The strong yet pleasant odour of the sweet basil is similar to the odor of lemongrass. That’s why in the absence of the lemongrass, sweet basil is always my best alternative when cooking. But sweet basil is more than just an alternative because on it own, it has a wealth of health benefits to the body, most especially to the digestive tracts and the lungs. And let me not forget its benefit to the lactating mother, as well.

Like the other herbs, this plant grows in open wastelands and thrives with minimal care. We grow this herb in a pot in our small rooftop garden. With its numerous seeds, sweet basil multiplies fast and can be propagated with less effort.

DESCRIPTION

Sweet basil plant stands erect and grows short branches. It is slightly hairy with slim stem structure. It can grow up to 1 meter high. Crushing the ovate-shaped fresh leaves, they give away a very aromatic scent similar to lemongrass. The flowers that bloom on stalks that can grow up to 15 cm long, the purplish or pinkish flowers hold the seeds that is used for medicinal purposes.

PARTS USED

The leaves, roots, and seeds have medicinal properties for several kinds of ailment.

ACTIVE ELEMENTS

There are quite a number of active elements in sweet basil: Eugenol, geraniol, linalool, ocimene, methylchavicol, eucalyptol, limonene, lipids, uronic acid, methylcinnamate, and galaturonic acid.

DOSAGE

Normal dosage. Please refer to the INTRODUCTION POST of this series.

Use 10 to 15 grams of the leaves or roots for 1 liter of water, 4-5 cups a day.

PRECAUTION AND SIDE EFFECTS

Sweet basil has its own side effects and users must be made aware what these side effects are. Please refer to the following link to get more details:
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-303-basil.aspx?activeingredientid=303&activeingredientname=basil

MEDICINAL USES

1. Helps in relieving gas from stomach.
2. Stimulates appetite.
3. Prevent sudden involuntary muscle contractions.
4. Aids in increasing secretion of milk during a mother’s lactation period.
5. Helps remove mucus from bronchial tubes.
6. Treats diarrhea, dysentery, and chronic constipation.
7. May help cure whooping cough.
8. Cures intestinal problems, stomach cramps and vomiting.
9. Treats tuberculosis of the lungs.

PREPARATIONS

Decoction. Gently simmer the leaves or the crushed seeds for 30 minutes. The same preparation may be done with the roots.

Please refer to the INTRODUCTION POST of this series on how to prepare using decoction.

HOW TO USE

1. Syrup from the decoction of the roots is used to treat tuberculosis of the lungs.
2. Use the decoction of the leaves or seeds to increase milk secretion. The same can be used as compress on the nipple of the mammary glands.
3. Decoction of the roots can help relieve bowel complaints in children.
4. Use decoction of the leaves for other complaints.

Primary Reference: Amazing Healing Plants by JC Kurian

HAVE A HEALTHY, HAPPY LIFE.

Remember: When symptoms persist, consult a physician.

DISCLAIMER: All information, practices, and procedures have been PERSONALLY applied to my case. You may have different issues of the same symptoms, therefore, use the information here with caution. I am not a medical doctor nor a herbalist. But most of the applications have worked for me. It may work or may not work in your case. Consult a physician when in doubt.

Come follow @cjclaro for updates in this series of herbal medicine.