Claire Brown writes:
As with many herbs, basil has been labelled as a herb that is used for eating but there is so much more you can get out of your basil leaves. This low-calorie herb is rich with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It offers essential nutrients including vitamins A, C and K, as well as manganese, copper, calcium, iron, magnesium and omega-3 fats. All these nutrients are very good for your overall health. So here are some clever uses I recommend you try this summer:
Want fresh summer skin but those blemishes getting you down – use your basil to clear up that breakout! The herb’s oil helps kill the bacteria that cause pimples.
Try this blemish fix:
- Mix; Boil a 1/2 cup full of fresh basil leaves in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes
- Allow to cool and remove the leaves
- Dip a cotton ball into the liquid
- Pat it on your infected areas
- Leave on for 10 minutes, and then wash off with cool water.
You can repeat daily.
Is the summer heat getting to you and are your stress levels sky rocketing? Well then this herb can help mellow you out. Basil has great anti-anxiety effects as it contains phytochemicals that may lower cortisol – a hormone secreted when you’re tense. Make some of your favourite ice tea and while it is simmering
down add 3 basil leaves per glass into your ice tea. Yummy!
Women may want to eat more basil during that time of the month as basil is a super source of iron. Actually more than two cups of chopped fresh basil leaves or one tablespoon dried leaves provides 10 per cent of your body’s daily needed greens requirements. So eating basil during your period can replenish some of the iron lost when you menstruate. Here’s a novel idea: sprinkle some diced basil over chopped pineapple which will also help you combat bloating.
Summer is also the time for flu. Basil leaves can be used in the treatment of fever and other flu symptoms. Try chewing some fresh basil leaves to help offer some relief. To cure a fever, try to consume tender leaves of basil after boiling it in water. For severe fever basil leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in one cup of water must be consumed at least three times a day. The juice of basil leaves will bring down a high temperature.
So give your basil a new life.
