The Power of Herbs: Basil

As you can see my friends I am focusing today on the very special herb. I know that I promised every Wednesday but with me being absent from my blog, and not working like I use to I thought that today is a good time to present one more very powerful herb grown for medical as well as culinary use. 
Basil is one of the oldest and most popular herbs all over the world and in many countries and traditions also called as a Holy Herb. It is absolutely necessary for our health. 
Basil is originally native to Iran, India and regions of Asia and basil leaves are known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties, so their health benefits are on a higher rank.
This herb is very low in calories and contain no cholesterol, but are very rich source of many essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins.

Basil contains:
facts found on the wiki and to read more about it click here

• Zeaxanthin,(is one of the most common carotenoid alcohols found in nature. It is important in the xanthophyll cycle. Synthesized in plants and some micro-organisms, it is the pigment that gives paprika (made from bell peppers), corn, saffron, and many other plants and microbes their characteristic color)  is a yellow flavored carotenoid compound. Herbs, fruits, and vegetables that are rich in this compound help to protect from age related macular disease, especially in the elderly.
• Vitamin A, (the light-absorbing molecule retinal, that is necessary for both low-light (scotopic vision) and color vision)  has antioxidant properties and it is necessary for vision. It is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural foods rich in vitamin-A has been found to help body protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
• Vitamin K, (is a group of structurally similar, fat-soluble vitamins that are needed for the posttranslational modification of certain proteins required for blood coagulation and in metabolic pathways in bone and other tissue)  in few words plays role in the strengthening of the bone function by helping mineral process.
• Basil herb contains good amount of potassium, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component and it helps control heart rate and blood pressure.
• The use of basil leaf tea is recommended in nervous system fatigue, insomnia and painful menstruation. 
• Basil essential oil has a refreshing effect and hence it is used for treating nervous tension, mental fatigue, melancholy, migraines and depression. Due to this calming nature of basil essential oil, it is widely used in aromatherapy. It regular use gives mental strength and clarity.

Where to find Basil tea?

Personally I use Basil for culinary uses that you can find in any store. Making the tea is the easiest. For 8oz of tea you will need:

• 2 Tbs. Dry Basil
• 8 oz Water
• Boil the water and place Dry Basil. 
• Let it cook for 20 second and take it off the burner.
• Cover and leave it like that for next 3 minutes.
• Drain the tea into your cup and drink.

*Note: Don't add sugar, you might use 1/2 teaspoon of pure Honey.

The best result is if you drink it after meal instead of juices or water. Or perhaps instead of your afternoon coffee drink this tea because it will relax you and your stomach will thank you too! Also recommended few hours before bed time. 

If you want to know more about my first pick on "The Power of Herbs" click here.
It was Bay Leaf and I can honestly say it is fantastic herb for both medical and culinary use. 

Enjoy your week ahead!

Your Friend,

Sandra 

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