Basil: types and varieties. Basil - beneficial properties, use in medicine, cosmetology and cooking

Any dish will be healthy and flavorful if you decorate it with a sprig of basil. Basil has many health benefits and medicinal properties. It is not for nothing that it was previously called royal or royal grass. To get as much benefit and less harm from this spicy herb as possible, you need to know the secrets of its use. This will be discussed today.

This plant is familiar to many. It has a specific, fairly fresh aroma. Currently, breeders have developed many varieties of this plant. Depending on the variety, you can smell pepper, cinnamon, vanilla, camphor, lemon, cloves, caramel... Green and purple varieties are distinguished by color. In terms of chemical composition, all varieties differ little from each other.

This is the most valuable thing this plant contains.

• The main thing is a large number of essential oils, very complex in composition. The smells that we smell are the smells of essential oils. They have a very strong bactericidal effect. Of particular note is efgenol - this is part of the essential oils that have antispasmodic properties.
• Fat-soluble vitamins – A, beta-carotene, E. A lot of vitamin K (this is a hemostatic factor). Basil contains more than the 3-day norm, 10 times more than celery and 30 times more than orenago.
• Water-soluble vitamins include B vitamins, vitamin C, and rutin (vitamin P), which is a bioflavonoid.
• Minerals here include potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium.
• Amino acids, fatty acid(Omega-3 and Omega-6), bioflavonoids, phytoncides, terpenoids (camphor), a large amount of indigestible dietary fiber.

Nutritional value is 23 kcal per 100 g of product.

Useful properties of basil

Basil is a herb revered by people since ancient times. In India, this spicy herb is revered as a sacred plant. They believe that without this plant there will be no health and happiness in the house. In Ancient Italy, it personified the herb of love.

What beneficial properties does basil have?

• Essential oils have a strong bactericidal effect, have a detrimental effect on listeria, ischerichia coli, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
• Efgenol relieves spasms and inflammation. This is especially noticeable in inflammatory diseases of the joints, including rheumatoid arthritis;
• Vitamin K (phylloquinones) has hemostatic properties.
• Used as an expectorant for colds, bronchitis, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma and in smokers;
• As a digestive and absorption aid nutrients, taken for stomach diseases. Helps cope with flatulence;
• Phytoncides perfectly reduce body temperature during viral and fungal infections, destroy protozoa;
• Relieves headaches, including migraines, dental and menstrual pain;
• The disinfectant effect of basil helps with wounds and ulcers in the mouth, for example, with stomatitis;
• It has an astringent effect, which has a beneficial effect on gum diseases. Chewing a leaf can stop bleeding from periodontal disease;
• It has a beneficial effect on blood vessels, as it contains potassium. In addition, the plant helps get rid of excess cholesterol;

• Has a calming property. Whether added to food or simply chewed on a leaf, basil can help relieve stress. And adding it to food will help improve sleep and improve memory;
• Removes uric acid, which means that it will be useful for preventing the formation of kidney stones;
• Basil has antioxidant properties, removes free radicals and removes their negative effects on the body;
• Increases immunity after serious illnesses, including in cancer patients and in patients with HIV infection;
• It is an aphrosiac, stimulates and enhances libido and sexual activity. It will be useful for both men and women.

Contraindications

Basil irritates the mucous membranes of all organs. For this reason, it should not be taken in large quantities.

Having a strong blood-clotting effect, it should be limited or even excluded from the diet for people suffering from:

• bleeding disorders,
• thrombophlebitis,
• myocardial infarction,
• and taking blood thinners such as Warfarin.

Overdose when used essential oil Basil is dangerous and can even be fatal. Chewing the leaves for a long time can also be dangerous, as the leaves contain mercury.

Traditional uses of basil

Basil in folk medicine used in the form of infusions, tinctures, teas, decoctions, of course, in fresh. Use internally and externally.

Back in ancient times, basil leaves were ground, white sesame oil was added, and this mixture was used for skin diseases. An infusion of basil and black sesame seeds helps reduce high temperature, helps with colds. Exhausted women in labor were helped by crushed basil leaves mixed with sour milk; the product gave them strength.

1. To soften calluses, apply a paste of basil leaves to the callus.
2. For headaches, ground gruel from the leaves is applied to the temples and the back of the head.
3. Tea made from dried leaves will help lower blood pressure and give you energy.
4. To treat wounds and cuts, baths from an infusion of leaves are used, and for sweating feet, baths with a cold infusion are made.
5. When you have a runny nose, inhale the aroma of basil leaves.
6. A decoction of basil leaves helps with skin diseases, runny nose and for washing eyes.
7. You can make juice from the leaves and flowers, which is taken one tablespoon at a time 20 minutes before meals.
8. To strengthen the gums, the juice should be kept in the mouth for 2 minutes. Repeat the procedure several times a day.

To prepare the infusion you need 1 tbsp. l. Brew crushed dry or fresh leaves in a glass of boiling water, let it brew for 10 minutes, strain. For appetite, in case of indigestion, take a third of a glass three times a day before meals.

For itchy skin, the infusion is prepared at the rate of 2 tbsp. l. dry leaves in 0.5 liters of boiling water, brew, insist, strain the infusion. Take half a glass before each meal. The same infusion can be used to wash your eyes for conjunctivitis.

To prepare a decoction for sore throat, 2 tbsp. l. pour a glass of boiling water and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Cool and strain. Gargle a sore throat with a warm decoction.

For otitis 2 tbsp. l. Brew dry raw materials in 0.5 liters of boiling water and bring to a boil over low heat. Remove from heat and leave to steep for another 10 minutes. Strain. With the resulting decoction, make a compress on the ear for otitis media for 1-2 hours.

To obtain a paste for external use, basil leaves can be crushed using a meat grinder or blender. You can then squeeze the juice out of the resulting pulp.

How to choose basil when buying in a store?

If you do not have the opportunity to grow basil, now you can easily buy it in a store or market. Please note the following when purchasing.

The grass should be juicy. Do not buy basil if it is weak and has already wilted. There will hardly be any benefit from such a purchase. To avoid being deceived, tear off one leaf and rub it between your fingers, and then smell it. Your fingers should smell.

How to preserve basil?

To keep the herb fresh as long as possible and preserve everything useful material, after purchasing the basil, put it in a jar (glass) with cold water. And then store it in the refrigerator. By changing the water in the container daily, the grass will remain fresh for a week.

For long-term storage collect leaves or cut the plant 10 cm from the top. It is best to harvest greens when they have a large leaf mass. And it’s better to do this before flowering. During flowering, essential oils and camphor in the leaves become less.

For long-term storage, you can freeze basil. At the same time, essential oils and vitamins are preserved long time. You can freeze it another way. Finely chop the washed and dried grass and mix it with vegetable oil(olive, sunflower, flaxseed). Stir to form a thin paste. Fill the cells of the ice container with the resulting slurry. We put the container in the freezer. Once the mixture has hardened, transfer the cubes to plastic bag and put it back in the freezer until needed.

All the beneficial substances in basil are preserved even when dried. To do this, the leaves are collected in dry weather and laid out in a ventilated area in the shade. It is better to store dried basil in glass or ceramic jars with a tightly sealed stopper. This way, dried leaves will not absorb foreign odors and moisture, and essential oils will not evaporate.

How to properly use basil?

In order for the spice to bring as many health benefits as possible, it is best consumed fresh. It is difficult to list all the dishes where you can add basil. These are all possible salads, hot soups, meat and fish dishes, pizza, etc. Add basil at the very last moment, when serving. This is necessary so that the essential oils reveal their wonderful aroma, and the beneficial vitamins are not destroyed.

By the way, basil is included in the composition.

If you want to all year round use fresh basil in your recipes, grow it at home, on your windowsill. How to properly grow basil on a windowsill, watch this video.

Dear readers, after reading about all the beneficial properties of basil, you probably fell in love with it even more. And it's worth it. Grow it on yours personal plots and just in your apartment on the windowsill. And be healthy!

My dear readers! I am very glad that you visited my blog, thank you all! Was this article interesting and useful to you? Please write your opinion in the comments. I would really like you to also share this information with your friends on social media. networks.

I really hope that we will communicate with you for a long time, there will be many more on the blog interesting articles. To avoid missing them, subscribe to blog news.

Be healthy! Taisiya Filippova was with you.

Basil came to us from the eastern part of India and Ceylon. This spicy plant has a specific aroma and inimitable taste qualities, so it was originally used only in cooking. The beneficial properties of the culture have been noticed traditional healers and began to actively use the herb to treat many diseases. Somewhat later, the chemical composition was scientifically studied and the therapeutic properties of the plant were confirmed.

Botanical characteristics

The basil herb comes in many forms and cross-pollinates easily. It is on this property that the multiplicity of species is based, as well as the production of different varieties plants. The acquisition of new morphological properties underlies the numerous names applied to one variety of basil. Thus, common basil is called garden basil, mint-leaved basil, camphor basil, fragrant basil, although we are talking about one species, but in different morphological manifestations.

Area

Common basil is tropical plant. It grows wild in tropical and subtropical latitudes of Asia, America, Europe, Iran, and the Caucasus. Due to the valuable properties of the herb itself and the essential oil extracted from it, basil is actively cultivated in the southern part of France, Italy and Spain, Moldova, China, Mongolia, as well as in the south of Ukraine and Russia.

Morphological characteristics

The plant is a herbaceous annual. Grows on loose fertile soils. Characterized by the following features.

• Root system. It is represented by a central root and many lateral ones, which branch strongly. The depth of penetration of the plant into the soil is small - about 10 cm. Additional roots quickly form on the shoots.
• Stem. It has a round shape and four edges. Very often pubescent. Green or anthocyanin in color. The plant reaches a height of 60 cm and is highly branched. During development, the stem becomes woody.
• Leaves. In basil they are petiolate, ovoid or round-ovoid in shape, reaching 8 cm in length, depending on the variety. The location is opposite. The edge is entire or finely humped. Mostly not pubescent, color from rich green to anthocyanin.
• Flowers. They have a light purple color. Whorls of eight to ten small flowers form a racemose inflorescence at the top of the main stem, less often in the axils of the leaves. Flowering continues from June to the end of August.
• Fruit. They begin to ripen in September. After flowering, four shiny dark brown seeds are formed, up to 2 mm long. The upper shell of the seed, upon contact with moist soil, quickly forms mucus and the fruit germinates. The ascending ability of seeds is maintained for seven years.

Wild basil is a perennial plant in tropical climates. Cultivation in other climates requires annual planting.

Growing conditions

Basil is heat-, light- and moisture-loving herbaceous plant. Seeds germinate only if the soil warms up to +15°C. The plant is also demanding regarding the composition of the soil - it likes moist, loose soil. fertile soil. To obtain strong, viable crops, annual fertilization of the planting site with organic fertilizers is recommended.

The ideal temperature for plant development should exceed +25 C. Regular and abundant watering is required, as well as sufficient quantity sunlight. This is the only way the plant can accumulate a sufficient amount of essential oil in the above-ground part.
Planting of seedlings begins at the end of March. Seeds are planted in boxes and created Greenhouse effect, regularly sprayed with water. Disembarkation at open ground must be done no earlier than in the second half of May, when the risk of night frosts completely disappears. The culture does not withstand frost at all; the shoots die if the temperature drops to 0°C. Seedlings get sick if the temperature lasts for several days environment does not rise above +15°C.

Procurement of raw materials

For treatment purposes, fresh basil leaves or a dried plant can be used. It is important to properly prepare raw materials.

• Collection and preparation. They begin in June, after the plant blooms, since the inflorescences also accumulate essential oil. The shoots are taken at a distance of 10-15 cm from the ground. This approach allows you to get several shoots per season, because the cut stem grows back.
• Drying. Conducted under a canopy. This minimizes the loss of biologically active substances. It is also possible to dry the plant in a well-ventilated area or using a dryer at low temperature conditions(up to 35°C). The shoots are tied into small brooms and hung, laid out thin layer on paper or cotton fabric.
• Storage. After complete drying, the stems are packed in paper bags and wrapped with film or cellophane on top. If you plan to grind the raw materials immediately after drying, it is necessary to prepare an airtight container to reduce the evaporation of the essential oil. In a dark and well-ventilated place, dried raw materials can be stored for two years.

Freezing

Peculiarities. The leaves are used for culinary purposes. They are picked from the dried stems and crushed, after which they are added to dishes and sauces. But the fresh leaves of the plant, which are frozen, are of much greater culinary value.

Procurement algorithm

1. Collect fresh leaves, separating them from the shoots.
2. Rinse with cold running water.
3. Lay out on paper towel thin layer or use a special “dryer” for fresh herbs.
4. After complete drying, the leaves are placed on a wide baking sheet and placed in freezer.
5. After an hour, they can be collected and placed in a container or bag.
6. Whole leaves are added to soups and salads, used to serve dishes, and used as a topping for multi-component puff pastries.

Paste

Peculiarities. For sauces, dressings, salads, cooking fish and meat, basil is frozen in the form of a paste. Chopped leaves are added to hot snacks and dishes without defrosting.

Procurement algorithm

1. Fresh basil leaves are separated from the shoots, thoroughly washed with water, and dried.
2. Place in a blender bowl for maximum chopping.
3. Add a small amount of olive oil until it reaches a mushy consistency and mix thoroughly. (Oil helps preserve the juicy color of greens after freezing).
4. The resulting paste is placed in ice trays.
5. After 12 hours, the cubes are pulled out and placed in a container or plastic bag.

Pickling

Peculiarities. When using this seasoning, it is important to be careful not to oversalt the dish.

Procurement algorithm

1. Fresh leaves are separated from the shoots and washed with cold water.
2. Use a large metal knife to cut into pieces up to 1 cm long.
3. Place in a jar or container in layers, each layer sprinkled with fine salt.
4. Store the product in the refrigerator.

It is better to use salted leaves in one cold season. Frozen ones have no restrictions on shelf life.

Chemical composition

Essential oil is of particular value. Its amount in the plant ranges from 3.5% to 5%. The chemical composition is very complex, including aromatic compounds of different nature. All volatile components, to a greater or lesser extent, have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, astringent properties and a local irritant effect. The oil contains most camphor.

In addition to ether, the plant contains a number of other beneficial substances:

• phytoncides;
• tannins;
• polysaccharides;
• organic acids (malic and ascorbic);
• fatty acids (linoleic, linolenic, palmitic);
• complex of minerals (calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, iron).

Medicinal properties

Since ancient times, basil has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of skin diseases and digestive disorders. But over time, others have been proven medicinal properties culture. Thanks to the essential oil, the plant exhibits the following effects:

Tannins cause the astringent effect of the plant, as a result of which the process of regeneration of the skin and epithelial tissue of the mucous membranes is accelerated.

Organic acids - regulators of the biochemical composition of blood - have hypoglycemic and cholesterol-lowering effects. Their molecules are structural elements vascular epithelium.

The sedative, cardiotonic, anti-ischemic effects of camphor allow the use of basil for cardiovascular disorders, respiratory system disorders, and deterioration of peripheral blood flow.

Indications

The plant is useful for the prevention and treatment of the following ailments.

• Digestive organs. Basil stimulates the secretion of the digestive glands, therefore it is indicated for decreased appetite, a feeling of heaviness after eating, flatulence, and constipation. The anti-inflammatory effect of the plant allows the use of basil for gastritis, pancreatitis, and colitis of various etiologies. Antimicrobial properties are appropriate for dysbacteriosis and poisoning. Also, the spice is able to regulate lipid metabolism, accelerate the breakdown and elimination of fats, which is why it is actively used for weight loss.
• Heart and blood vessels. Basil increases the tone of vascular walls, improves the supply of oxygen to the myocardium, enhances heart contractions, can lower blood pressure, and also eliminate platelet aggregation. Actively used for the prevention of hypertension and its therapy in early stages, prevention of thrombosis. The stimulating effect of the plant is appropriate for heart failure, varicose veins, and tissue trophic disorders due to vascular insufficiency.
• Nervous system. Basil has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. Increases the ability to concentrate, improves memory, normalizes sleep and the process of falling asleep. Has antidepressant properties. Eliminates cerebral vascular spasms, which is why the plant is actively used to treat migraine pain. The stimulating effect allows the use of basil for poisoning with narcotic or sleeping pills.
• Skin and mucous membranes. The regenerating and antimicrobial effect of basil is used to treat all skin damage: wounds, abrasions, scratches, insect bites, burns, frostbite, fungal infections. The plant is also used for stomatitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, sore throat, gum disease, and to relieve toothache. A positive effect is observed when treating lesions such as eczema, trophic ulcers, bedsores, and dermatitis with basil preparations.

Basil is used as a natural antibacterial, antiviral, and diaphoretic agent. The plant's ability to relieve fever is known. Camphor has a mild expectorant effect. ENT diseases (otitis, rhinitis, sinusitis) can also be treated with basil. Due to its ability to stimulate the respiratory center of the brain, the plant is used for respiratory depression accompanying pneumonia.

In addition, basil is used both as an analgesic and as an anti-inflammatory agent for arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism, and myalgia. The general strengthening properties allow the herb to be used for the prevention of ARVI.

Basil can act as an aphrodisiac and is considered a natural potency stimulant. Regulates hormonal background in women, eliminates dysmenorrhea, softens the symptoms of menopause. The plant is used for motion sickness, as well as to repel insects.

Contraindications

The harm of basil occurs when it is consumed excessively orally, as well as if a person has an individual intolerance to this plant. This increases the risk of developing side effects: dyspeptic disorders, allergic reactions. disturbances of consciousness and heart rhythm disturbances.

Contraindications for use:

• myocardial infarction;
• suffered a stroke;
• diabetes;
• thrombophlebitis;
• hypertension;
• encephalitis;
• epilepsy.

Also, the herbal remedy is prohibited during pregnancy and lactation.

Drug recipes

For therapeutic purposes, basil should not be taken for longer than 21 days. Otherwise, addiction and accumulation of specific chemicals in the body is possible.

Decoction

Peculiarities. Used for stomach and intestinal disorders, poisoning, to relieve headaches, colds, as well as for gargling and washing wounds.

Preparation and use

1. Pour two teaspoons of chopped herbs into a cup of boiling water.
2. Place the mixture on water bath, heat for ten minutes.
3. Leave for one hour, then strain and squeeze out the cake.
4. For digestive disorders, headaches, and colds, take a sip throughout the day. Gargle or treat wounds three times daily. To treat toothache, add a teaspoon of salt and vinegar to the resulting decoction and rinse your mouth throughout the day.

Tea

Peculiarities. Used for bloating, poor digestion, nausea, painful periods, as well as for work disorders nervous system.

Preparation and use

1. Pour a tablespoon of raw material into a glass of boiling water.
2. Leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain.
4. Add honey to taste.
5. Drink no more than two cups per day.

Powder

Peculiarities. It is used to prepare ointments, and is also consumed in its pure form.

Preparation and use

1. Dried plant materials are ground in a mortar to obtain a homogeneous powder.
2. To treat skin damage, it is mixed with any ointment base (vaseline, baby cream), maintaining a 1:1 ratio. Apply to the affected area and cover with gauze. Use three times a day. Pure powder is snorted to induce sneezing during rhinitis, as well as to eliminate and prevent motion sickness in transport.

Juice

Peculiarities. It is used for diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract, and is also used externally.

Preparation and use

1. Fresh leaves are washed with cold water.
2. Grind to a paste using a blender.
3. Place the resulting pulp in gauze, folded several times.
4. Carefully squeeze the juice into a clean glass container.
5. Apply externally for skin diseases. Drop two drops into the ear for otitis media. Take a teaspoon orally twice a day for kidney disease.

Role in cooking

Basil is an essential attribute of Mediterranean cuisine. The plant is actively used to flavor fish, meat and even some confectionery products. The herb stimulates digestion, which is why it simply needs to be served as an appetizer to fatty dishes (kebabs, stewed, baked meat).

The specific aroma makes the culture indispensable as a flavoring agent for pickles: tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, zucchini. Crushed leaves are included in the classic composition of many herbal spices, dough dishes, and sauces.

A few leaves added to a regular soup will create an almost Italian dish. By the way, this plant is one of the main ingredients of the famous Margherita pizza.

Finely crushed basil leaves add an interesting flavor to sandwiches when mixed with butter. And if you combine them with olive oil and let it brew for at least 12 hours, you get the perfect salad dressing.

Use in cosmetology

The herbal remedy is used for beauty because it contains antioxidants, tannins and antibacterial components.

• For hair . The use of basil essential oil helps strengthen the roots, eliminate fragility and excess oiliness of the strands. To do this, add an ethereal extract to the shampoo, balm or mask at the rate of three to four drops per 10 g of the original product.
• For face . Basil extracts are used to create anti-aging products. Thanks to them, it is possible to significantly improve skin color, eliminate dullness, and make facial wrinkles less noticeable. Dermatoses, acne, pimples, and blackheads are treated with decoctions of the leaves.

It is best to start using basil for treatment with small doses. If an allergy occurs, consult a doctor.

Basil– a famous spicy plant that is widely used in Georgian, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisines. The plant has a straight stem and bright green leaves; some varieties may have purple and silver leaves (see photo).

Basil is found growing wild in India, China, and the Caucasus. In many cultures, basil is considered a special plant. The ancient Egyptians used it for mummification. In India, the spicy plant is considered sacred. Hindus believe that the wife of the god Vishnu turned into basil when she descended to earth, so the grass should not be disturbed without a special reason.

Basil varieties

The plant comes in different varieties, but each variety of basil is highly valued in cooking and folk medicine. different countries. Thanks to varietal diversity The same herb can have different taste characteristics: from a fresh peppery scent to a rich clove scent.

Basil, regan and oregano - differences

The differences between basil and oregano are very obvious. Basil is an annual plant that has a slightly bitter taste and also resembles cloves and bay leaves. This spice is added to the dish five minutes before cooking or before serving, so that the basil does not lose its wonderful aroma and taste. The seasoning is more in demand in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and Uzbekistan.

As for oregano, this spice is also called oregano because it has a rich aroma. Unlike basil, oregano is a perennial plants. Oregano inflorescences are very small and colored purple colour, which is why it is sometimes confused with thyme. You need to put very little of it in the dish so as not to overshadow the main taste. finished product. In addition, oregano can be added to a hot drink (tea). The seasoning is most popular in Spanish, French, and Italian cuisine.

Regan is a basil that is colored purple. Why different names? Because in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the Caucasus, it is customary to call basil “regan,” which means “royal aroma.” And in other countries this plant is called basil.

Growing: planting and care

You can grow basil not only in the country, but also on the windowsill. In order to grow “homemade” basil, cuttings are perfect, because this spice takes root easily. Basil is so easy to grow that you can even plant fresh stems of the plant if you wish. The cuttings should be placed in water for about a week, after 6 days the plant should take root, and after 15 days the grass can be planted in the ground.

Caring for basil involves regular watering, warmth and access to sunlight. You can use fertilizer from a flower shop as a top dressing. If the place where the box with basil stands is equipped with artificial lighting, the spice can be grown all year round.

Basically, basil is grown from seedlings (more popular among summer residents) or seeds planted in open ground. The plant loves warmth and is not resistant to the cold season. Basil begins to bloom around mid-summer.

As already mentioned, basil loves heat, so it needs to be planted in the area where it gets the most heat. sunlight. The soil should be fertile and easy to drain. It is best to plant basil where tomatoes, potatoes or legumes previously grew.

To plant the plant, the soil must be prepared in the fall. To do this, you need to dig it up and fertilize it. You also need to get rid of weeds so that they do not interfere with the normal growth of the plant. IN spring period the soil must be leveled with a rake and mineral fertilizers added to the soil.

If you are going to plant basil as seedlings in open ground, the seeds should be prepared in early April. To do this, you should prepare boxes with drainage holes so that the soil is not too wet. You can put either expanded clay or pebbles at the bottom of the boxes. Then you should put a layer of soil with fertilizers (humus and peat). Before planting in the soil, the seeds should be soaked in a saturated manganese solution for about two hours. After this, the seeds can be planted in the ground at a distance of five centimeters from each other, sprinkling them with a one-centimeter layer of soil on top. The box needs to be covered transparent film. Seeds must be ventilated and sprayed with water daily. To grow seedlings, the room temperature must be at least twenty-seven degrees.

At correct landing seeds, the first basil shoots will appear in about ten days. The seedlings need to be watered abundantly as soon as the soil begins to dry out. The film can be removed and the box can be placed on the windowsill. When the first leaf appears, the seedlings must be planted (transplanted) into small pots with the same soil that was in the boxes. After ten days, the seedlings should be fertilized with a mineral solution (about two grams of saltpeter and three grams of superphosphate are required for five glasses of water).

At the end of May, when more than five strong leaves appear, the seedlings can be planted in open ground to a depth of about ten centimeters. The distance between bushes should be at least twenty-five centimeters. The soil should be warm and moist. In order for the plant to have lush leaves, the top of the basil must be pinched as soon as six normal leaves appear.

If you want to plant basil with seeds, they are simply placed in open ground. Before planting basil, the seeds need to be soaked in a manganese solution for about two hours. The soil should be loose and moist. The seeds should be three centimeters apart from each other. The area with basil seeds should be covered with film (making a greenhouse). After ten days, the first shoots will appear and the film can be removed.

Basil can also be grown in a greenhouse at a temperature of twenty-five degrees. To do this, you need to place ready-made pots with seedlings there. Seven days before planting basil in open ground, when there are already six leaves, watering the soil should be reduced, and the greenhouse should be ventilated to lower the temperature. This way the plant hardens.

When caring for basil, you need to monitor the appearance of weeds, which must be removed so that they do not interfere with the growth of the plant. Watering should be carried out as the soil dries. When the plant begins to actively grow (before the first inflorescences appear), it needs to be fed mineral fertilizers(ammonium nitrate). One month after planting the basil in the ground, the soil must be fertilized with superphosphate.

Beneficial features

The beneficial properties of basil are due to the high content of essential oil. The constituents of basil have positive impact for digestive problems. The low calorie content of the plant allows people who watch their figure to use basil. 100 grams of basil contains only 27 kilocalories, but the dried herb contains 250 kilocalories due to its high carbohydrate content.

When consumed regularly, basil can protect against many infections. Of course, the fresh plant contains more beneficial properties, but the herb also has a beneficial effect on the body as a seasoning. Basil is indispensable for viral diseases; it perfectly relieves symptoms such as nasal congestion and cough.

During therapeutic aromatherapy, basil essential oil removes accumulated mucus from the nose and restores the sense of smell. Instead of essential oil, you can use fresh basil juice.

Basil drink clears thoughts and affects the gastrointestinal tract, removes excess gases. The plant helps with colitis, inflammation of the bladder, gastritis.

The spice has a positive effect on the body at the cellular level; studies confirm the antioxidant properties of basil. Ayurveda recommends basil as an effective anti-aging agent.

Basil can also be used for weight loss. To do this, you will need its seeds, which can be purchased at the pharmacy. The main thing is that the package says “Not for planting.” Such seeds are used to prepare a drink that is suitable for dietary nutrition.

To prepare this drink, you need to pour one teaspoon of basil seeds into half a glass. warm water. Stir the seeds well and set aside for about five minutes to allow them to swell. Then you can add some fresh juice or natural yogurt there. This drink is best drunk in the morning during meals.

You can also put basil seeds in oatmeal, vegetable and fruit salads, or simply add a teaspoon of seeds to your favorite yogurt.

Do not forget that, in addition to using this product, you also need to physical exercise to achieve the desired result. In one month you can lose up to five kilograms.

Use in cooking

In cooking, basil has found use as a savory spice. Both dried and fresh plants are equally suitable for cooking. Fresh basil is added to salads; it goes well with cheese and tomatoes. Dry seasoning is added little by little to hot dishes. In Azerbaijani national cuisine Even basil seeds are used for food, adding to drinks, soups and pates for a special aroma. The spice appears in the dish gradually: at first it gives a slight bitterness, and then a sweetish aftertaste is felt.

Many people associate basil with Italian cuisine. Fresh vegetables, cherry tomatoes, cheese - all these products combine harmoniously with basil. Italians add a spicy plant to pizza, various pasta sauces, and lamb dishes.

The plant can be combined with other spices: in the rosemary mixture the peppery smell of basil will appear, and with savory it will add spiciness to the dish. When using basil as a seasoning, it is important to use moderation. In any case, it is better to add less than to ruin the dish. In order to preserve the aroma of the spice, it should be added to the almost finished dish.

How to store herbs?

There are several ways to store herbs:

1. To freeze basil, wash the leaves well, dry them, spread them on parchment paper and put them in the freezer. After two hours, put the frozen leaves in a sealed bag and put them back in the freezer. Frozen basil has a shelf life of about twelve months.
2. To store basil for up to two weeks, place it in a glass container and fill it with water. In this case, the container can be left on the table. And if you cover the container with a bag and tie it tightly around the container, the shelf life of the herb will increase to three weeks.
3. Chop the leaves of the plant, put them in a glass container and pour olive oil. The container is stored in the refrigerator for no more than three months.
4. Place the basil leaves on a damp cloth and put them in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf. In this form, basil can be stored for no more than four days.

Benefits of basil and treatment

Benefit spice plant irreplaceable for eye diseases. Basil infusion will be wonderful prophylactic for eye fatigue. The infusion is easy to prepare at home; all you need to do is pour boiling water over a few tablespoons of the dried herb and let the mixture steep. You need to wash your eyes with the strained solution and apply medicinal lotions 2-3 times a day. If you take the same infusion orally, basil will help get rid of allergic reactions and itching. You should drink half a glass of infusion before meals.

Basil seeds should not be thrown away either: they will help scratches and cuts heal faster. Wounds should be washed with infusion of seeds. You can prepare an infusion by pouring a tablespoon of seeds with a glass of boiling water. Seed lotions should be applied to the wound for an hour; the procedure can be done up to 5 times a day.

Healing properties for women and men

The healing properties of basil help both women and men. As for women, the use of spicy herbs promotes weight loss, relieves severe pain during menstrual cycle, during labor pains, strengthens the hair and nail plate. Cosmetic creams containing basil effectively fight wrinkles and also restore tone to the skin. Drinks with spicy herbs help reduce the risk of developing cancer.

For men, consuming basil is useful for improving potency, sexual desire, and strengthening nerve cells. It is useful for drivers to eat the product to increase concentration on the road.

In addition, basil is considered a good aphrodisiac., which helps to increase arousal between a man and a woman, as well as prolong sexual intercourse.

Below is a video about the beneficial properties of basil.

Harm of basil and contraindications

The harm of basil can be felt by people who suffer from epilepsy or heart disease. Women at all stages of pregnancy should not consume basil infusion. Sick diabetes mellitus, hypertension, thrombophlebitis are also at risk. The fact is that the plant contains mercury compounds, which can be hazardous to health, despite their bactericidal properties.

Drugs that are intended for oral use can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and even lead to poisoning. Do not forget about individual intolerance to basil. Children under 7 years of age are not recommended to use basil; it is contraindicated for them.

In the article we discuss basil. We talk about its beneficial properties and contraindications, its use in cooking, medicine and cosmetology. You will learn the rules for preparing spices and how to store them.

Basil (other names Reagan, Raikhan, Rean, fragrant cornflower) - annual plant, which belongs to the Yasnotkov family. This genus is represented by annual and perennial plants.

Some types of basil have the form of subshrubs. The dark green stems reach 40-80 cm in height. Each stem has several rows of lateral branches.

The leaves of the plant are oval and oblong, their length is 2-3 cm. As a rule, they are light green in color, but in some species they are purple. The leaves are located on short stalks. There are special glands on the leaves and stem that contain essential oils.

Basil blooms in August small flowers white or Pink colour. These flowers form inflorescences that reach up to 30 cm in length.

The fruits are formed in early autumn, they are represented by black nuts small size. The branched roots of the plant are located in the upper part of the soil.

Where does it grow

Basil - heat-loving plant, for this reason it is mainly grown in the southern regions. There is an assumption that its homeland is Africa, but according to some opinions, it may be Asia.

Currently, basil is widespread in the tropics and regions with temperate climate. Most often found in southern countries Europe, Africa.

Taste and aroma

This spice has many shades of smell. The leaves of some plant varieties smell like lemon, others - vanilla and caramel. There are also varieties whose smell has clove and pepper shades, and even!

The taste of fresh and dried basil is noticeably different. The dried leaves of the plant are somewhat reminiscent of curry. Dried leaves of young basil are of particular value, since the old one has a sharp taste and aroma. The spice has a contradictory taste: bitter with a sweet aftertaste.

Chemical composition of basil

The composition of the spicy plant includes the following substances:

• B vitamins;
• vitamin C;
• vitamin K;
• vitamin PP;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• sodium;
• potassium;
• phosphorus;
• iron;
• zinc;
• copper;
• manganese;
• selenium;
• essential oils;
• monosaccharides;
• disaccharides;
• essential and non-essential amino acids;
• fatty acid;
• saturated fatty acids;
• monounsaturated fatty acids;
• polyunsaturated fatty acids.

This chemical composition has a beneficial effect on the human body.

The calorie content of fresh basil is 27 kcal per 100 g of product. At the same time, dry spice contains 251 kcal per 100 g.

Useful properties of basil

Basil has the following medicinal properties:

• antiseptic;
• antipyretic;
• astringent;
• secretory;
• immunostimulating;
• diaphoretic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antispasmodic;
• bactericidal;
• antitussive;
• antimicrobial;
• pain reliever;
• expectorant;
• sedative;
• tonic.

Basil is an excellent spice for activating the human nervous system. He serves effective protection against various pathogens.

According to studies, basil helps stop the development of HIV and cancer cells. It has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract, and a decoction of its leaves is actively used against coughs.

The antitussive and anti-inflammatory effects of the plant help to use it against most respiratory ailments. It also helps cope with viral, bacterial and fungal infections of the respiratory system, including all forms of bronchitis and asthma. In some cases, this plant helps to cope with the main factors in the development of asthma.

Basil serves as an antipyretic and diaphoretic in the treatment of influenza and other colds. It helps remove mucous secretions from the nose and lungs and increases sensory perception. Also eliminates increased gas formation and improves digestibility nutritional components, strengthens memory and improves nerve fibers. To improve your nervous condition, drink a drink consisting of honey and basil.

Due to its antimicrobial properties, the plant is effective for diseases of the oral cavity. Basil neutralizes pathogenic bacteria that cause caries, plaque and tartar, bad smell from mouth. The astringent effect of the spice helps strengthen gums and prevent tooth loss. But at the same time, basil contains mercury compounds that can harm teeth. For this reason, we recommend that you do not chew fresh basil, but rather drink its infusion.

The antioxidant properties of the herb protect the body from free radicals. This, in turn, reduces the risk of cancer.

The spice is used to treat flatulence and diseases of the digestive tract. The enzymes present in the plant accelerate the breakdown of fats, which promotes weight loss. Agree, this is wonderful! You don’t have to go on various diets, for example, or, just consume the spice regularly, and excess weight will be leaving!

Basil is used for various nervous disorders and. Basil is useful for men, as it increases potency.

Methyl-cavicol, which is present in the essential oil, improves immunity and stops the aging process of cells. And eugenol and estragole will be useful for people who engage in mental work.

Use of basil in medicine

The beneficial properties of basil make it indispensable in the treatment of such diseases:

• ENT organs: sinusitis, influenza, sore throat, ARVI;
• urinary system: pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis, pyelitis;
• gastrointestinal tract: gastritis, heartburn, colitis, increased gas formation;
• nervous system: neuroses, sleep disorders, headache, depression;
• respiratory system: bronchial asthma, whooping cough.

In folk medicine, I use basil juice, infusions and decoctions based on it for treatment. Before using them, be sure to consult your doctor to determine the required dosage and duration of use.

Basil juice is prepared from the fresh leaves of the plant. It helps improve digestion, strengthen teeth and eliminate stomatitis. Standard scheme Taking the product involves taking 20 ml of juice three times a day before meals. To strengthen your teeth, keep the juice in your mouth for 2 minutes.

Below are the recipes. folk remedies based on basil.

Basil tea recipe

Ingredients:

• water - 250 ml;
• basil - 1 dessert spoon.

How to cook: Pour boiling water over the raw material and leave for 20 minutes.

How to use: Add a little honey to the resulting mixture. Drink the drink twice a day.

Result: Basil tea helps in the treatment of diseases of the nervous system, it helps get rid of stress and fatigue. This drink improves digestive processes, eliminates flatulence, reduces nausea, and has an antiemetic effect. Tea also has a hypotensive effect and increases tissue trophism.

Basil infusion recipe

Ingredients:

• water - 330 ml;
• basil - 55 g.

How to cook: Fill the raw material with water and put the composition on fire. Boil for 7-12 minutes. Cool and strain through several layers of gauze.

How to use: Take the decoction 3 times a day, 2-3 sips. For skin pathologies, drink half a glass of the decoction three times a day for 2 weeks.

Result: The decoction helps to cope with inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, ailments respiratory tract, colitis and chronic gastroenteritis. The drink eliminates skin itching due to eczema, dermatitis and urticaria.

Infusion for the treatment of impotence

Ingredients:

• flowering basil stems - 2 dessert spoons;
• medicinal sage - 2 dessert spoons;
• rosemary - 2 dessert spoons;
• water - 1.5 l.

How to cook: Pour the herbs into the pan, add boiling water and cover tightly with a lid. Leave the product for 3 hours.

How to use: Drink a glass of strained infusion warm 3 times a day.

Result: Increased potency.

Basil in cosmetology

The aromatic spice is widely used in cosmetology. Basil is effective for:

• eliminating hair dullness and accelerating its growth;
• rejuvenation of facial skin, its toning and soothing;
• disinfecting the dermis and eliminating inflammation, which is important for problem skin.

Use our recipes to help improve the condition of your hair and skin.

Firming mask recipe

Ingredients:

• basil - 50 g.

How to cook: Grind the raw materials.

How to use: Apply the resulting composition to the face, neck and décolleté. Cover the top with gauze. After half an hour, rinse off the composition with cool water.

Result: This mask tightens sagging skin, tones it and improves the shape of the face.

Strengthening hair lotion

Ingredients:

• basil - 50 g;
• rosemary - 50 g;
• water - 1 l.

Preparation: Mix the herbs and pour boiling water over them. Infuse the mixture for 1 hour under a tightly closed lid. Strain the infusion.

Usage: Moisten your scalp and hair with the resulting mixture after washing.

Result: Strengthens hair and gives it shine.

Basil in cooking

In cooking, basil is used in dried and fresh form. Basil is most valuable when it is fresh.

Where to add basil:

• meat dishes;
• salads;
• sandwich butter;
• vegetable dishes of beans, tomatoes, peas, spinach and sauerkraut;
• soups;
• fish dishes.

In Azerbaijan, basil seeds are used to flavor drinks, salads, soups and pates. In Italian cuisine, the spice is combined with tomatoes, green vegetables, eggs, cheese, lamb, pizza and sauces.

Crushed dried basil leaves improve the taste of sausages and pates, they are added to quenelles. It is used to prepare pepper mixture.

Basil goes well with other spices, creating a unique bouquet of aromas. For example, together with it it acquires a peppery aroma, and when combined with thyme it increases the spiciness of the dish.

What to replace

No seasoning can fully replace basil. But thyme or oregano can partially cope with this.

Basil essential oil

Basil contains essential oils, most of which is located in leaves and inflorescences. At the same time, the stem contains a smaller amount of oils.

Basil oil is obtained through steam distillation. To obtain 1 liter of ether, you need to use 100 kg of fresh plant. The oil is colorless, but in some cases it may be colored yellow(this depends on the type of basil).

Basil essential oil is widely used. It is actively used in cosmetology to smooth out wrinkles, slow down the aging process, and give the skin elasticity and firmness. The ether is often added to anti-aging cosmetics. Oil controls metabolic processes in the body, maintains water and fat balances.

Basil ester is useful for joint diseases and for improving blood circulation; it is used in the form antiseptic. The chemical composition of the product determines its effectiveness against colds and digestive disorders. Basil essential oil increases blood pressure.

Photo of the basil

Rules for preparing basil for the winter

When harvesting basil, only pick whole stems or leaves. If you plan to harvest a large amount of basil, then pick only the leaves, but do not touch the stem, so that new leaves will grow on it in the future.

Wash the collected leaves, then dry them on a towel in a well-ventilated place.

How to store basil

You can store the herb frozen or dried. When dried, store the spice in glass containers or in fabric bags in a dark and dry place.

You need to freeze fresh basil, which is washed, dried and finely chopped. Place it in an airtight container and place it in the freezer.

1. The smell of basil brings material well-being - put a pinch of the spice in your pocket or apply a few drops of ether to your hand.
2. Basil helps to attract wealth into the home. To do this, place a sprig of a dry plant under the threshold.
3. Basil growing on the windowsill attracts happiness and prosperity to the house.
4. Basil essential oil helps protect your home from evil spirits.
5. The aroma of basil is used to harmonize love relationship. It increases sympathy, prevents quarrels and conflicts, and helps attract the attention of the person you like.
6. Do you remember Elchin Safarli’s novel “There Without Going Back”? In it, Ozan gives a pot of basil to his beloved Alexandra with the words “This is a real love talisman.” In the East, there is a belief that a woman will fall in love with a man if he gives her a pot of basil. And many people still believe in this belief! You can use basil to determine your relationship with your loved one. To do this, place 2 basil leaves on a burning coal. If they stay together and quickly turn into ashes, then your relationship will be harmonious. If the leaves crackle, this means frequent quarrels. In the case when the leaves fly apart with a bang, it is better for the couple not to start any relationship.
7. The smell of basil eliminates migraines, improves overall well-being and lifts your mood.
8. Aphids are very afraid of fresh basil.
9. The aroma of the plant repels flies and other insects.
10. Rub your body with basil leaves and then not a single mosquito will bite you!

Contraindications

Despite the medicinal properties of the spice, sometimes its use can cause harm to the human body. Due to the mercury contained in basil, this seasoning should not be eaten in large quantities. Also contraindicated are:

• hypertension;
• epilepsy;
• diabetes;
• lactation;
• children under six years of age:
• thrombophlebitis;
• cardiac ischemia;
• pregnancy;
• period after a heart attack;
• personal intolerance.

Side effects

In some cases, after consuming basil, the following side effects may occur:

• allergic rashes;
• convulsions;
• poisoning;
• irritation of the mucous membrane.

In India, it was believed that the plant improves mental performance and promotes concentration. Hindus consider basil to be the second most sacred plant after the lotus.

In Italy it is a symbol of love. In Rus', basil was called the “royal herb”, it healing properties used by healers to treat many diseases.

The beneficial properties of the plant are due to its chemical composition. The leaves contain a large amount of essential oil, which gives basil a specific taste and spicy aroma. The essential oil contains such aromatic and beneficial substances as meylhavinol, linalool, eugenol, camphor.

Basil stems and leaves contain many tannins. A large number of minerals and vitamins (carotene, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, niacin and rutin) have a positive effect on the human body.

The essential oil of the plant is used to heal wounds and cuts, as it has a bactericidal effect. It is used to treat infectious and viral diseases respiratory tract and relieving various spasms.

The juice of basil leaves and young shoots is used to treat various fungal infections of the skin. Water extracts from basil are used for gastritis, food poisoning and colic.

Depending on the variety, basil may be brown or green.

A decoction of the dried plant helps with headaches, helps treat eczema, and inflammatory processes in the organs of vision.

An alcoholic infusion of basil is used to treat colitis, neuroses, and whooping cough. It helps eliminate flatulence, helps with inflammation of the kidneys and liver. The alcohol infusion is also used for bronchial asthma, colds, flu, and low blood pressure.

Basil has an antispasmodic effect, relieves spasms internal organs, blood vessels. The plant normalizes body temperature, acting on the body as an antipyretic.

Ascorbic acid, riboflain and rutin, which are part of basil, strengthen blood vessels, improve the functioning of the nervous system.

The antioxidants contained in the plant have anti-carcinogenic properties, so basil is used to treat tuberculosis and cancer.

The plant improves and stimulates the functioning of the heart, protects blood vessels from the harmful effects of toxins.

Basil reduces uric acid content, dissolves small particles and softens large stones in the kidneys, it is used to treat renal failure. The plant regulates cholesterol levels in the blood and strengthens the immune system.

Flavonoids and polyphenols that make up basil actively fight radiation damage to the body.

The plant destroys bacteria that cause diseases of the oral cavity and teeth, and prevents the development of caries.

The plant has numerous medicinal properties

Use in cooking

Basil is used in Food Industry like a spicy, aromatic seasoning. It is added to meat, fish dishes, vegetable soups, side dishes and salads. The plant is used for pickling cucumbers and tomatoes, pickling mushrooms, eggplants, and sauerkraut.

In Azerbaijan, basil is used to flavor dessert drinks; in Uzbekistan, it is added to tea.

Dried leaves of the plant go well with various herbs - rosemary, savory and marjoram, as well as parsley, mint, and celery.

Application in cosmetology

In cosmetology, basil is used due to the presence of antioxidants that actively fight the aging process of the body.

The oil obtained from the leaves and stems of the plant is included in cosmetic products (creams, lotions and serums) for the care of fading and aging skin and the elimination of wrinkles.

Basil oil is included in shampoos and conditioners; it helps eliminate hair fragility, strengthens roots, and soothes the scalp.

Harm to the plant

Excessive consumption of basil can cause food poisoning and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines. Since the plant contains mercury, it should be taken in moderate doses. Basil is not recommended to be used for more than three weeks.

Contraindications

You should avoid eating basil if you have the following diseases:

• thrombophlebitis;
• vein thrombosis;
• epilepsy;
• cardiac ischemia;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia due to low blood pressure;
• diabetes.

Children under seven years of age should not take basil or preparations containing the plant.

Spicy, aromatic plant is one of the most popular seasonings used throughout the world. In Greek, Turkish, Italian and other Mediterranean cuisines, basil is considered the king of aromatic herbs.

Due to its low calorie content, the plant is eaten during various diets, promotes weight loss, and speeds up metabolism.

A few leaves added to water cleanse it of germs and bacteria.