Basil is one of the most popular herbs and its scientific name is Ocimum basilicum. Basil is a herbaceous, annual or perennial plant 20-100cm, with leaves up to 10cm. long, narrow, pointed and vary in size and shape from variety to variety (platophyllous - fine basil), green or iodized or blackish and small white or pink flowers that form spikes at the tops of the stems. It is worth mentioning that there are more than 60 varieties of basil. Depending on the species, it has different names such as immortal, platyphyllos, curly, etc.
Uses of Basil
1. Basil tea helps digestion and soothes the intestines.
2. Basil extract has a beneficial effect in cases of stomatitis and cold sores.
3. Recommended for migraines, headaches, nausea.
4. Basil essential oil relieves coughs, flu and colds, depression and lethargy and soothes insect and snake bites.
5. The essential oil also stimulates the nervous system, fights stress, anxiety, mental fatigue and helps concentration.
6. It has antiseptic and expectorant properties and is considered an excellent antiperspirant.
7. Basil powder (sucking it from the nose) fights colds and headaches.
8. Eating basil leaves with oil, as a salad, fights constipation.
9. The drink fights abdominal cramps and stomach nerves.
10. Enhances memory.
11. Very useful for relieving stomach cramps, gastric runny nose, vomiting, intestinal runny nose, constipation, enteritis.
12. Scientific studies have shown that the compounds in basil essential oil have powerful antioxidant, antiviral and antimicrobial properties and potential for use in the treatment of cancer.
Basil has been shown to reduce the presence of platelet aggregation and experimental clots in mice.
14. Flavors various grills, salads, stews, stews, soups, etc. while it goes well with sauces based on fresh tomatoes (eg especially in summer, a tomato salad with freshly chopped basil leaves, is a special flavor experience). In Italian cuisine, the pesto pasta sauce, a green Italian oil and herb sauce, is based on basil.
15. The modern Greeks believe that it repels mosquitoes.
16. Used in confectionery.
17. Used in the pharmaceutical industry and aromatherapy.
18. It is widely used in distillery.
