Basil
Ocimum basilicum
A medicinal herb as well as a sweet, pungent culinary seasoning, basil is native to [ndia, but is now grown in temperate regions all over the world. Basil is one of the most familiar herbs because it is widely used in Italian cuisine, particularly in tomato-based dishes. But it also complements many other foods, including meat. poultry, salads and soups. This is fortunate because not only does basil enhance the flavor of foods, it also aids digestion. Indeed, this popular herb has a long history of medicinal use. In past centuries, the plant was accorded wide respect for its healing potential and was used to purify the mind, open the heart and even cure malaria. Today, herbalists recommend basil as an antispasmodic. It is therefore often used to treat intestinal problems, motion sickness, flatulence and nauseq. It also relaxes bronchial spasms and is thus helpfyl for (reating various respiratory illnesses.
A REFRESHING BASIL DRINK
A cooling beverage that does double duty as an appetite stimulant can be made from basil seeds. Use organic seeds or those that come from plants you’ve grown, because the seeds that are sold commercially may be chemically treated. To obtain basil seeds, let a few plants flower; once the blossoms fall off, you’ll easily be able to gather them. To make the drink, mix 1 tbsp. of seeds with 1 cup of non sparkling mineral water or another beverage. Let the seeds soak in the liquid for a few minutes before drinking.
Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Therapeutic Effect:
Thanks to its antispasmodic properties, basil is used for treating flatulence and stomach upset. It also helps ease tension and induce sleep. Its pungent taste triggers the production of saliva, enabling the body to digest food more effectively. It further aids digestion by increasing appetite and the flow of bile. Basil can also stimulate the cilia in the nose, helping to clear the nasal passages of mucus and disease-causing bacteria.
🙤 Components
The therapeutic action of the herb is due to its essential oils, primarily methyl chavicol. Fresh basil also contains carotenoids and folic acid. In its dried form, basil is a good source of calcium, potassium and iron.
🙤 Basil snuff
Basil provides relief from respiratory diseases. Crush the dried herb to a fine powder and sniff it deep into the nose. Drying the leaves increases their essential oil content, thereby strengthening their antibacterial benefits.
Extra Tip
Basil is easy to grow, and indeed a container of it should be a fixture in every kitchen. Not only does the sweet herb help purify the air, it also protects against troublesome flies and mosquitoes, which shun its scent.
✽ Italian Pesto ✽
1 cup pine nuts
2 oz. fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic, peeled
6-8 tbsp. olive oil
1/s cup grated Romano
1/s cup grated Parmesan
Salt
Black pepper
- In an ungreased skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat until golden; cool.
- Wash the basil; shake dry and chop it.
- Place the cooled pine nuts, chopped basil, garlic and olive oil in a food processor essential oils, (or blender) and purée until creamy.
- Stir in the cheeses. Season to taste with [n its dried form, basil is a good source of ‘. salt and pepper and serve over pasta..
✽ To Improve Digestion ✽
♦ Basil wine is a digestive aid. Steep a small bunch of fresh basil in a bottle of white wine for 24 hours. Then strain the wine and refrigerate. Drink a 4-oz. glass after meals.
✽ For the Bladder or Kidneys ✽
♦ Basil tea can soothe an irritated and inflamed bladder or kidneys. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tsp. each of fresh basil and birch leaves; let it steep for about 10 min. Drink 1 cup 3 times a day between meals until the symptoms disappear.
Kitchen Hint
◆ To store fresh leaves, wrap them in paper towels and place them in plastic bags in the refrigerator. For longer storage, put the leaves in a container, cover them with olive oil and refrigerate for 10-14 days.
◆ Try different types of basil. Interesting varieties include lemon, red, anise and cinnamon basil. Dwarf basil (O. minimum) has small leaves and is especially prized by chefs for its pleasant aroma and fine taste.
◆ Add fresh basil to foods just before serving. Basil complements pasta, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, zucchini, rice, beans, meat, fish and poultry.
◆ Store dried basil in a tightly closed container in a dark place at room temperature. This prevents any flavor loss. Use within a year.
◆ To freeze the leaves, purée them in a blender or food processor. Place the basil purée in an ice-cube tray and add a little water to cover.
◆ Use basil to season foods, if you are sensitive to strong spices, such as pepper, paprika or garlic. It has a mildly spicy flavor.
◆ Buy small plants at the nursery o supermarket; it is easier than starting plants from seed. Then, transplant to a bigger pot to hav an ample supply for recipes.
Extra Tip
Eating a lot of garlic can give you bad breath and body odor because the essential oils are excreted through the respiratory system and skin. To lessen this effect, chew parsley, thyme or peppermint immediately after eating garlic.