Basil is a great culinary herb from the family Lamiaceae.
Valued for its aromatic leaves, the plant has made its way into varied cuisines worldwide. Known for its highly aromatic leaves, it has become one of the most popular home grown herbs.
🌷ETYMOLOGY
The name "basil" comes from the Latin basilius, and the Greek (basilikón phutón), meaning "royal/kingly - possibly referring to basil being a king of herbs.
The scientific name's genus Ocimum is derived from Greek word Okimon, meaning smell, in reference to the aromatic nature of the plant.
🌷THE PLANT
Basil is an annual, or sometimes a short-lived perennial herb cultivated for its leaves. Depending on the variety, plants can reach heights of between 30 and 150 cm. Its purple stem is squarish in cross-section and the simple leaves are richly green and ovate, but otherwise come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes depending on cultivar. Leaf sizes also vary accordingly. Basil grows a thick, central taproot. Its flowers are small and white, and grow from a central inflorescence, a spike, that emerges from the central stem atop the plant. These flowers mature into 1-seeded fruits known as nutlets.
🌷GROWING BASIL
Basil is a sun loving plant that grows in well drained, moderately rich moist soil in full sunlight. Although basil naturally repels mosquitoes and flies it attracts bees and butterflies, which makes it a valuable addition to the garden. It can be easily propagated by seeds.
🌷HEALTH BENEFITS
🌷RESPIRATORY HEALTH
The plant has been mainly utilized in traditional medicine for the treatment of respiratory disorders owing to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
Fresh leaves said to have slight numbing effect when chewed, and used to relieve sore throats.
Research has shown relieving and preventive effects of the plant and its ingredients on obstructive pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and other respiratory disorders such as bronchitis, aspergillosis tuberculosis, and lung cancer. It's consumption on daily basis can be therapeutic.
🌷RELIEVES STOMACH AILMENTS
Also eaten or drunk as tea to relieve stomach gas and stomach cramps.
🌷RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS
Being rich in antioxidants basil alleviates stress, prevents premature ageing, boosts mental health and improves immune response.
🌷LOWERS BLOOD SUGAR
Basil extracts help lower high blood sugar levels and could prove useful for people with diabetes.
🌷CULINARY USES
Fresh or dried leaves of basil are commonly used in cooking for their fragrance and flavour, especially in tomato-based dishes like soups, pizzas and sphaghetti. Fresh leaves can can be blended with other ingredients to make pesto sauce used in Italian cooking.
Seeds become gelantinous when soaked in water, these are used in Asian drinks and desserts.
🌷OTHER USES
Essential oils from plant are reported to have anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties. Essential oils widely used in cosmetics, perfumes and soaps. Ancient Egyptians used oils in embalming fluids for mummies.
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