds, and viruses. This means that it can offer protection against the candida virus and various forms of skin irritations.
- Fights stress by acting as an adaptogen
Studies show that basil has a strong potential to act as a natural adaptogen, an herbal remedy that helps the body adapt to stress and normalize the harmful effects of stressors.
- Fights depression
The benefits of basil also apply to people with mental disorders or mood-related illnesses, including depression and anxiety. This plant is considered by some to be an antidepressant because it can positively affect brain function within the adrenal cortex, helping to stimulate neurotransmitters that regulate hormones responsible for being happy and energetic.
- Promotes cardiovascular health
As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory food, basil may help the muscles that control blood vessels contract and relax, promoting healthy blood pressure.It appears to have the ability to help prevent dangerous platelet buildup, as shown in a study in rats, to collect blood platelets that can form a clot inside the arteries and cause cardiac arrest.
- Supports liver function and helps detoxify the body
A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that when sick rats were given basil extract for five days, they experienced significant improvements in the production of detoxification enzymes, greater antioxidant defenses, and a reduction in fat accumulation in the liver that can cause liver disease.
- Helps alkalize the body and improve digestion
Animal studies have shown that this herb helps balance acid in the body and restores the proper pH level of the body. This can improve digestion and immunity by helping healthy bacteria flourish within the gut microbiota, while also reducing harmful bacteria that can cause disease. Traditionally, basil has also been used to reduce bloating and water retention, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, acid reflux, and even to kill stomach worms or parasites.
- It can act as a natural aphrodisiac
In Italy, basil has been considered a symbol of love for centuries. The aroma is believed to increase libido and arousal, possibly by increasing blood flow and energy levels while reducing inflammation. In Hindu religion and Ayurvedic practice, tulsi is considered the “elixir of life” and is used to promote healthy sexual function and a cheerful mood.
- Helps protect against diabetes and metabolic syndrome
The compounds within this plant have been found to reduce glucose levels in the circulating blood and inflammation, making it protective against the development of diabetes and other forms of metabolic syndrome. In addition, the benefits of basil essential oil include the ability to lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which diabetics are at a higher risk of developing.
Basil contains powerful antioxidants such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and essential oils, such as eugenol, which protect cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, leading to cell damage. Research shows that this herb may have positive effects on mental health and cognitive function, including the ability to improve short-term memory, attention, and overall cognitive function; improve mood; and less stress and anxiety. The antioxidants in basil play a crucial role in protecting the skin from aging. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals that cause oxidative damage to the skin, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.
Risks and side effects
Why can basil be bad for you? In its fresh form, it is considered very safe and is usually well tolerated because it does not usually cause allergic reactions or side effects in most people. However, there are certain risks for certain groups of people. If you’re pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding, it’s a good idea to avoid too much basil (especially essential oil) because it’s traditionally been known to work against fertility. Basil essential oil is not intended for ingestion and should be diluted when used on the skin due to its potency. Basil essential oils or supplements may also interact with cholesterol-lowering medications and diabetes medications, so if you’re currently taking prescriptions for these conditions, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor before taking basil supplements.