Basil

Who doesn’t love basil?

There is sweet basil, which most of know of and buy from your local greengrocer or supermarket (or grown your own). Then there is Tulsi or holy Basil which has played a role in Traditional Indian medicine (Tamil and Ayuvedic medicines) for many years.

Traditionally basil was used for snake bites, colds and inflammation within the nasal passages. Recent research is showing that it can help the skin by improving skin hydration, reduce roughness and wrinkling. Best achieved if applied in a cream.

Basil used in cooking or made into a tea can have a calming effect.

Basil is high in antioxidants, good levels of calcium and vitamin K. So can be beneficial for bone health, cardiovascular system, reducing free radicals in the body, can assist liver health.

Tulsi has had a number of studies conducted showing it can:

• Increase the ability to think and reason
• improve stress related sleep issues
• Reduce anxiety, stress and depression
• Help in preventing age related memory problems

I have just made this jar of homemade pesto which is so delicious, making it easy to consume basil. I also have a Tulsi tea most days.

Do you love or hate basil?

  16/01/2023     Food of the Week     0 Comment(s)