Scientific name –OcimumgratissimumL
Family – Lamiaceae
Common names –scent leaf, Nigerian basil, fever leaf, clove basil, tea bush, nchuanwu, daidoya-ta-gida and effinrin-nla
Part used – leaves
A shrub up to 1.9m in height with stems that are branched. The leaves which measure up to 10 x 5 cm are fragrant, and are ovate to ovate-lanceolate, with a serrate margin.
The Nigerian basil has multiple uses. Due to their essential oils and utilization as food condiment/spice, it is commonly planted as a vegetable. Basil is also cultivated as a hedge plant. The chemical compounds derived from the plant’s essential oil are utilized in various pharmacological applications. The species is a good source of crude fibre, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, and phosphorus. The active properties of Nigerian basil have many therapeutic applications in many traditional medicines as anti-diarrhea, analgesic, digestive, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimutagenic, insecticidal and anti cancerous functions. The plant likewise is consumed as a dietary supplement and flavoring agent in various subtropical and tropical and even warm temperate countries. Here’s how it can help you.
Gas – If certain foods like beans, dairy products, fructose and other starchy foods make you gassy; simply top your dish with a sprinkling of basil. Dried or fresh, they may be taken as a stimulant or stomachic to relieve constipation. Freshly prepared decoction with pure honey has been used to relieve nausea, gastritis and indigestion problems. It’s a carminative herb, put in simple words – it helps reduce gas.
Queasiness – Basil contains aromatic, camphor-bearing oil that makes for a pleasant-tasting anti-nausea tea. Simply infuse 1-2 Tsp. of leaves in a cup of freshly boiled water for 10-15 minutes, then strain and sip. Enjoy and say goodbye to that frequent nauseating feeling.
Cancer – This age cooking herb is packed with lots of effective antioxidants. One compound in basil, called eugenol, increases production of antioxidants and may be helpful in preventing colon cancer. To keep fit and help your body lower the risk of cancer and its recurrence, try including basil to stir fry, tomato-based sauces, salads, smoothies, and juices. Nigerian basil is indeed a spice rich in many other food nutrients and so it can pleasurably be added to dishes without fear of toxicity. Be sure yours is fresh-organic and always add them at the end of the cooking process to get the most flavors. It’s the opposite when using dried basil-add them at the beginning.
Recuperation – The chemical composition of basil is an indication that the plant is a rich source of energy and supports its inclusion in diets. Convalescents when fed with foods containing this herb would recover quickly and regain strength. Though high in energy nutrients, it does not add to the bulk of the diet. When your child develops diarrhea, this age cooking spice may be the solution. The use of basil for the treatment of diarrhea has been widely acclaimed in many African communities.
Convulsions – Studies have indicated that the extracts of Nigerian basil possess biologically active compound(s) that have anticonvulsant properties, which support the ethnomedicinal use of the plant as antiepileptic agents. If your child convulses often, keep a combo of basil and palm kernel oil handy. During an attack, give 1 Tsp.3 x daily and also rub all over the body 2-3 x daily.
Drug-induced ulcers – Researchers have found that oil from basil leaves reduces the ulcer-producing activity of certain drugs like aspirin and alcohol. If you use either on a regular basis, your stomach will no doubt appreciate it if you add basil to your dinner whenever you can.
Warts -Basil contains several antiviral compounds that make warts disappear. The leaves are also used as an astringent, antiseptic and counterirritant against poisonous insect bites. Just crush a few basil leaves, place them directly as a poultice on the wart and cover with a cling film wrap or bandage. Change the dressing every day, and the wart should disappear in a short time.
The juice of the fresh basil is also useful in several skin disorders. It is applied with beneficial results to swellings to prevent pus formation or suppuration and to corns, pimples, ringworm, eczema, psoriasis, abnormal outgrowth of the skin and other skin diseases.
Cholesterol – The crude fiber of basil is appreciably high and thus helps in the maintenance of internal distention for a normal peristaltic movement of the intestinal tract and also aids in removing cholesterol from the body.
Sprains – Put this “goodness” on the menu. There’s good evidence that basil helps fight inflammation and swelling. Make it your friendly kitchen spice and also take it as your tea.