Did you know basil is known as the king of herbs? Brimming with dynamic health-benefiting phytonutrients, basil is widely revered as the “holy herb” in varied cultures across the globe. This herb belongs to the family of Lamiaceae, (genus: Ocimum). Scientifically known as “Ocimum basilicum”. You would be amazed to know about basil leaves benefits for health, skin, and hair for you. Understanding these benefits and including the herb in your daily diet will ensure beautiful skin, thick, long hair, and good health.
Basil Leaves Benefits for Health
Promotes Digestive Health
Basil leaves are good for digestion. The herb facilitates optimal digestion. It is known for its ability to strengthen the digestive and nervous system. The leaves can be used for treating mild headaches and insomnia. The presence of eugenol makes basil an excellent anti-inflammatory agent helping the digestive tract. It will balance acid levels within the body and helps with maintaining the pH level.
Anti-inflammatory
Strong anti-inflammatory properties of basil work as a cure to a number of health conditions including bowel infections, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Rich in potent essential oils such as linalool, eugenol, and citronellol, the herb can reduce inflammation in the body to soothe symptoms of cough, fever, flu, headache, sore throat, etc.
Anti-Depression Properties
Studies reveal that essential oil prepared from basil leaves may help fight depression and symptoms of anxiety. Basil can stimulate neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for regulating happiness and energy hormones. This herb acts as a potent adaptogen (anti-stress agent). Since it is anti-inflammatory and holds immune-boosting properties, the essential oil can help manage stress too.
Good for Diabetics
Basil is capable of releasing sugar in the blood (in tiny amounts at a slow pace). This is one of the best basil leaves benefits for health. It helps diabetics manage the condition. The essential oil in basil will help lower levels of cholesterol and triglyceride in the body. The rise in levels of these elements poses a serious risk for diabetics.
Liver Health
One of the basil leaves benefits is its strong detox properties. This can keep liver healthy which is important for metabolic function and inhibit fat build-up in the liver.
Gut Health
The herb is helpful in restoring natural pH levels of the body. It helps healthy bacteria thrive within the gut microflora. This is important for building body immunity and healthy digestion.
Basil Leaves Benefits for Skin
Basil leaves also work as powerful beauty agents. These little gems can work wonders for skin appearance and health. Here are some of the most powerful basil leaves benefits for skin:
Anti-Aging
This miracle culinary herb is packed with powerful natural antioxidants responsible for protecting tissues against free radical (unsteady atoms) damage. These atoms extract electrons from other atoms to attain stability and form chains. Free radical chains lead to oxidative stress inside the body and damage healthy cells.
Intake of antioxidants will reduce oxidative stress; optimum for good skin health. Basil is a powerhouse of Viceninare and orientin (two vital water-soluble flavonoid antioxidants) that strengthen the immune system and protect the cellular structure. This process is very helpful in delaying skin aging and its effects.
Prevention of Acne
Basil leaves benefits do not end here! Essential oils in basil help with skin cleansing. The action is helpful, especially with oily skinned beauties. Basil can extract dirt and impurities preventing clogging of pores. Apart from the intake of the herb in salads, soups, and curries, you can apply it topically to get clear skin. Prepare a paste of a teaspoon of basil leaves, sandalwood paste and rose water each and apply on face. Allow it to dry for around 15 minutes and wash off with cold water. Basil leaves benefits also include its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This will help in preventing acne formation.
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Basil Leaves Benefits for Hair
Apart from maintaining skin health, basil leaves are also helpful in managing the crowning glory of your body. Consumption of dry basil leaves as seasoning and application of oil or fresh leaves are very helpful. Here are some amazing basil leaves benefits for hair you should know:
Healthy Scalp
Applying basil oil on the scalp will help in keeping the scalp healthy. It is a lightweight oil, anti-inflammatory in nature which helps in combating scalp infections, nourishing scalp without clogging pores, and refreshing it. For enjoying dry basil leaves benefits, simply add this herb to your soup and salads.
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No Dandruff
This is one of the basil leaves benefits for hair you should know to have long beautiful hair. Antifungal properties of basil oil are helpful in keeping the scalp clean, less oily, and prevent dandruff (the major cause of hair fall and scalp infections).
Promotes Hair Growth
Applying a paste of fresh basil leaves with a tablespoon of aloe vera gel on the scalp will clarify and lightly scrub scalp and remove excess dirt, grime, and chemical buildup. These tend to inhibit proper hair growth. Basil leaf oil and hair pack can promote hair growth by cleansing the scalp and stimulating hair follicles.
Manages Hair Fall
Suffering from hair fall? You probably aren’t aware of the dry basil leaves benefits! Adding this herb to your regular diet to spice up your food can prevent hair fall. The herb is anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. It will help maintain pH levels of the scalp and fights off dandruff.
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References
https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/choose-basil-oil-for-healthy-skin-and-hair
