Basil has completely taken over my garden, so I’m busy preserving and storing it. Luckily, basil has many uses beyond just cooking!
There are several types of basil, with sweet basil, lemon basil, holy basil, and Thai basil being the most popular. Although they vary slightly, they all have many of the same essential oils.
Sweet basil, also known as Ocimum basilicum, is particularly famous for its use in cooking. If you’ve followed my meal plans, you’ve probably noticed I add it to everything! My husband’s Italian background has definitely influenced me, and I love the sweet and fragrant flavor of basil. However, all types of basil offer more than just great taste. Basil is packed with nutrients, including vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids), vitamin K, and vitamin C. It also has minerals like magnesium, iron, potassium, and calcium.
But basil’s benefits go beyond its nutritional profile. One major health benefit is its ability to act as an antioxidant, helping the body eliminate free radicals. Sweet basil is a fantastic source of antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds and polyphenols. A 2012 study found that these antioxidants make basil effective for helping with inflammation. In fact, basil’s anti-inflammatory properties are well recognized, and this is promising for tackling serious illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, which often involve oxidative stress and inflammation.
Basil also has anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that holy basil, or Tulsi, has phytochemicals that can prevent cancers caused by chemicals, including skin, liver, oral, and lung cancers. It achieves this by boosting antioxidant activity, altering gene expressions, causing cancer cells to die, and preventing the development of blood vessels in the cells.
Additionally, basil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. A study from 2013 tested basil essential oil on multi-drug-resistant strains of E.coli and found it was effective against every strain. It also has properties that combat mold, yeast, and bacteria.
Certain types of basil benefit the brain as well. Research has shown that holy basil enhances cognitive function and improves conditions like diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and psychological stress. A 2017 review also highlighted holy basil as a great remedy for stress linked to depression.
Fresh basil is a delicious addition to many dishes, and it also has medicinal qualities. While not as widely recognized, basil has been used in various cultures for hundreds of years, not just for cooking. Here are my favorite ways to use it.
Although basil is generally safe when used in food, its medicinal use is “possibly unsafe” for children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Basil essential oil, like all essential oils, is very concentrated and should be used carefully.
Because basil can potentially lower blood pressure, it might cause low blood pressure when used medicinally. It’s always best to talk to your healthcare provider before using basil, or any herb, for medicinal purposes.
While you can buy fresh or dried basil at the store, if you use it as much as we do, I recommend growing it in your kitchen herb garden or buying in bulk to save money. I also keep basil essential oil handy in my natural remedy kit.
Do you grow basil? How do you use it? Feel free to share your experiences!
