Therapeutic cosmetic

Basil and its beneficial properties

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 flowers small white or pink 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.

History of Basil

Basil is grown today in many regions around the world although it originated in India where it was a sacred plant dedicated to Krishna and Vishnu. The word basil comes from the Greek word basileus. However, since ancient times it was transferred to Europe where it became very popular in the Mediterranean basin. It was brought to Greece by Alexander the Great, when from his campaign in the Indies, among others, he brought the king's plant. He saw him in India, was impressed, and his army took him to Europe. The ancient Greeksthey did not value the plant as they believed that scorpions preferred to nest under its pots and that its strong smell was a kind of curse. So they considered him a sign of death. On the contrary, the Romans considered it a love potion, a sign of love and a talisman. The Egyptians used it along with other plants in embalming and the Gauls used it in purification ceremonies along with spring water. It is probably from there that the Christian custom of consecration with the basilisk has its roots. Unlike their ancestors, the modern Greeks value the plant and believe that it repels mosquitoes. It is certain, however, that the Greeks knew him long before Alexander's campaign and he is mentioned by earlier poets. Greek folk tradition connects the plant with Saint Helen: When he went to Palestine in search of the cross of Christ, he saw a bush that smelled of musk. He considered it a divine sign. He dug under its root and found the cross, the most sacred symbol of the Christian world! An old saying goes that “where basil grows, evil does not go " and "where there is basil, evil does not live". When basil is donated it brings good luck to a new household. They even use it a lot in cooking. Basil is used in gardening, perfumery, cooking, confectionery and as a healing material.

Health benefits

Protects DNA : Basil contains active ingredients called polyphenols or flavonoids , which provide protection at the cellular level. These are orientin and vicenin, which are two water-soluble flavonoids that protect cells and chromosomes from radiation and oxidizing oxygen.

Antibacterial properties: Basil has been shown to provide protection against unwanted bacterial growth. These antibacterial properties of basil are not associated with its unique flavonoids, but instead with its volatile oils, which contain estragole, linalool, cineole, eugenol, savinene, myrcene, and limonene, substances with significant antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. In fact, research has shown that estragole and eugenol protect against the action of microorganisms, such as staphylococcus and pseudomonas. In addition, laboratory studies have shown the effectiveness of basil in limiting the growth of many bacteria, such as: Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Anti-inflammatory action : The eugenol in basil has anti-inflammatory action in the same way as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and can provide symptomatic relief in rheumatoid arthritis or chronic inflammation of the bowel . Eugenol has the ability to block the activity of an enzyme in the body called cyclooxygenase(COX). There are two isoforms of the enzyme, COX-1 and COX-2. Cyclooxygenase catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin derivatives. COX-1 inhibitors can cause some problems, such as stomach bleeding, when NSAIDs are taken regularly for a long time. COX-2 inhibitors can help in the treatment and prevention of cancer and in addition have an anti-angiogenic effect, so their administration can affect angiogenesis and, by extension, colonic anastomosis healing.

Nutrient components : Basil is rich in antioxidant provitamin A , which helps with asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also a good source of magnesium , which promotes cardiovascular health, potassium and vitamin C and a very good source of iron and calcium .

How to choose good basil

Whenever you have the opportunity, choose fresh basil more than its dried form, because it has a superior flavor. Fresh basil leaves should look vibrant and have a deep green color. It should be free of dark spots or yellowing.

How to store it

Fresh basil should be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. It can also be stored in the freezer, either whole or cut up, in airtight containers. Alternatively, you can freeze basil in ice packs by covering with water or stock that can later be added when making soup or stews. Dried basil should be stored in an airtight glass container in a cool, dark, dry place for about six months.

Suggested way of consumption

In cooking mainly dried leaves of the broad-leaved variety are used, the aroma of which is a bit like that of aniseed. Flavors various roasts, salads, boiled, stewed, soups, etc. while it goes well with sauces based on fresh tomatoes.

Combine fresh chopped basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan and olive oil to make a pesto sauce, perfect for pasta or salmon.

Enjoy a traditional Italian salad of fresh basil leaves on tomato slices and mozzarella cheese.

Combine basil, olive oil and onions in a food processor or blender and add mixture to tomato soup.

Enjoy a cup of warm and refreshing basil tea by steeping chopped basil leaves in boiling water for eight minutes.

Combine 50ml mastic spirit or mastic liqueur, 5ml sugar syrup or 1 tbsp. sugar (reduce by half if using mastic liqueur), 2 lemon slices, 6 basil leaves, soda and crushed ice. In a tall glass, melt the lemon slices with the basil and sugar with a pestle. Add the mastic and crushed ice. Finish with a little soda, stir and garnish with basil leaves.

One tablespoon of fresh basil 5 g. contains:

Water

(gr.)

4.9

Energy

(Kcal)

1

Proteins

(gr.)

0.17

Fat

(gr.)

0.03

Carbohydrates

(gr.)

0.14

Fiber

(gr.)

0.1

Calcium

(mg)

9

Iron

(mg)

0.17

Magnesium

(mg)

3

Phosphorus

(mg)

3

Potassium

(mg)

16

Sodium

(mg)

0

Zinc

(mg)

0.04

Vitamin C

(mg)

1

Thiamine

(mg)

0.002

Riboflavin

(mg)

0.004

Niacin

(mg)

0.048

Vitamin B-6

(mg)

0.008

Vitamin A

(IU)

280