Basil: useful and medicinal properties, use, contraindications

For several millennia, the plant is valued for its taste and incomparable aroma. For cooks, basil is a favorite spice. Scientists have found another positive side - the medicinal effect on human organs. We will tell you about the beneficial properties and contraindications of basil.

The chemical composition and calorie content of basil

The leaves of the plant contain many useful substances:

• copper;
• amino acids, enzymes;
• vitamins (B2, C, PP);
• fiber;
• mineral elements;
• tannins;
• tannins;
• mercury;
• thanks to essential oils, the spice has healing properties and an amazing smell. The spice contains camphor, eugenol, linalool, octimene, methylchavicol;
• glycosides;
• potassium, manganese;
• phytoncides help kill harmful and pathogenic microbes;
• fiber;
• copper and simple sugars;
• carotene;
• routine;
• vegetable fats and proteins.

Due to its low calorie content (27 kcal per 100 grams of leaves) it helps to fight overweight.

How useful are the seeds and leaves of sweet, purple and lemon basil

Regardless of the variety, the spice is recommended for:

• arthritis;
• bronchitis;
• headache;
• tuberculosis
• rheumatism;
• ARVI;
• fungal infections;
• whooping cough;
• bladder disease;
• insomnia;
• flatulence.

Basil stimulates the immune system and cardiac activity, inhibits the growth of carcinogenic cells.Helps remove excess mucus from the lungs and nose. With frequent use, memory improves and the nervous system becomes stronger.

Due to the bactericidal action, dentists recommend using for problems of the oral cavity: tartar, caries. Helps strengthen the gums.

Lemon basil is not suitable for consumption after the appearance of flowers. During flowering, the leaves become stiff. The spice has a pleasant aroma and is regularly used in cooking. Juice from fresh leaves helps to normalize the intestinal microflora, improve digestion.

Violet basil is distinguished by large leaves, and in the taste resembles allspice. If you want to get rid of bad breath from the oral cavity - chew the leaves of the plant. Basil infusion is an ideal remedy for the prevention of glaucoma and cataracts. With a decoction, you can cure intestinal colic, gastritis and food poisoning. A good way to improve appetite.

Fragrant basil is a good way to fight the flu virus and colds. Helps to reduce high body temperature, fight nervous disorders.

Basil seeds:

• remove excess fluid;
• struggling with overweight;
• lower cholesterol;
• improve digestion;
• remove toxins.

Useful properties for men

Thanks to the acids that make up the plant, the blood circulation in the male body rises, sugar levels stabilize, and the activity of internal organs improves.

Also, the plant helps:

• increase concentration, which is useful for drivers;
• tone up the whole body;
• anti-inflammatory agent that does not have side mental and neurological effects;
• restore the taste for life;
• relieve toothache and headache;
• restore healthy sleep;
• good influence on potency, helps to strengthen sexual desire.

For women

The plant helps women look better, namely:

• maintains a beautiful skin condition;
• fights skin inflammations;
• strengthens nails;
• eliminates small wrinkles;
• improves skin elasticity;
• improves appearance;
• accelerates hair growth;
• eliminates warts;
• helps to normalize the menstrual cycle;
• makes hair beautiful and shiny.

In labor pains, basil helps reduce pain. With constant use of a seed-based drink, the chance of getting cancer is halved.

Medical use

The healing properties of basil are widely used in medicine.

Spice is used in many areas and heals many diseases with its help:

• Helps with motion sickness. It is enough to hold a couple of plant leaves in your mouth to forget about the unpleasant sensations in the transport.
• The composition contains a large amount of beta-caryophyllene. With this substance, medical drugs are replaced.
• Leaf-based infusions relieve heaviness in the stomach. Good expectorant.
• Basil juice helps in the fight against cystitis and cough. Normalizes digestion. It has a strengthening effect on human health in general.
• A decoction of leaves relieves eye fatigue, treats skin diseases, and fights with a runny nose.
• Tea from the plant is an effective remedy for colds.
• Basil is included in many medicines, thereby helping to fight various diseases.
• Dentists use to rinse the oral cavity.
• Good aromatic.

Use in cosmetology

Estimated the benefits of basil and cosmetology. The plant is widely used for the preparation of tonic and cream.Antioxidants fight age-related changes on the skin and help get rid of fine wrinkles.

Often found in hair masks and shampoos. The plant strengthens the roots and improves the condition of brittle strands.

To get rid of comedones and acne, cosmetologists recommend regularly rubbing the skin of the face with the infusion of the plant.

Is it possible to lose weight by eating basil

To lose extra pounds:

1. Seeds need to be purchased only in special stores. The composition intended for planting is not suitable for use, as it is processed with various chemicals.
2. If the recipe provides for heat treatment, then to preserve the maximum amount of vitamins, add spice at the very end.
3. To improve the result, combine the use of spices with training. Exhausting yourself to complete exhaustion is not necessary - just do daily exercises.
4. For a noticeable result, it is better to use the plant fresh.
5. In its pure form, a large amount is not recommended. Eat no more than three spices per day.
6. To achieve the desired results, add the plant to tea, salads, sandwiches and stew vegetables with spice. The most effective remedy is seed-based tea.
7. You can not drink a decoction of seeds more than 400 ml. It is best to drink half an hour after a meal. Do not eat before meals - the spice causes appetite.
8. The course of the diet is 3 weeks. Then you should take a break for at least a month.

Basil Essential Oil

Oil from the plant is obtained by distillation with steam of the top of the stem and leaves at the time of flowering. It was at this time that the basil contains the most oils.

Unlike the saturated color of the plant, the resulting mass is almost colorless, slightly yellowish, transparent and flowing.

Also:

• when used, consciousness clears up;
• nervousness is quickly eliminated;
• psychological resistance is restored;
• the mood rises;
• intuition develops, which helps to find a way out of prevailing situations;
• stimulates thinking;
• aroma restores self-esteem, increases self-confidence;
• a wonderful way to deal with complexes.

It belongs to the best oils for the treatment of addiction, stress disorder and chronic fatigue.

Pregnancy and lactation

Experts disagree about the dangers and benefits of the plant for pregnant women.

Most are inclined to believe that:

• spice provokes uterine tone, which carries the threat of termination of pregnancy or premature birth;
• may cause skin rashes;
• may irritate the mucous membrane of the esophagus;
• cause indigestion.

During breastfeeding, you can use the spice in reasonable quantities. It does not harm either the mother or the baby. A decoction of leaves helps stimulate milk production.

Contraindications and possible harm

Despite the valuable qualities of the spice, it can be harmful to the body.

Therefore, before including it in your diet, study the possible reactions:

1. Due to its mercury content, people with hypertension and diabetes are forbidden.
2. Should be completely abandoned during pregnancy.
3. Due to the large amount of oils, it is forbidden to eat more than two large spoons per day of a clean plant. A larger number leads to gastrointestinal problems and causes poisoning.
4. If you are allergic to spice, you can not use it even in small doses.
5. Forbidden to preschoolers.

If you comply with the dosage and do not abuse the spice, then basil will bring invaluable benefits to your body.