Basil is often used as a complementary ingredient in cooking because of its fragrant aroma. Not only that, the benefits of basil for health are not small. This plant is believed to be able to relieve, treat, and prevent certain diseases.
Most Indonesian people are more familiar with basil as basil leaves (Ocimum basilicum). This herb belongs to the mint family and has long been known as a traditional medicinal plant. Basil extract is known to have antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Basil is a plant that is rich in vitamins and minerals. The following are some types of vitamins and minerals contained in basil:
- Vitamins A, B, C and K
- Folate
- Calcium
- Iron
- Zinc
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Manganese
Various Benefits of Basil for Health
Various nutritional content in basil, making this plant believed to be able to prevent and treat certain diseases. In addition, there are several other benefits of basil that you can also get, including:
1. Treating acne
Basil extract in the form of a gel, cream, or essential oil is known to be beneficial for treating acne. This effect is thought to be due to the content of vitamin A, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory which can relieve inflammation of the skin and acne.
2. Overcoming fatigue
Basil is also sometimes used as an aromatherapy oil to treat fatigue and restore energy. You can also combine it with other aromatherapy oils, such as peppermint, lavender, or orange.
3. Reduce stress
Not only overcoming fatigue, inhaling basil aromatherapy oil can also relieve stress and make you more relaxed. When inhaling aromatherapy, the stress hormone cortisol in the body will decrease, while the relaxation hormone, namely endorphins, will increase.
4. Maintain brain health
One of the benefits of basil is to maintain brain health and function. Some research shows that consuming basil or basil extract can improve memory and concentration.
Consumption of basil is even thought to be able to improve memory and the ability to move the body in stroke patients. However, the benefits of basil as a treatment still need to be studied further.
5. Lowering blood sugar
In traditional medicine, basil is considered beneficial to help control blood sugar levels. The benefits of this bacillus are also supported by the results of research on experimental animals in the laboratory.
In that study, basil extract was shown to lower blood sugar levels and keep them stable.
6. Prevent cancer
A research in the laboratory shows that basil contains a variety of antioxidants and substances, such as rosmarinic acid, chicoric acid, and caftaric acid. The content is known to inhibit the growth of tumor or cancer cells.
7. Relieves inflammation and pain
According to research results, essential oils or basil extracts are known to reduce inflammation, thereby reducing the risk of developing chronic inflammatory diseases, such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition, basil is also known to relieve pain, such as pain due to toothache, headaches, or arthritis.
Although known to be beneficial for the health of the body, the various benefits of basil above still need to be studied further. Especially if you want to use basil as a treatment for a disease.
Basil is good for you to consume as a complementary food for daily nutritional needs. However, if you have certain diseases and want to use basil as a medicine, you should consult your doctor first.
