Pure Spice Sweet Basil Rub Refill 30g

30g Sweet Basil in resealable pouch

Basil is an extremely popular herb for cooking, but it also has a number of potential health benefits.

USES:  Basil can be used in soups, pesto, pasta, tomato dishes etc.

What is Basil?

Also known as Saint Joseph’s wort, basil is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, and is native to tropical regions in India, Asia, and Africa. It contains a variety of constituents with a surprising range of benefits, including estragole, eugenol, rosmarinic acid, and geraniol, among others. Fresh tulsi or holy basil leaves have a strong smell and scent, with notes of pepper and mint, as well as a small taste of anise.

When cooking with fresh basil, it should almost always be added at the last possible moment to retain the delicate flavors. You may be topping a homemade pizza, making pesto, or simmering a spicy red curry, and fresh basil leaves will brighten up your finished product. Dried basil is also widely available, but is far less aromatic with less distinct flavors.

The dried leaves are less sweet and minty and possess a much stronger pepper flavor. Different varieties also have distinctive smells, such as sweet basil, which has notes of clove, and lemon basil, which contains limonene, just like many of your favorite citrus fruits. This herb is popular for its culinary uses along with medicinal benefits.

Nutrition

A serving of 2 tablespoons of this fresh herb contains only 1 calorie. It has 0.2 grams of protein, 0.1 grams of carbs, 0.1 grams of fiber, and an impressive 16 grams of potassium. It contains 5% of your daily recommended vitamin A, 1% of your daily calcium requirement, and 1% of your daily requirement of iron.

Health Benefits

For centuries, basil has been considered an essential natural medicine in India especially in Ayurveda and Africa. Use of this herb has been prescribed for the following:

• Improving digestion
• Treating headaches
• Fighting cold
• Increasing mental alertness
• Acts as an aphrodisiac
• Improving sexual performance

There are many other benefits of tulsi, including the following:

Antimicrobial Agent

Basil has been shown to have strong effects when it comes to inhibiting the growth of bacteria like E. coli, cholera, staph, listeria, and Shigella. This is due to the presence of various oils and constituents that give it a strong aroma along with antimicrobial properties.

Anti-inflammatory Agent

The eugenol in basil reduces inflammation and swelling, acting as both a pain reducer and means of breaking a fever.

Heart Health

Basil is recommended for cardiovascular health due to its high levels of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that stops free radicals from damaging cells. It also prevents the free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Improves Sleep

This herb is a great source of magnesium, which improves blood flow and can aid in sleep issues.

Reduces Oxidative Stress

Studies have also shown that basil, rich in antioxidant properties aids in lowering blood sugar levels and managing diabetes. Reducing oxidative stress also supports liver function and prevents metabolic syndrome, providing a boost to the immune system at the same time.

May prevents Cancer

Recent research has even shown that the herb has the potential to prevent cancer, thanks to its wide range of phytochemicals and other active ingredients.

Reduces Stress

Basil is thought to reduce cortisol levels, which can help those people who are chronically suffering from depression or stress.

Skin Care

The combination of antioxidant chemicals with antibacterial benefits makes basil excellent for skin health. It aids in preventing acne and keeping your skin younger looking. It also helps reduce signs of aging such as wrinkles and increase skin elasticity.

Uses

• Serious cooks across the world love to have a pot of fresh basil growing in the kitchen – from creative cocktails to marinara sauce, basil is a culinary staple.
• Basil is a common ingredient in Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, and Italian cuisines.
• It is used in soups and pesto and is often eaten fresh in Caprese salads.
• It’s also one of the most popular dried spices due to its versatility and pleasant flavor that sets off so many dishes.
• Holy basil or tulsi is an important medication in Ayurvedic natural medicine, where it is drunk as a tea and used as an extract.
• The strong scent also makes this herb popular for home cleaning and laundry products.