Basil, basil, a rural spice with many unexpected uses

Basil, the spice vegetable used in addition to adding flavor to dishes, offers a lot of health benefits with its immune-boosting properties.

Basil and its essential oils have been proven to help prevent many diseases, making it one of the most important herbs known today.

Basil is an important medicinal plant in folk medicine in Asian countries, including Vietnam for thousands of years.

Vietnamese basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora), a variety of thyme native to Southeast Asia, has been selectively cultivated for specific traits. This type of basil is used throughout Southeast Asia as a seasoning, has an aroma described as similar to anise and licorice, is slightly spicy, has a more stable flavor than sweet basil when cooked at high temperatures and at high temperatures. long time.

Basil has more uses than we think

Basil in Vietnam has small, pointed leaves, purple stems and purple-pink flowers. Basil essential oil is also used to create perfumes and in health care products for its ability to act as an antibacterial and fight bacteria, viruses, and molds.

Basil is the most studied herb for its medicinal properties. Scientific studies show that basil has a number of effects such as: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, analgesic, antipyretic, diabetes prevention, liver protection, blood vessel protection, anti-stress Straightforward, immune booster…

Here are some key benefits of basil:

Contains disease-fighting antioxidants

Antioxidants and essential oils of basil have the ability to help fight the harmful effects of free radicals while protecting DNA structure and cells. This herb contains flavonoid antioxidants such as orientin and viceninare, which help protect the white blood cells responsible for immune function, as well as the cellular structures where DNA is stored.

Studies show that antioxidants found in basil include phenolic acids and at least 18 different types of flavonoids, which also keep chromosomes unaltered and lead to cell mutations and cell growth. cancer cells.

Oxidative stress occurs inside the body due to the effects of dietary toxins, environmental pollution and radiation, but the active ingredients present in basil help fight oxidation and slow down the effects of oxidative stress. old.

Acts as an anti-inflammatory

Basil contains powerful essential oils, including eugenol, citronellol, and linalool. Findings from studies show that essential oils help reduce inflammation, which is at the root of most diseases like cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel conditions.

Helps fight cancer

Clinical studies published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer also show that basil’s chemical compounds may help prevent cancer naturally, including cancers of the skin, liver, throat, lungs… caused by chemicals.

Compounds in this herb have the ability to increase antioxidant activity, positively change gene expression, induce apoptosis (programmed death) of cancer cells, and suppress cancerous tumors spread mail.

In in vivo studies, basil extract has been shown to protect against cancer and mortality while also selectively protecting normal tissues and cells from the negative effects of treatment. cancer treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy.

This means that using basil extract is an additional cancer treatment for cancer patients, including those undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.

Contains antibacterial and antiviral properties

Basil essential oil was found to have antibacterial activity against a wide variety of bacteria, yeasts, molds, and viruses. In studies, basil extract has been shown to inhibit drug-resistant strains of bacteria that do not respond to antibiotic treatments.

Fights stress by acting as an adaptogen

Basil has powerful potency, acting as a natural adaptogen, helping the body adapt to stress and normalizing the harmful effects of stressors.

For example, when researchers studied the anti-stress effects of fresh basil leaves exposed to a high-stress environment, they noticed a significant improvement in oxidative stress levels after consuming the herb. this medicine.

After rabbits were supplemented with 2g of fresh basil leaves for 30 days, it showed cardioprotective and respiratory effects against stressors.

A significant decrease in blood sugar was also observed, while there was a significant increase in antioxidant activity.

Fight depression

Basil also benefits people with mental disorders or mood-related illnesses such as depression and anxiety.

This herb is considered an antidepressant because it can positively impact brain and adrenal function, helping to stimulate neurotransmitters that regulate hormones that make us happy and energetic. quantity.

Improve heart health

With antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, basil can help protect blood vessels and regulate blood pressure.

Basil has the ability to help prevent platelet aggregation to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the arteries.

Basil may also reduce inflammation that causes cardiovascular disease by inhibiting the release of proinflammatory cytokines, proteins secreted from cell to cell to communicate and enhance immune defenses. of body.

When this happens over long periods of time, the body experiences an “inflammatory cascade,” which puts stress on organs and slows down blood circulation, hormone regulation, and cognitive processes.

When it comes to heart health, inflammation can form cholesterol-rich fatty plaques in blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Supports liver function and helps detoxify the body

An in vivo study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food showed that when sick rats were given basil extract for a period of 5 days, they experienced significant improvements in the production of detoxifying enzymes, higher antioxidant capacity and reduced fat accumulation in the liver.

Helps to alkalize the body and improve digestion

Basil has been shown to help balance the acid-base in the body and restore proper pH levels. This can improve digestion and immunity by helping beneficial bacteria grow in the gut microbiome, while reducing harmful bacteria that can cause disease.

According to folk medicine, basil is also used to help relieve bloating and water retention, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, acid reflux, and even to kill worms or parasites in the intestinal tract.

This is also the reason why basil is an aromatic herb served in dishes such as dog meat, intestines… Not only has the effect of eliminating odors, but also helps support digestion, fight intestinal parasites and a variety of health benefits as above.

Has a natural physiological improvement effect

In Italy, basil has been considered a symbol of love for centuries. The aroma of basil helps to boost mood, by increasing blood flow and energy levels, and reducing inflammation.

In the Hindu religion and in traditional Indian medicine, basil is considered the “elixir of life” and is used to promote healthy physiological function and an upbeat mood.

Helps protect against diabetes and metabolic syndrome

Compounds in basil have blood sugar-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects that help control diabetes and other forms of metabolic syndrome.

In addition, basil essential oil also has the ability to help reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels, diabetic patients often accompanied by lipid metabolism disorders.

Today, basil is one of the most important herbs in many cultures and cuisines, including Italy, India, Thailand and Vietnam.

Basil leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and used in many ways such as: eaten raw, in salads, sautéed with meats, as an ingredient in sauces, herbal teas, etc.

In its fresh form, basil is safe and generally well-tolerated because it generally does not cause allergic reactions or side effects in most users. However, people who are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant and breastfeeding should not take too much basil.

Dr. Medical Doctor Phung Tuan Giang

President of Vietnam Institute for Research and Development of Traditional Medicine