• What properties does basil have?
• Health-promoting effects of basil
• The use of basil
• Are there any contraindications to using basil?

Basil is one of the most popular and widely used herbs in our kitchens, both in dried form and in the form of fresh, aromatic leaves that adorn our kitchen windowsills. It's hard to imagine spaghetti, pizza, pesto, or Caprese salad without it. It goes perfectly with tomatoes, as well as with sweet lemonades and smoothies. Using basil in dishes gives them a distinctive, characteristic flavor and aroma and makes them easier to digest, as it helps improve digestion and relieves feelings of bloating and colic. But these are not all of its properties - basil is also used in medicine and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as in cosmetics and even perfumery.

What properties does basil have?

Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ) is an annual plant in the mint family with about 150 varieties that differ slightly in appearance and aroma. The most popular varieties used in cooking and medicine are:

• Common basil - has an intense, rather spicy aroma and a very green color of the leaves, as well as a sweet and spicy flavor. It secretes basil oil with a spicy-floral scent.
• Greek Basil - Greek basil, its shoots are rich in small light green or red leaves up to 1 cm in size.
• Lemon - with a characteristic refreshing citrus aroma. It is perfect as a seasoning for fish and seafood, but also for fruit salads,
• Cinnamon - has an intense aroma reminiscent of cinnamon,
• red - it differs from ordinary basil mainly in color, its taste and aroma are very similar.

In Poland, it is known as fragrant basil or garden basil. Although it is used worldwide not only as a spice, but also as a medicinal and ornamental plant, it is not very popular in Poland in this regard. 100 g of fresh basil leaves provide only 22 kcal, making it a low-calorie product with a low glycemic index, but at the same time rich in flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, as well as vitamins and minerals such as:

• Vitamin A,
• Beta-carotene,
• Vitamin E,
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin),
• Niacin,
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine),
• Folic acid,
• Vitamin C,
• Sodium,
• Potassium,
• Calcium,
• Phosphorus,
• magnesium
• Iron,
• Zinc,
• Copper.

Health-promoting effects of basil

The raw material used in medicine is basil oil, which is extracted from the whole plant. In addition to the vitamins and minerals already mentioned, the substances contained in this oil include linalool, eugenol, and cineole. Basil has a positive effect on the digestive and nervous systems. It improves food digestion, relaxes and relieves bloating. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. It is used as a natural sedative and antidepressant. Basil also helps reduce swelling and puffiness. To summarize:

• reduces excessive fermentation in the intestines, eliminates flatulence,
• improves the digestive process,
• functions:
  • diuretic,
  • diastolic,
  • anti-inflammatory,
  • antibacterial,
  • refreshing

The use of basil

Basil is a spice found in almost all Mediterranean dishes; it is also found in a Provençal herb blend. It is the basic ingredient in pesto sauce. Fresh basil leaves have a distinctive aroma and a distinctly refreshing flavor. They are added to soups, salads, and sauces and pair particularly well with tomatoes. Dried basil can be rubbed on meat before frying, baking, or grilling. Basil is used in cocktails, ice cream, alcoholic beverages, liqueurs, vinegar, and oil. The essential oil extracted from basil is used in the production of soap, anti-acne preparations, and perfumes, as well as as a natural repellent—a preparation that effectively repels insects, especially mosquitoes. Basil oil also has analgesic properties, improves concentration, and relieves the symptoms of insomnia. It is especially recommended for migraines. It can be used for massage, bathing, inhalation, and aromatherapy.

Are there any contraindications to using basil?

Consuming basil in moderation as a spice is not associated with side effects, and there are generally no contraindications to its use. People with cardiovascular disease, blood clotting disorders, blood pressure problems (basil can lower blood pressure), and epilepsy are advised to limit their consumption of basil.

Incorporating basil into your daily diet can have a positive impact on your health. It's recommended to limit salt consumption and replace it with basil. This herb improves metabolism, has bactericidal and antifungal properties, and also has a positive effect on the human nervous system. Consuming basil brings a number of health benefits and helps improve body function on various levels.