Health Benefits Of Basil Leaves
Basil is a common herb in most of our kitchens, but did you know that, besides tasting good in our chicken and pasta dishes, it can be of use toward having more healthy bodies? It is an excellent alternative health treatment for many minor ailments. Lets take a closer look at why I absolutely LOVE basil!
Basil For Headaches:
A facial steam with dried basil leaf can help alleviate a headache. Add a tablespoon of dried basil leaf to 2 cups of boiling water in a large pot. Carefully lean over the pot, cover head with a towel and breathe in the steam for 5-10 minutes until headache starts to subside. Bonus, you get to smell like an Italian restaurant for the rest of the day!
Good For Upset Stomach:
Us Italians may be on to something with adding Basil to everything. It is thought to have a calming effect on the stomach and 1/2 teaspoon of dried or fresh Basil Leaf in water can often help sooth indigestion and alleviate feelings of fullness.
Basil Leaves And Fevers:
Leaves are used for quenching fevers, especially those related to malaria and other infectious, eruptive fevers common to tropical areas. Boiling leaves with some cardamom in about two quarts of water, then mixed with sugar and milk, brings down temperature. An extract of basil leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours; between doses you can give sips of cold water. This method is especially effective for reducing fevers in children.
Nutrition For Your Eyes:
Use in your cooking and you’ll also increase your intake of lutein and zeaxanthin, two beneficial nutrients. Your eyes contain both lutein and zeaxanthin. They rely on the nutrients to filter light, preventing eye damage caused by harmful light exposure. Your diet should include at least 6 milligrams of lutein and zeaxanthin daily, advises the American Optometric Association. At this level, you’ll reduce your risk of age-related macular degeneration. A quarter-cup of fresh basil contains 0.6 milligram, or 10 percent of your 6-milligram goal.
Basil And Respiratory Disorders:
Use fresh basil in your cooking and you’ll also increase your intake of lutein and zeaxanthin, two beneficial nutrients. Your eyes contain both lutein and zeaxanthin. They rely on the nutrients to filter light, preventing eye damage caused by harmful light exposure. Your diet should include at least 6 milligrams of lutein and zeaxanthin daily, advises the American Optometric Association. At this level, you’ll reduce your risk of age-
related macular degeneration. A quarter-cup contains 0.6 milligram, or 10 
percent of your 6-milligram goal.
Additionally, basil contains a compound that provides antibacterial benefits, according to a Colorado State University press release. The compound, called rosmarinic acid, may kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common soil-borne bacteria to which people with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible. Pseudomonas can infect the lungs or can gain entry through a skin wound to infect the blood. Both the leaves and roots of basil secrete the substance, though higher concentrations are found in the leaves. Basil is also noted for its potential anti-viral, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.
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Thanks for Reading!
Chris
