Community of @steemit! Basil is a spice, deeply rooted in history, for its unsurpassed fragrant aroma and healing properties. The basil is an annual herb of the Yasnotkovyh family, which has about 150 species.
The most common basil is fragrant or, as it is also called, common basil. The varieties of basil are distinguished not only by the color of the leaves, but also by their aroma. It is not surprising that such a rich range of nuances of smells and flavors combine perfectly with all kinds of culinary delights and, therefore, finds its reflection in the kitchens of different nations of the world.
Basil perfectly complements vegetable dishes and salads, soups and tortillas, sauces and pastas, marinades and pickles, as well as seasoning separately and in combination with other spices (rosemary, parsley, cilantro, tarhun, mint, marjoram, salty). The fresh basil leaves perfectly decorate any dish, and the vinegar significantly improves its flavor. Basil is also used in the production of liquors.
The basil is linked to its magnificent aroma by the presence in the chemical composition of an essential oil, which contains odorous substances, cineol and linalool. In addition, the components of the essential oil (1.5% in the total composition) are eugenol, camphor, otsimen, which have remarkable analgesic, sedative and disinfectant properties.
Basil, being inherently a natural antibiotic, perfectly copes with a headache, is effective in the treatment of colds and bronchitis, reduces inflammation and facilitates breathing in asthma, which undoubtedly emphasizes the beneficial properties of basil.
A decoction of the leaves and flowers of basil is a wonderful remedy for fever and cough, since by destroying 99% of harmful bacteria in the mouth, it refreshes and disinfects the oral cavity, heals ulcers and strengthens the gums. The essential oil helps perfectly with flatulence and swelling, has an antispasmodic effect.
The basil, whose beneficial properties are not exhausted by this, has been used since ancient times as a sedative, able to relieve stress and eliminate insomnia. The phytonutrients it contains, vitamin C, E, eugenol and other potent antioxidants, can opportunely minimize the damage caused by free radicals to the body, thus calming the nerves and improving the work of the cardiovascular system. For this purpose, basil is good not only as a component of nutrition, but also as a composition for aromatic baths.
The benefits of basil as a means to stimulate the body's immune response to any type of infection will increase if they are harvested during the period of its sprouting. At this particular time, basil contains the highest amounts of vitamin C. The mild effect of potassium helps regulate the metabolism of water in the body, improving fluid extraction, cleansing the kidneys and normalizing the heart, which also confirms the use of basil. The normal functioning of the kidneys is guaranteed by the presence of a sufficiently large amount of vitamin K in fresh green basil, whose content increases several times in dried basil.
Speaking of basil and its beneficial properties, it is impossible not to mention its help in our vision. Vitamins A, B6, C, E, beta carotene and the essential oils contained in the basilica will help protect your eyes from diseases such as cataracts or glaucoma, and washing with a decoction of the leaves can free you from conjunctivitis, boils or other infectious diseases. - Purulent eye diseases caused by bacterial, fungal or viral lesions.
I would like to add to everything that the caloric content of basil, as well as other herbs, is small: 23 kcal / 100 g of fresh vegetables, which means that this fragrant spice, which has an antioxidant effect, will not be a subject for Worry about extra inches on your hips and you can easily introduce them into your diet to all to prolong your youth. The essential oils contained in the basil have an excellent tonic and soothing effect on the skin, and also serve as an excellent deterrent for mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects.
In spite of the beneficial properties of basil, it must be taken into account that its leaves contain mercury compounds, which have a bactericidal effect; However, prolonged contact with the teeth can be harmful to your health. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid chewing the basil leaves and prefer the decoctions and tinctures of them for oral care that do not have such a harmful effect.