Basil – The Mystic Herb

Basil is most known herb that is used as a spice in the cuisine, but its benefits go far beyond it.

For hundreds of years it has been used in many cultures as a spice and in the alternative treatments as a headache medicine.
Here’s how you can use this spicy herb in your everyday life.

Basil Pesto

The most popular use of  this herb in a recipe is exactly the basil pesto, which has different variations in different cuisines around the world. Here you can check the recipe for pesto.

It soothes the stomach

Italians might know something when they add basil in everything. To calm down your stomach make yourself a tea from half tea spoon of dried basil in a cup of hot water. Helps digestion and reduces the bloating.

Colds

Amish people use basil as a natural remedy for colds. They chew fresh basil leaves in order to ease sore throat allergies, sinus relief and coughing or they make a basil tea. It is worth a try.

Steam migraine relief

Put one tablespoon of dry basil in two cups of boiling water, carefully lean over the bowl and cover your head with a towel.

Inhale and exhale 5 to 10 minutes. This will give you an instant migraine relief, and also you will smell like Italian restaurant in the rest of the day. 🙂

It acts as an antibiotic

European scientists have investigated that the use of basil oil has several properties resistant of infections caused by Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas

Against Mosquitoes

Basil is a great natural product to combat mosquitoes. If you get bitten by mosquito or other insects, you can ease it if you rub the bitten place with a basil leaf. The same applies if you want to avoid insect bites, and do not have any of the usual repellents at hand.

Ear infections

Anti – bacterial activity of basil oil can be used for relief of ear infections.

Lowers blood pressure

If you consume basil regularly, or you drink it in the form of tea, basil can reduce your high blood pressure.

Reduces stress

Herbalists consider adding two cups of strong tea of basil in a bathtub of hot water can reduce your stress level. Warm baths certainly are great for relaxation, so there is no harm in trying this recipe.

Culinary

Dried basil can be added to almost every dish. Basil is used in many cultures around the world for good reason. It adds depth and flavor to the dish and it is not in rivalry with other herbs. You can even make homemade spice blends.