Spices, Plants and Natural Remedies >> Sweet Basil

Basil is regarded as royalty among all culinary herbs. Basil leaves accent any tomato dish and makes delicious, herbal vinegar.

Basil leaves relieve indigestion and nausea and are effective even when there are side effects of chemotherapy. It is a gentle sedative for mild disorders.

Basil prevents peptic ulcers and other stress related diseases like hypertension, colitis and asthma. Various species are used to treat colds and flu's, to reduce fever, congestion and joint pain.

Basil has the ability to fight bacterial and fungal infections.

It is widely used in ayurvedic medicines and is used to cure itching skin, ringworm, acne and poisonous insect bite.

• Sniffing the herb gets rid of headaches and lifts the spirits.
  
• Basil scent is used in soaps and cosmetics.
  
• Basil oil relieves tired muscles. Its fragrance decreases mental fatigue and clears the head. It restores the sense of smell, lost owing to sinus congestion.