Medicinal History of Basil Plants

Basil, originally found in India and Asia about 5000 years ago, has a long history of medicinal use. It was also cultivated in Egypt, possibly for use in embalming. In ancient Greece and Rome, basil was associated with hatred, and they believed that in order to grow it, it had to be sown whilst swearing and ranting. In medieval times, it was thought that crushed basil plants would breed scorpions and as such was applied to the stings and bites of venomous insects and reptiles to draw the poison. However, in the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance basil later became a powerful symbol of love in Italy and is still given as a gift on St Valentines Day.

Top Five Medicinal Uses of Basil

Basil might be better known for its culinary uses, but it has some fantastic medicinal properties too. All basil is rich in antioxidants including lutein and beta-carotene, which combat cell damage and flavonoids to boost your immune system. It’s stacked with different essential oils proven to help a range of health conditions. Basil has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties, making it useful for treating wounds and skin conditions.

Basil could improve your dog’s health too! It’s rich in vitamins A & K and high in antioxidants which support eyesight, immunity and digestion.

1. Flu, colds and coughs

Basil’s combination of immune boosting flavonoids and anti-inflammatory essential oils can help treat coughs, colds and flu. Ideal for adding to a herbal hot toddy, it has digestive, sedative and antioxidant properties too.

2. Digestive health boost

Basil can improve digestion. It contains many beneficial essential oils, including eugenol which has potent anti-inflammatory properties that helps the bowel and digestive tract remain healthy. Basil also acts as a bulk-forming laxative which can help relieve constipation.

3. Mental health

It contains the anti-stress substance adaptogen which research has shown, helps supress anxiety and depression by stimulating the neurotransmitters that control energy and happiness-inducing hormones.

4. Skin health and wound healing

Powerful antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties combined with a delightful scent, make basil ideal for treating skin conditions. It contains essential oils to give your skin a deep cleanse and camphene which helps remove surplus oil, dead cells and gunk which block your follicles. Through the ages, basil has been used to treat wounds and insect bites. The potent antiseptic and antimicrobial compounds have wound healing properties and the essential oils help repair damage to the skin.

5. Cardiovascular Health

Research is ongoing into the positive effects of basil on heart health. Various studies have shown that the eugenol in basil can help lower your blood pressure and the essential oils reduce the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the body. Basil is also a good source of magnesium which helps blood vessels and muscles to relax.

Isabella, or the Pot of Basil

And so she ever fed it with thin tears, Whence thick, and green, and beautiful it grew,

So that it smelt more balmy than its peers Of Basil-tufts in Florence; for it drew

Nurture besides, and life, from human fears, From the fast mouldering head there shut from view:

So that the jewel, safely casketed, Came forth, and in perfumed leafits spread.

John Keats (1818)

Parts of Basil used for Medicine

Pretty much all of the upper parts of the plant can be used for medicinal purposes include the leaves, stems, flowers and seeds. The essential oil of basil, distilled from the leaves and flowers of the plant, is particularly useful. Use fresh parts of the plant as they contain a high concentration of medicinal compounds, which start to degrade when the basil is dried.

Active Medical Ingredients in Basil

Basil contains essential oils such as geraniol, eugenol, and linalool, as well as tannins, saponins, and flavonoids (boost your immune system). It also contains many antioxidants including lutein and beta-carotene, which combat cell damage. These compounds have various therapeutic effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Basil is a good dietary source of Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Potassium, and Zinc.

Important.

Herbs have been used in medicines for thousands of years and a few leaves here and there are unlikely to be harmful. However, if you intend to start taking herbs medicinally or to treat a specific health condition, please seek the advice of your GP (or vet) and a qualified herbalist, first.