Our distant ancestors knew about the healing power of herbs, but today many plants are undeservedly forgotten, for example, basil, which is used mainly in cooking. Few people know that on the basis of this herb, you can create many therapeutic agents that can alleviate the condition in various diseases, strengthen immunity and relieve stress.

Basil: chemical composition, calorie content

The birthplace of culture is the tropical part of Asia, where almost 70 varieties of this spice grow. They differ in appearance, taste and aroma, and their beneficial properties are almost identical.

Basil has gained popularity in folk medicine due to its rich chemical composition.

Seeds, leaves and stems of the culture contain the following useful substances:

  • vitamins of groups A and B;
  • ascorbic and nicotinic acid;
  • vitamins E and K;
  • tannin;
  • a number of essential oils;
  • iron;
  • magnesium;
  • manganese;
  • copper.

On a note. Dried basil is no less healthy and rich in vitamins than fresh spice. The only difference is the level of vitamin C, which decreases as a result of drying.

The benefits of seeds and leaves of sweet, violet and lemon basil

Among a large number of varieties of basil, purple, lemon and fragrant (camphor) have gained special popularity.

For the human body, they are equally useful and, if used correctly, can achieve the following positive results:

  • normalize the work of the cardiovascular system and digestive organs;
  • prevent the development of atherosclerosis, hemorrhoids and cancer;
  • increase blood coagulation;
  • strengthen vision and immunity;
  • improve the condition of bone and cartilage;
  • remove toxins from the body;
  • relieve stress and headache;
  • protect the skin from the negative effects of the environment and delay the aging process.

Numerous useful properties of basil allow its use in various branches of medicine, including cosmetology, as well as in weight loss programs.

The benefits of basil for men

For the stronger sex, sweet, camphor or lemon basil is an excellent way to restore and preserve potency. The fact is that its active substances contribute to the normalization of blood circulation and blood glucose levels, which ensures a beneficial effect.

  • Taking a decoction of leaves, stems or basil seeds only twice a day, you can maintain sexual activity until old age.
  • In addition, the spice helps to restore strength after physical or emotional stress due to the presence of a number of vitamins in its composition.
  • And also basil is an excellent fat burner that helps to stay in good shape, subject to the diet.

Basil for women

  • For women, basil will alleviate the condition during menstruation, since it has an analgesic effect.
  • In addition, decoctions and infusions will help restore vitality and cope with the weakness that invariably arises these days. The fact is that during menstruation, iron is also eliminated from the body along with blood, and its rich basil allows you to restore balance.
  • The seeds of this culture help get rid of extra pounds. They are poured with boiling water, and after swelling, they are mixed with yogurt or kefir, washed down with plenty of water.
  • And if you add a decoction of basil to the bath, this procedure will help reduce puffiness and remove toxic substances from the body, thus stimulating weight loss.

Did you know? A decoction of basil is almost indispensable for cystitis, taking it three times a day, you can quickly stop the attack.

How is basil used in medicine?

The healing properties of basil allow it to be used in the treatment of various conditions, for example:

  • disruption of the digestive tract;
  • colds and other diseases of the respiratory organs, including bronchial asthma;
  • problems with the bladder and kidneys;
  • low blood pressure;
  • dental diseases;
  • elevated cholesterol and fragility of capillaries;
  • stress and headaches;
  • decreased body resistance to disease;
  • lack of appetite;
  • chronic fatigue syndrome;
  • violation of sexual function.

Decoctions and teas from basil can be used not only in the complex treatment of these diseases, but also as a prophylactic.

The use of plants in cosmetology

In addition to copying the above conditions, basil is also successfully used in cosmetology.

On its basis, funds are prepared to combat the following problems:

  • acne and acne;
  • oily shine on the face or excessive dryness of the integument;
  • allergic rashes;
  • skin aging;
  • increased fragility and general weakness of hair.

In addition, basil allows you to speed up the healing process, if used in the treatment of ringworm, and sometimes leukoderma.

Use of spices for weight loss

Weight loss programs include various recipes with basil.

There are several ways to use it:

  1. Make tea from 10 g of spice and 150 ml of water.
  2. Hold the plant seeds in boiling water until swelling, and then mix with the fermented milk product.
  3. Add the broth to the bath and take the procedure for at least half an hour.

Attention! Like any wellness remedy, basil can not only benefit, but also harm if used improperly. For this reason you can take decoctions or teas inside no more than 3 times a day, and also before using this or that remedy on its basis, you need to familiarize yourself with the list of contraindications.

When is basil forbidden?

Basil can cause serious health problems if you use medications based on it in the following conditions:

  • bleeding disorder;
  • vegetovascular dystonia;
  • heart disease
  • blood glucose imbalance;
  • tendency to thrombosis;
  • stroke and myocardial infarction;
  • epilepsy and convulsions of various origins.

The consumption of basil in the above conditions can lead to a significant deterioration in well-being and the development of formidable complications.

Is it possible to plant during pregnancy and lactation?

Eating basil for women bearing a child is strictly prohibited.

This is due to the fact that the spice has a pronounced tonic effect, which can lead to spontaneous termination of pregnancy in the early stages and premature birth in the third trimester.

Regarding the use of this spice during breastfeeding, the opinions of experts were divided. Some doctors believe that basil in small amounts will not harm the mother and the child, while others advise that this herb be added to the diet only after the baby is transferred to artificial mixtures or “adult” food.

Basil oil: benefits and harms

A few words should be said about basil oil, which is used mainly in cosmetology. It is obtained from the leaves of plants containing large amounts of essential compounds. The product is a colorless or yellowish liquid with a pronounced aroma.

In addition to combating dermatological problems, oil helps relieve headaches and joint pains, helps to heal burns and relieves asthmatic attacks. However, this wonderful tool, in addition to useful trace elements, also contains mercury, due to which it has a number of contraindications. It can not be used in the same cases as teas, decoctions or infusions.

Growing plants at home, collecting and harvesting

Basil is easy to grow on your own, it can often be found on the beds.

  • Seeds are planted for seedlings in the first days of April, by placing planting material in containers at a distance of 6-7 cm. In this case, it will be necessary to maintain a temperature of 12 to 15 degrees in the room.
  • Emerging seedlings will need to be thinned so that the "gap" between the stands is at least 2.5 cm.
  • And at the end of May, when 4 or more leaves appear on them, the bushes can be planted in fertilized beds at a distance of 20-25 cm from each other. In this case, the row spacing should be at least half a meter.

Plantings will have to be watered and harvested regularly, as they will suppress basil. And the spice should be collected before flowering, when the first buds appear. If you do this later, the grass will lose most of its beneficial properties and will acquire a specific smell of bugs.

Spice will perfectly preserve your taste and aroma during short-term storage, if you place the bundles in plastic bags, after wrapping them with a damp cotton cloth and sending them to the middle shelf of the refrigerator.

Another option is to put the “bunch” of basil in a glass of water, cover it with a plastic bag and attach it with an elastic band, thus creating a vacuum, and then put it in the cold.

When you need to prepare spice for the winter, you can do this in several ways:

  1. Wash the grass, dry and place in the freezer, spreading out on a tray.
  2. Grind the leaves, sprinkle on ice molds, fill with water and send to freeze.
  3. After collection, spread the grass to dry, and after 10-14 days, place it in a sealed package.

Having studied the rules of planting and storage of basil, as well as familiarizing yourself with its useful properties and contraindications for use, you can use this culture not only when preparing a variety of dishes, but also for health purposes.

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