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PROPERTIES OF BASIL

 

Basil medicinal plant





 

 

 

 


 

Detail of the plant.

Daniel Martínez Bou

Common noun : Basil, sweet basil.
Scientific noun: Ocimum basilicum L
Habitat: Garden plant, native from India.
Characteristics : Annual herb up to 1 m. Erect stems, round below, squared above . Ovate or lanceolate leaves, opposite till 5 cm long, long petiolated, darker above, very odorous Flowers grouped in spikes, loose verticils with 6 flowers each. Calyx with 6 lobes, edge-ciliated. White or pink corolla, stamens white. Upper lip with 4 lobes, lower one undivided.
Active components:: Essence with linanol, estragole and eugenol.

Medicinal Properties:

Internal Use

- Digestive: It helps digestion and prevents stomach spasms and is very useful in cases of gastritis, of hiatal hernia, flatulence, heartburn, etc..(Infusion of a handful of dry leaves - about 15 gr. - per litre of water. Drink 3 cups a day after meals)

- Sedative: It strengthens the nervous system and avoids their physical symptoms, such as nerves in the stomach or anxiety (Infusion of a teaspoon of dried leaves per cup of water. Take a couple of cups a day after meals. If we increase the dose it has narcotic properties.)

- Digestive and lactic stimulant:The essence of the plant whets one's appetite ( 2 or 3 drops a day melt in sugar) Stimulates the production of milk in nursing ( Decoction of 30 gr. of dry leaves per litre of water. Drink 2 cups a day)

- Anti-vomitive : When feeling the need of vomiting or in cases of intestine unrest ( Infusion of 15 gr. of dry leaves per litre of water. 2 cups a day ) (Infusion of a handful of fresh leaves. 2 cups a day)

- Cysts in the ovary :Make an abdominal massage with the essential oil.

- Buccal:When aches or pains appear in the mouth, such as inflammations, mouth sores or bad breath (Gargles with de decoction of 100 gr. of dry leaves per litre of water)

Other uses

- Repellent for mosquitos: It has been used to repel mosquitos. They seem not to stand the strong odour coming from the estragol and eugenol the plant contains in its leaves. The extended custom of using the plant indoors in the native country where it comes from - India- appears to be the explanation of not having many of these insects in their homes, although they really use this plant because it is considered to be a sacred one.

- Seasoning : It can be used to spice meals by mixing its dry ground leaves with other herbs, although it can be eaten fresh in salads.

- Hair tonic: To reinforce the hair, preventing baldness ( Rub the hair with the liquid resulting from the infusion of dry leaves )

- Restless Legs Syndrome: To calm your legs you can dilute an infusion of dried flowers in the water of the bath.

Picking-up and storing: Leaves and floral summits should be collected in summer. They must be dried in the shade and be kept in a crystal container very well closed.

More information about natural medicine in the listing above.

  The information given is informative. In case of doubt, consult the doctor.
"Botanical" is not responsible for damages caused by self-medication.

 

 

 
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