Basil is an annual plant from the family of light-coloured 30-50 cm tall with fleshy leaves growing opposite each other. Basil comes from India, but is now cultivated all over the world and is widely used as an aromatic spice for many dishes.

Basil is mainly known for its taste and is used as an accompaniment to dishes. Its leaves are used in the kitchen - fresh or dried in the form of a spice. Apart from the fact that dried and fresh basil gives a taste to dishes, it is also a plant with wide health properties.

Basil - applications

Thanks to its properties, basil has an extremely wide range of applications.

Basil and the digestive system

Reduces vomiting and nausea, facilitates digestion, reduces flatulence, has a windproofing effect, soothes colic and constipation, reduces indigestion, stomach, intestine and liver pains. They are especially recommended for drinking tea from basil. Just pour 2 - 3 glasses of hot water over a tablespoon of dried basil, wait at least 30 minutes, add a little honey and drink.

Basil and respiratory system

It is used for sore throats and inflammations of the throat, has an anti-coughing effect, cleanses the bronchi, reduces fever. It can be used in the form of hot infusions (pouring boiling water over fresh basil and inhaling vapours) or as a rinse (2 tablespoons of dried leaves should be boiled in 250 ml of water, cooled and drunk twice a day or rinsed throat).

Basil and the excretion system

It stimulates the kidneys to work, has a diuretic effect, so basil infusions are used in bladder inflammations.

Basil and the nervous system

Basil compress brewed in hot water relieves migraine headaches (the compress should be applied to the forehead and temples). Basil also reduces hyperactivity, contributes to the improvement of sight and memory. Basil oil is used in aromatherapy for mentally and mentally tired people.

It has a stimulating and strengthening effect. Basil is also used in antidepressant therapy - it calms down, makes falling asleep easier, helps reduce anxiety and improves mood. It acts as a sedative tablet. In times of stress, chew basil leaves or inhale cannons of leaves crushed in your fingers.

Basil and skin care and treatment

Basil is used to treat the symptoms of acne vulgaris. It also soothes irritations, reduces skin lesions, has an antifungal effect, accelerates wound healing, relieves the symptoms of bites, accelerates healing of injuries. It can be used as an ingredient in tonics, for face wraps or by applying basil leaves directly on wounds or bites.

Cultivation and maintenance of basil

In order to start growing, basil seeds should be sown in early spring into pots shallowly into the ground, and with the coming of summer, young plants should be transplanted into larger pots. In the case of sowing directly into the ground, the seeds are sown a little later - at the end of spring in order not to expose the germinating seedlings to late spring frosts.

Basil care is basically very simple, just remember to water regularly. It is also worth sealing the tops of the shoots, which will allow the plant to grow. While taking care of basil, remember to have a lot of sun, because this is the basis for its healthy growth.