Sweet basil, also called wild basil, is a plant that offers both culinary and medicinal qualities. It grows well in Mediterranean areas such as Africa, Portugal, Italy, and Spain, but it can be found almost anywhere in the world. The plant is native to Asia but was brought to Europe by traders centuries ago.
The aromatic, fragrant flowers are the perfect accompaniment to many dishes, and the plant itself is very aromatic. Many people enjoy the flavor of the plant, although it can sometimes be difficult to extract the natural flavor. Nevertheless, the nutritional value of the plant is often overlooked when people consider which foods to eat. In fact, this small plant is packed with healthful goodness.
As a spice, basil has a peppery, spicy taste. However, it has wonderful flavor and medicinal benefits. For example, it is a powerful antioxidant, which helps prevent diseases from developing in human beings. It is also considered to be an effective diuretic, a substance that increases urine production and lowers levels of toxins. Some studies even suggested that it could help cure cancer cells and may help slow the aging process.
When taken as an herb, the seeds of sweet basil have many exceptional qualities. For example, while other herbs such as dill, marjoram, parsley, and oregano have antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, sweet basil has no known toxic properties. It may help treat digestive problems, headaches, and menstrual pains. In addition, it can help ease stomach cramps, kidney stones, and dysentery. In fact, it may even help to protect against atherosclerosis, the process that leads to hardening of the arteries.
One of the most interesting characteristics of sweet basil is its potential as a food and medicine for diabetes. Several studies have shown that the bitter taste of the plant activates the taste buds just like wine does in humans, which helps in the digestion of carbohydrates. As such, diabetic patients who use sweet basil often experience reduced blood sugar levels as a result of using the plant in place of regular table sugar.
Although sweet basil is very useful as a spice or for cooking, it also has strong medicinal properties. For example, it has been found to help alleviate cough and sore throat. In addition, the seeds contain substances that act as natural antibiotics, particularly those that combat bacteria and viruses. Moreover, the plant contains compounds that stimulate blood vessel activity and suppress allergic reactions, such as those associated with poison ivy.