By type of basil resembles peppermint, and its name translates from Greek as "royal" (basilikohn). In India, basil is considered sacred grass, it is added to many dishes. Hindus often grown basil as a houseplant: it is believed that it disinfects the room, protects people from colds and infectious diseases. Basil, useful properties are determined by its chemical composition, is used as a seasoning for meat, vegetable dishes and marinades, as a flavoring agent for baking. To use (consumption and recreational purposes) is better to buy fresh herbs - it contains the largest number of active substances. Keep basil can be in a cool place not more than 4 days - as soon as the leaves begin to wither, it loses its taste and useful qualities.
Useful properties of basil are not yet fully understood, but for the most part, they are caused by a high percentage of essential oils that give this plant a spicy aroma and taste. The oils are eugenol, linalool, camphor (stimulates the heart) and some other chemicals that determine the health effects of basil on the human body. Furthermore, basil comprises volatile (have antibacterial properties), carotene (vitamin A), vitamin C and PP (reinforce vessel walls). Basil is a diuretic, helps get rid of puffiness and cleanse the kidneys.
On the ground, found 150 species of this plant, it is their origin from Asia and India. In Europe, basil has become popular recently - an unusual aroma of spices for a long time did not find application in the local cuisine. In our country, it is the garden plants and cultivated in southern Russia and the Caucasus. Harvested basil twice per season - summer and autumn, dried in the shade, laying a thin layer. Well dried plant should freely triturated in a powder. Grass stock up for the winter can be in glass jars (good pour salt) or freeze in the freezer, spread it on a little form - this method also allows you to save all the useful properties of basil.
Useful properties of basil - treat ARI
Which is part of the plant essential oil well helps with colds: facilitates breathing, reduces inflammation, fights infection and reduces the temperature. Basil can be applied both externally and internally, and prepare an infusion from it. To do this, the grass chop, pour boiling water on the basis of Art. teaspoon basil in a glass of water, let it brew for 30 minutes and strain. Take a day for 50 ml (for colds) or rinse 3-4 times resulting solution throat (angina).
If you do not have a temperature, it is possible to take a bath with basil. Two liters of the prepared broth pour into a bath (water temperature 39-40 ° C) and soak it in 15 minutes. When inflammation of the upper respiratory tract inhalation nice to do: put in hot water a few sprigs of basil, chamomile (Art. Spoon), 1 drop of eucalyptus oil and breathe on this solution for 10-15 minutes.
BasilHisuseful properties can be used with otitis. Prepare the following extract: Pour 2 tbsp. tablespoons basil leaves 500 ml of cold water, bring to a boil and remove from heat. Strain, soak in the infusion clean gauze and apply on the affected ear. Top cover with a warm compress bandage and hold for 1 hour.
Useful properties of basil in cardiovascular diseases and stress
Basil, Along with the above useful properties has yet tonic qualities, normalizes heart activity. For quick recuperation during intense physical or psychological stress and getting rid of the heart pains neurotic character perfectly helps the following means: art. spoon basil leaves (stems and flowers) and tsp. lemon peel Pour warm water (1 cup) and boil for 10 minutes. Take a decoction of 50 ml several times a day before meals. Contained in the plant antioxidants protect blood vessels from thinning, potassium normalizes blood pressure, and Eugenol lower blood cholesterol. The infusion can take up to three weeks, then you must take a break.
Fans of spicy snacks can pamper themselves a simple but extremely tasty salads from the women's magazine JustLady - in the end, basil, the beneficial properties of which we speak today, is used not only as decoctions, but also as a spicy seasoning:
"Salad with basil." Arrange on a large platter lettuce, tomatoes cut into large rings shirinoy1-1.5 see and nice place them on the leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, sprinkle with finely chopped thick garlic and basil leaves, garnish with diced tofu. Bon appetit and not get sick!
Svetlana Krutova