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Basil: The Spice Plant is So Healthy

Basil is healthy and adds a tangy flavor to various dishes. Here you can find out more about the properties and possible uses of the herb.

Basil is an essential herb in Mediterranean cuisine. With its aromatic, spicy aroma, it refines pasta, pizza, vegetable pans or salads. Already in ancient Greece and Rome, basil was used to refine dishes and as a remedy for various diseases. The herb plays an important role not only in Europe, but also in other cultures: for example, it is an important part of Ayurvedic cuisine.

Basil is originally native to the tropics of South America, Asia and Africa. Today it is also cultivated in European countries. Basil is also grown in Germany. The type of basil most used in this country is the so-called shrub basil. In addition to this, there are over 60 other types of basil, such as lemon or Thai basil.

Basil is so healthy

Basil owes its intense smell and taste to the essential oils it contains. But the herb not only tastes good: basil is also healthy. It is particularly rich in magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium. Basil also contains significant amounts of vitamin A and some B vitamins. In order for these micronutrients to actually help cover your daily requirement, you have to eat a larger portion of basil (at least 20 grams). With the help of a pesto or processed in a salad, this is not a problem.

Incidentally, per 100 grams, basil provides you with around 46 kilocalories, 2.4 grams of protein and 7.5 grams of carbohydrates. There is hardly any fat. After all, the herb also consists of 3.1 percent fiber.

Basil: Healthy Remedy

Basil is not only healthy, but is also used as a remedy. In the form of tea, basil oil or ready-made capsules, it can provide relief for various ailments. This is due to the essential oils it contains. So far, they have not been scientifically confirmed as far as possible, but are based on traditions and experiences of naturopathy. Together with other medicinal herbs, basil helps in particular with:

bloating and flatulence
loss of appetite
digestive problems
In Indian medicine, for example, it is also used for skin diseases, menstrual cramps, earaches or fever. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) uses basil for stomach cramps or kidney and gum problems.

Basil: buying tips

You can buy fresh basil in most supermarkets, either loose leaves or in a pot. For ecological and economic reasons, we recommend the latter option: if you buy basil in a pot, you save on unnecessary plastic packaging and can cultivate the plant directly in the garden or on the balcony. In this way, new leaves keep growing and you can benefit from the plant for longer.

Alternatively, you can also use dried basil. In all cases, you should pay attention to organic goods if possible. In this way you support ecological agriculture that works without chemical-synthetic pesticides. This not only makes the basil healthy, but also protects biodiversity. Also try to buy basil locally if possible. It’s best to buy it between June and September – that’s when the herb is in season in Germany.

Another option is to grow a basil plant from seed yourself. You can find more information here: Planting basil: when, where and how to care for it

Here’s how you can use basil

Basil gives various dishes a spicy aroma. If you process it into basil pesto, you can not only serve it well with pasta, but also make it last longer thanks to the oil. You can also use basil in a fresh tomato salad or zucchini salad.

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Freezing Basil: This is How You Preserve the Herb

You can freeze basil well and make it last longer, for example if you have harvested too much of it. Find out here what you should consider.

Basil is used both in the kitchen and as a medicinal herb. The nutrient-rich and aromatic leaves give numerous dishes a typical aroma. To have basil on hand all year round, you can freeze it. We’ll tell you how this works best.

Freezing fresh basil: This is how it works

If you want to freeze the basil leaves in their actual form, you should blanch them. That way they won’t be mushy after defrosting. For this you need:

ice cubes
a bowl
a cooking pot
water
a clean kitchen towel
a plate
a container for freezing
In order for the basil to retain its aroma when you freeze it, you must first blanch it. Proceed as follows:

Cut the leaves off the plant. Preferably directly above the leaf node, where more leaves grow, because this allows new ones to grow back.
wash the leaves
Place the ice cubes in the bowl.
Boil water in a saucepan. Make sure the pot is big enough for all the basil leaves.
Blanch the basil leaves in hot water for about 5 to 10 seconds. This means: Dip the leaves in the boiling water for five to ten seconds at a time, preferably with a slotted spoon.
Then, as quickly as possible, dip each leaf into the ice water.
Then place the basil leaves individually on a clean kitchen towel and let them dry for about ten minutes.
Place the individual basil leaves on a plate. Make sure the leaves are really individual on the plate so they don’t stick together when frozen.
Place the plate in the freezer until the leaves are completely frozen.
Now you can put them together in a sealable container, such as a lunch box or an empty screw-top jar.
Put these in the freezer.

How to freeze pureed basil

You can also freeze basil pureed and use it later for cooking. How it works:

Remove the stems from the basil leaves.
Rinse the leaves under cold water.
Drain the basil well and then gently pat dry.
Once the leaves have dried, place them in a food processor or blender.
Chop the basil depending on how coarse you want the leaves to be.
Add some olive oil as you go.
Once the basil leaves have reached the desired consistency, place them in a sealable container.
Basil can be stored in the freezer for several months.

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Food

10 Amazing Facts About Basils

Although the scope of its application is not as wide as it could be – all because of the powerful aroma of basil, which makes it unconditionally dominate in combination with delicate foods – where basil is appropriate, it literally transforms the dish, breathing new life into it. And of course, there are many other interesting facts to tell about the basilica.

  1. Basil comes from central and tropical Asia and Africa – according to one of the versions, we owe the origin of the basil to India. However, in the Mediterranean, basil grew extensively already in antiquity and is an integral part of Mediterranean cuisine.
  2. The name “basil” goes back to the Greek “royal”, “royal”. The Greeks believed that only the monarch himself, armed with a golden sickle, has the right to collect the basilica.
  3. In addition, the ancient Greeks, and with them, the Romans believed that basil would rise only if the sowers shouted curses and shouted wildly.
  4. In general, there are many superstitions associated with basil. For example, it was widely believed that a basil leaf, forgotten under an inverted bowl, after a while turns into a scorpion. Some even believed that sniffing basil would trigger a scorpion in the brain.
  5. It was also believed that Salome covered the severed head of John the Baptist in a pot of basil to hide the smell of decay. Let us also mention the terrible story told by Boccaccio about a girl who watered a pot of basil with her tears, in which the head of her lover was buried. Later, this story inspired the English poet John Keats to create the poem Isabella, or a pot of basil. However, it seems to me that the fault is not basil, but the overly violent and painful imagination of some creative personalities.
  6. However, the stories associated with the basil do not have to be chilling. In Italy, basil has always been considered a symbol of love, and in Romania, a young man who accepts a basil stalk as a gift from a girl agrees to be engaged. In Mexico, they believe that basil protects from the fact that the beloved will lay eyes on someone else, in Haiti, basil is generally considered a powerful amulet.
  7. A mixture of basil and rosemary is used as a salt substitute in a salt-free diet.
  8. Basil leaves are a valuable source of vitamin P-rutin and provitamin A. In addition, the aerial part of the plant is rich in essential oils, and therefore basil is widely used in medicine as an aphrodisiac and general tonic, to stimulate digestion and arouse appetite.
  9. Basil goes well with tomatoes and is one of the main ingredients of pesto, so a rare Italian dish does without basil.
  10. Basil is also famous for the fact that it suits almost any dish – fish, meat, vegetables. In addition, you can always add a spicy flavor to food by seasoning it with vinegar or olive oil infused with basil.
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Why Does Basil Shrink So Fast?

Do you know that? No matter how hard you try: After a week at the latest, the basil you bought in the pot will lose its leaves. Many people suspect that the soil in the pots is loaded with microbes or fungi that will kill the seedling. But is that true?

It doesn’t matter whether you place it in the sun or in the shade, water it devotedly, or neglect it affectionately – after a week the basil plant you have bought is a case for the compost heap.

For the next Caprese salad, you have to go back to the supermarket and get a new potty. An effect that the supermarket operators shouldn’t mind – but what about the rumor that the shelf life of basil is intentionally limited?

A team of reporters from SWR commissioned an independent test laboratory to analyze soil samples from various pots bought in the supermarket. The result: No conspicuous values ​​that indicate targeted manipulation. But one thing is certain: the basil that we buy in the supermarket often has a long and often arduous journey behind it. The plant also takes with it the stay in the cold store, so that it quickly lets the leaves hang on the windowsill at home.

This keeps your basil fresh for a long time

More room

Carefully divide the basil plant into three parts and plant each in its own pot. This way, each plant gets more light and nutrients.

Lots of light

Basil is a plant native to the Mediterranean region. Therefore, she needs light and the sun to thrive. A place in the darkest corner of the kitchen (e.g. on the worktop) is therefore extremely unsuitable for the delicate plant.

The right amount of water

If the plant lets its leaves droop, it often simply has too little water. But falling into action and soaking the soil quickly turns out to be a mistake: when waterlogged, the plant is quickly attacked by gray mold. You can recognize this by the brownish-grey spots on the stems and leaves.

As a rule of thumb: water the pot with an amount of water that corresponds to about one-tenth of the pot’s volume every day. So your basil plant is optimally supplied with water without it starting to rot.

Harvest right

If only individual leaves are plucked off, your basil plant will soon look pretty torn. Therefore, always snip off a complete stalk directly above the leaf axis. This allows the side shoots to continue growing and the plant stays alive longer.

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Are Basil Seeds the New Chia Seeds?

In Asia, basil seeds have long been used in drinks and desserts. Now chia-like seeds are also being discovered in the western world.

Now that basil has become an integral part of our kitchen, its seeds are now being served on the plate or in the glass! Similar to chia seeds, basil seeds soaked in water expand up to 30 times their volume and also develop the jelly-like consistency that we know from chia seeds.

How do basil seeds taste?

Unlike the basil plant, basil seeds taste neutral to slightly nutty. They are used in foods to give structure and not flavor. That is why they are also used in fruit desserts such as Falooda in Asia. In Asia, basil seeds are also called “Sabja Seeds”.

Are Basil Seeds Healthy?

Due to their strong swelling properties, basil seeds ensure long-lasting satiety. Therefore, they can have a supportive effect if you want to lose weight.

Basil seeds have long been used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). They are said to have a cooling and soothing effect on colds and nervous tension. The seeds are also used to treat skin inflammation and digestive problems.

How can I use basil seeds?

In principle, you can use basil seeds like chia seeds, i.e. as a kind of pudding. Practical: Basil seeds swell much faster than chia seeds.

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The Basil of India: What Is Tulsi Tea and Why Is It So Hyped?

Whether in the form of a spice, tea or essential oil: the “Indian basil” Tulsi has long been part of the repertoire of Ayurveda medicine. The tea is said to have healing effects. But how is tulsi actually best prepared – and is the herb really as healthy as it is claimed?

What is Tulsi?

Tulsi, also known as Tulasi, is a species of basil in the mint family and is grown in tropical Asia and northern Australia. It is not called “holy basil” for nothing, because the Indian herb is said to have special effects. Overall, the Tulsi spice is most similar to basil, which is also commonly used in Germany.

Tulsi tea in particular is no longer just popular in India, but has also made a name for itself in Europe. On the one hand, this is because Tulsi contains various beneficial active ingredients such as eugenol, polyphenols and flavanoids. As a result, Tulsi has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect and can help with colds, fever, stomach problems or sores in the mouth. Another benefit of the herb is that it has a stress-relieving effect thanks to the antioxidants it contains, such as phenols and flavanoids.

Antioxidants are natural substances that protect the human body from oxidative stress and help break down harmful substances. This degradation ensures that oxidation processes are triggered in the body, which in turn increase reactive oxygen compounds and prevent oxidative stress. Since in medicine it is assumed, among other things, that oxidative stress is involved in the development of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, arteriosclerosis and high blood pressure, Tulsi herb can help to reduce the risk of disease with its antihypertensive, detoxifying and nerve-strengthening effects.

Does Tulsi basil also help fight cancer?

Tulsi has many beneficial effects, but it cannot be assumed that it also helps with cancer. Even a preventive effect would be purely speculative. The current study situation and studies carried out so far are not sufficient to prove any causal connection between the herb and cancer.

Tulsi Tea: How to Prepare It Properly

Tulsi tea is not experiencing its current upswing in Europe for nothing. Its aroma can be described as fine, sweet and slightly peppery. Either fresh or dried Tulsi leaves can be used to prepare the tea. In the well-stocked tea shop you can have your own Tulsi blends put together, for example with orange and ginger.

How to Properly Prepare Tulsi Tea:
One teaspoon of Tulsi herb per cup
Pour 200 ml of boiling water over the tea per cup
Let the tea steep for 6 to 10 minutes

Lose weight with Tulsi

Due to the blood sugar-lowering effect of Tulsi, we feel less hungry and the substances already mentioned stimulate digestion. In addition, the herb is said to have rejuvenating effects.

In addition to the already mentioned positive effects of Tulsis through anthocyanins, the plant’s own substances are the actual ingredients for the healing effects. These are mainly found in essential oils and can help against asthma, colds, gout, fungal infections, rheumatism, worm infestation as well as tooth and gum inflammation. Tulsi essential oils tend to have a sweet, fresh, green scent with balsamic undertones.

Tulsi in the kitchen

Indian basil is used regularly, especially in Asian cuisines such as Indian or Thai cuisine. Tulsi is particularly suitable for curries, vegetable, rice, pasta dishes or stews and gives the dishes a fresh touch. In combination with spices such as aniseed, chili, ginger or caraway, Tulsi unfolds its full effect and comes into its own. For example, Tulsi pesto is easy to make yourself and then combines with pasta, lasagne, rice, potatoes or bread.

For Tulsi Pesto you need the following ingredients:
2 hands of fresh Tulsi
2 tbsp Tulsi powder
1 clove of garlic
100g raw almonds
50ml olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
salt and pepper

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Tulsi Tea: Effects and Preparation of Holy Basil

Tulsi tea tastes good and is highly valued in Ayurveda for its healing properties. Here you can find out how the tea works and how to prepare it.

Tulsi is often also referred to as Tulasi or holy or Indian basil and is closely related to our spice basil. Very special effects are attributed to this special type of basil. The plant is therefore very widespread in the traditional healing art of Ayurveda. But not only in India Tulsi is very popular. In Europe, too, more and more people swear by the effects of Indian basil – especially in the form of Tulsi tea.

Effect of Tulsi leaves

The fact that Tulsi has a special place in traditional Ayurvedic medicine is due to the fact that it contains various beneficial active ingredients. The Indian basil contains, among other things, in high concentration:
eugenol
polyphenols
flavanoids
Thanks to these substances, Tulsi has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. It is used, for example, for colds, coughs and fevers, stomach problems and inflammation of the mouth or gums.

The herb also has a stress-relieving effect. The phenols and flavanoids contained in Indian basil are considered to be particularly effective antioxidants.

Tulsi tea: How to prepare it successfully

Tulsi is very popular in this country not only because of its effect, but also because of its special taste. This applies in particular to Tulsi tea: it has a fine, sweet, but at the same time slightly peppery aroma.

How to prepare Tulsi tea:
Take 1 teaspoon of tulsi herb per cup.
Pour 200ml of boiling water over the tea per cup.
Let the tea steep for 6 to 10 minutes.
You can use fresh or dried Tulsi leaves for a tea. To be sure that there are no pesticides in the leaves, you should only drink certified organic tea – or grow it yourself. In the next paragraph we will tell you how to do it.

Grow your own Indian basil

If you’ve got a taste for it, you can easily grow Indian basil for your Tulsi tea yourself. You can get Indian basil as a preferred plant in well-stocked (herb) nurseries. Alternatively, you can also buy seeds and plant the basil yourself. The requirements of the Indian basil do not differ from the spice basil that is widespread in Europe:
Sow the seeds in pots or boxes on the windowsill in spring. Later you should separate the plants.
It is worth dividing the plants if you have preferred plants. Too many plants often grow in a pot and are therefore too dense.
As soon as it gets warmer outside, you can put the Indian basil outside. It’s best to leave it in the pot though. This way it doesn’t fall victim to voracious snails so easily.
Make sure that the basil gets as much light as possible and always keep it moist. Tulsi does not tolerate temperatures below 10 degrees.
If you let the basil bloom at the end of summer, you can harvest seeds for next year. Since basil is difficult to overwinter, you can use it to grow new plants next spring.

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Drying Basil: This Way You Can Use it Longer

Drying basil is not difficult, but it is worth it: you can use dried basil to refine your dishes all year round. Here you can find out what you have to consider when drying basil.

Dry basil: in the air

Basil is particularly indispensable in Italian cuisine and should therefore not be missing from homemade pizza and pasta. But especially without a garden or balcony, you don’t always have fresh basil at hand – you can prevent that by stocking up on the dried herbs. Like other herbs, you can dry basil in the oven or food dehydrator. However, it is much more energy-efficient to simply let the plant air dry.

Use scissors to cut the basil leaves off the stem. Leave as much of the stem as possible so you can bundle the leaves later. The leaves just before flowering are best, as they are at their most aromatic at this time.
You can use flexible wire or string to tie the individual leaves together by the stem and then hang them on a hook or similar device. An airy place with some sun exposure is best.
After about two weeks, your basil leaves will be completely dry; depending on the location, the drying process can also be faster. You can tell they’re dry enough by the fact that you can simply crumble them with your fingers.
Now you can put the leaves in a sealable jar or other container.

Drying basil: in the oven

If you don’t have the time to air dry, drying the basil in the oven is a much more time-saving option. All you have to do is spread your picked leaves evenly on a tray and let them bake for about 20 minutes at the lowest temperature. It is best to leave the tray in the closed oven overnight to ensure that the basil leaves are completely dry. Then you can also fill them in a suitable container. It is advisable to use this method only in exceptional cases due to the increased energy consumption.

Dry basil: these are the advantages

Drying basil is – like preserving other foods – ecologically advisable.
The basil pots from the supermarket in particular usually don’t last long – before they die, it makes sense to dry and store the leaves immediately. In this way you can counteract food waste, at least in small steps.
If you have a garden where you grow basil, you can save it from the cold season by drying the leaves—that way you’ll also have a supply for next spring.
Dried spices or herbs are available in supermarkets and also in most organic markets, almost only packed in plastic. If you dry your basil yourself at home, you also save on packaging.

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Healthy Basil as a Home Remedy

Tips and tricks for basil as an old natural home remedy and to use in the kitchen. Healthy basil home remedies and ideas for basil as a medicinal plant.

Whether on warm pizza or pasta or as pesto. Basil is an integral part of Italian cuisine. And basil is not only healthy but also a tried and tested household remedy. We show you what you can do with basil as a medicinal plant and basil as a home remedy.

1) Basil as a home remedy for headaches

Annoying headache? It’s a good thing that basil was a proven remedy for headaches and migraines in ancient times. The fragrances calm and reduce stress and tension. Did you know that the scents in basil are considered a preservative? If you have a headache, then the medicinal plant is helpful as a home remedy.

It is best to chew fresh basil leaves. Slow chewing movements are also calming. But basil oil that you apply to your forehead also makes the pain go away. Even a tea made from this plant can reduce fever and relieve symptoms. Also, note our natural home remedies for headaches.

2) The healthy medicinal plant for the stomach

In traditional medicine from the Mediterranean region, basil has been used for stomach ailments for ages. It helps against both losses of appetite and a feeling of fullness. It also prevents flatulence, digestive problems, stomach pain, and upsets. It is best to drink this as tea by infusing it with warm water. With at least two cups a day, the stomach will quickly settle down and digestion will be rebalanced. Here you will find our other home remedies for stomach pain.

3) As a home remedy for hair loss

Basil promotes hair growth by stimulating blood circulation. As an oil, it can stimulate hair growth and help strengthen the hair. To prevent hair loss, simply apply some basil oil to the hairline once a day while washing your hair and wash it out. Maybe our home remedies for brittle and dry hair are something for you!

After just a few weeks, your hair will shine full and strong again! Basil also helps as a home remedy against dandruff and a dry scalp: grind a handful of basil leaves (Indian tulsi is best for this) in a mortar and mix with about 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Massage this mass into the scalp in circular motions. Here are more home remedies for hair fall and hair loss.

4) Gargling with basil as a home remedy

You can also gargle basil, as this is an ideal home remedy for sore throats and sore throats. To do this, simply pour about 150ml of hot water on about 1 tablespoon of fresh leaves of the plant and let it steep for about a quarter of an hour and allow it to cool slightly. In addition, gargling with basil helps against canker sores because it is expectorant and antibacterial. Since the plant is also refreshing, you can also use it as a mouthwash after brushing your teeth together with sage. Also, note our home remedies for mouth sores.

5) The medicinal plant for the eyes

The medicinal plant contains a lot of vitamin A, which is good for the eyes. It is also high in vitamin C and beta carotene, as well as having anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. These help against dry eyes. Basil has been known as a remedy for bags under the eyes since the Middle Ages. Simply soak the leaves in water overnight and gently wash the eyes with a cotton pad or make compresses at least three times a day. Here you will find home remedies for burning eyes.

6) Beautiful skin with basil as a home remedy

Basil not only contains vitamins but also many antioxidants and essential oils. The antiseptic and antibacterial properties cleanse the face and the anti-inflammatory properties soothe redness and irritation. For facial cleansing, simply grind 20-30 leaves and add about a teaspoon of jojoba oil. Apply to the face and wash off after a few minutes to start the day refreshed and with a radiant complexion. Also, try our homemade face mask for tired skin.

If you boil the leaves in water for about 5-6 minutes, strain it and let it cool down, you can make a facial tonic. Fill a bottle with a little lemon juice and apply to the clear face with a cotton pad. You can find more home remedies for smooth facial skin here.

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Basil Oil: Application, Effect and How to Make it

Basil oil is extracted from basil leaves and flowers. What is little known: it has been used in areas other than the kitchen for thousands of years and has many healing effects.

The application of basil oil

Basil originally comes from India. Basil oil is widely used in Ayurvedic cuisine and medicine. It tastes good in dishes such as tomato and mozzarella salad. But you can also use it as a remedy.

Add 2-3 drops of basil oil to your tea. You can increase the effect if you also add a spoonful of honey. This should help with bronchial diseases, colds or digestive problems, for example.
You can also inhale with it, which is supposed to relieve irritable bowel syndrome and help against mental tension and nervousness. Put a few drops of oil in hot water and inhale the steam, for example under a towel.
Basil oil has anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects in various areas, which various studies show.
Caution: Do not apply the oil directly to the skin. This can cause skin irritation. You can mix it with a mild olive oil or sunflower oil, for example. Basil oil should not be used during pregnancy as a study has shown that it can promote labor.

Basil oil is also often found in the following products:
in fragrance lamps
in cosmetic products
in perfumes (due to its spicy scent)
in massage oils
as compress applications
bath additive. A warm bath with basil oil is recommended for menstrual pain, for example.

Other effects of basil oil

Basil oil is said to have the following effects:
antispasmodic
calming
balancing and strengthening for the nerves, i.e. a natural nerve tonic
pain relieving
increases blood circulation
antibacterial and expectorant, which is why it is used for acne, colds and coughs
stimulates gastric juice production and thus promotes digestion
detoxifying
strengthens the formation of anti-stress hormones, which is said to have an antidepressant and memory-promoting effect
acute against headaches, for example you can mix it with oil or cream on your temples
stimulates the formation of female hormones and is said to help with hormonal imbalances and irregular menstruation
Only a few studies can be found on the effects, which is why the statements can only be made relatively. If you have symptoms, you should not rely solely on the effects of basil oil.

How to make basil oil

You can also make the basil oil yourself. It is then not the essential oil, but an oil enriched with basil. You can also use the homemade oil internally and externally, or use it to serve in salads.

For production you need:
1 clean bottle or a large jar
2 handfuls of chopped basil leaves and stalks
cold-pressed olive oil or sunflower oil
How to make basil oil yourself:
Put the basil in the bottle or jar.
Cover the basil completely with the oil. This is important, otherwise it can become moldy.
Swirl the oil once a day for four weeks.
After four weeks you can filter it and keep it in a dark bottle for about a week.

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