The Properties Of Basil

Basil is a plant that helps to enhance the flavors of foods, as well as giving them a much richer aroma. Now, do you know what its properties are?

Basil is an aromatic herb native to Iran, India, Pakistan, and other tropical regions of Asia. The plant has been cultivated for millennia in these places.

Basil is very popular in the kitchen, where it is used to flavor different dishes. In fact, it is possible to consume it fresh or dry to dress both salads and vegetable soups or sauces to accompany pasta dishes.

Due to its composition, it is considered that it could contribute to health. For this reason, in the field of alternative medicine it has been used in different ways.

Basil characteristics

The scientific name for basil is Ocimum basilicum varo crispum. It is an annual or biannual herb, depending on the environmental conditions. It has juicy, finely toothed and oval-shaped leaves, its stem is erect and branched and can measure up to 50 centimeters. In the upper part, it has white flowers, although it can also be purple.

Basil is well known worldwide since ancient times, both as a medicinal agent and as a poison. In Africa, in urban legends it was commented that the plant was capable of protecting people from scorpions and in India various healing properties were attributed to one of its species, because it was considered a divine symbol.

Beyond popular beliefs and attributions that have been made from myths and legends, it is clear that this is one of the plants most studied by experts.

Basil properties

• Digestive Basil is widely believed to help relieve stomach heaviness, satiety, and related minor discomforts, such as gas.

• Anti-inflammatory. It is also considered that it can contribute to relief in case of headache and migraine.

Additionally, it is considered that it can help to obtain relief in case of respiratory infections and irritating cough. However, at a scientific level it has been determined that certain compounds of this plant are those that can provide relief as such, not the whole plant. For this reason, the compounds have been extracted and used in formulas for the elaboration of different medicines.

Can the properties of basil benefit health?

It is not proven that consuming basil can contribute significantly to well-being. There is also no evidence that it makes a specific contribution to health or data indicating that it should be consumed regularly or in large quantities.

In relation to the benefits it can bring to the health of the skin, the immune system, cognitive improvement, etc. it would be necessary to continue deepening.

On the other hand, there is evidence that the use of its essential oil can be dangerous and that it is better to avoid it, since it contains estragole (a potentially carcinogenic substance).

The consumption of basil (in high doses) is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in children under 2 years of age.

Estragole, a component of care

Basil essential oil is rich in estragole, and it has been shown to develop as a natural genotoxic in mice and rats. However, later it has been possible to demonstrate how strong doses of estragole can become toxic, especially in children, the elderly and patients with certain diseases.

In fact, in 2001, the Scientific Committee of the European Union issued an opinion recommending reducing exposure and restricting the use of estragole. A safe limit for exposure to this slow-acting toxin could not be established.

Currently, due to its powerful fragrance, estragole is often used in perfumery and some cosmetic products, including aromatic soaps. Its use as a natural remedy is not usually recommended. There is no solid scientific evidence to support its use in this regard.

On the other hand, in the agri-food industry it can be useful when giving aroma to certain foods, for this reason it is still used in the kitchen.

Basil cultivation

Basil is also characterized by its versatility. Specifically, it does not require excessive space to be able to grow it. Basil, well cared for, can grow in abundance in pots or on the ground itself if you have a garden.

The most recommended season to plant it is during the summer. The reason is that  it develops in places with a lot of sun and a warm climate, since it does not usually resist the cold well. When growing basil, it is recommended to sow the seeds directly into naturally fertilized soil.

One of the secrets so you can keep your basil plantation healthy is to keep it compost and cut the flowers to prevent them from growing. When harvesting the basil, collect the leaves when they are ripe, throughout the season.