Discover the medicinal properties of basil and its many uses

Fresh and pungent, the basil leave has many uses. Here are the medicinal properties of basil, along with a few cooking tips for using this plant to its full potential.

Ocimum basilicum

• Parts used: the leaves. Sweet basil is best known for its pleasant taste and for its medicinal properties.
• Because of its mild sedative powers, herbalists often prescribe it as a tea to calm irritability and nervousness.

Ocimum tenuiflorumsyn. O.sanctum

Parts used: the leaves

• Holy basil is an important ingredient of Ayurvedic medicine. Its applications are diverse.
• Scientific research has highlighted its potential as a hypoglycemic, and therefore also an effective means of controlling diabetes.
• It is also a helpful herbal supplement in times of stress.
• It can also help improve memory and concentration.
• Because of its anti-allergic properties, it is used to combat hay fever or asthma.
• For appropriate medicinal use, consult a doctor or herbalist.
• It is recommended not to exceed the usual doses in cooking if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Basil is one of the essential herbs. Different varieties are used in Europe and Asia. If a recipe says "basil" without further spefication, it is usually mild or regular basil (O.basilicum). Sweet basil is very aromatic with a scent and flavor that are reminiscent of tarragon and star anise. Here are a few cooking tips:

• Avoid using a knife to cut it, as this can damage the plant and blacken the leaves.
• For beautiful salads and lovely pasta, crumble basil with your fingers.
• Young leaves are more scented, whereas the older, green leaves have a stronger, less delicate taste.
• When cooked, basil quickly loses its aroma and its leaves turn brown. It is better to use it towards the end of cooking to add a pronounced aromatic hint.
• Simply add a few leaves before serving for a fragrant and colourful note.
• Basil goes well with tomato, chicken, eggs, rice, pasta sauces, and vegetables such as beans, peppers and eggplant.

Basil also goes well in stuffing. It is best known for being the basic ingredient in pesto. Varieties with citrus or spicy notes are better suited to Asian recipes.

• Store Italian basil in a pot by overlapping leaves and lightly salting each layer.
• Cover with good quality olive oil and fill the pot to the top.
• Seal tightly and refrigerate.
• Leave for several days to allow the basil infused oil to steep well.

To make your green pesto, add pine nuts to the oil and basil leaves. You can also add a few drops of scented oil to salads and pizzas or in a marinade to add extra flavour.

Here are a few other ways to use basil.

• Basil is a natural disinfectant. Use basil essential oil mixed with other antiseptic oils in a spray to clean the house.
• To keep flies away, place potted basil near the front door. Also place a bunch of basil on the table when eating outside.
• Dried flowers add a sweet and spicy note to your potpourri.

--------------------

Discover the smarter way to save time and money

Ready to start saving more on your groceries and pharmacy purchases? Download the FREE YP Grocery app today! It lets you create shareable shopping lists, automatically finds all the best deals and coupons, then delivers them right to you. No more manually scrolling through hundreds of flyers to find what you’re looking for!

Download the YP Grocery app now!