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Alternative medicine Basil
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Alternative medicine: Basil
Wed, 16 Jan 2008 22:04:07
By Patricia Khashayar, MD., Press TV, Tehran
Since ancient times, basil has been used to treat diabetes, asthma, heart problems,
inflammatory diseases and respiratory ailments.
Botanical: Ocymum basilicum
Family: N.O. Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Synonym: Basilic, basilikum, basilienkraut, tulsi, albahaca, sweet basil
Habitat:
It is native to warm, tropical climates such as Central Africa and Southeast Asia.
Description:
Basil is a perennial low-growing herb with light green, silky leaves. Its big white-colored
flowers are arranged in terminal spikes.
There are over 60 varieties of basil, each with a specific flavor.
Part Used Medicinally:
Leafy tops.
Constituents:
Basil is an excellent source of dietary fiber, manganese, magnesium, iron, phosphorus,
potassium, calcium and vitamin A, C and K.
It contains high concentrations of carotenoids like beta carotene which are converted to
vitamin A in the body. Beta carotene has more benefits than vitamin A alone, and is known to
be a powerful antioxidant.
The different scents of various basils are attributed to different essential oils.
Medicinal Uses:
Basil is a traditional treatment for headaches, coughs, diarrhea, constipation, warts, worms,
and kidney malfunctions.
Basil has sedative, diuretic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic and cough-relieving properties and is
therefore used to treat coughs, colds, and pharyngeal inflammations.
It is also used as a remedy for chronic gastritis, stomachaches, bronchitis, fever and renal
ailments.
Like other aromatic plants such as fennel and tarragon, basil contains estragole, a known
carcinogen and teratogen.
Basil's flavonoids protect the cell structures as well as chromosomes against radiation,
oxygen-based damage and unwanted bacterial growth.
http://www.presstv.com/pop/print.aspx?id=39072 3/17/2008