Reyhan or Reyhoon (Ocimum basilicum), is an annual basil with strong fragrance and is especially useful as a medicinal plant. The Rayhan/Reyhoon basil is popular all over Southern Asia because of its sweet fragrance and spicy flavor. It is nutritionally dense and help aid health conditions like cancer, depression, diabetes, stress, digestive issues, as well as being a benefit for healthy skin and hair. Historically, basil has been used as a medicinal herbal and is believed to help digestion, lower blood pressure, and calm symptoms of lung disease. These are just a few of the many health benefits. Basil is great for aroma therapy from the extraction of its oils.
Symbolically, it has represented both love and hate depending on which culture you ask. The Ancient Greeks and Romans had negative associations with it and they would traditional curse and shout when planting it. Perhaps play loud music if you decide to try that next time you plant basil so you don’t disturb your neighbors.
The following useful information on the health uses of basil is sourced from the website epersianfood.com which has a wealth of Persian recipes as well as good detailed ways to use basil for medicinal purposes:
Nutritional Value of Persian Basil
Half a cup of fresh chopped basil contains the following nutrients:
- Calories: 2
- Vitamin A: 56 mg
- Vitamin K: 88 mg
- Manganese: 0.24 mg
- Vitamin C: 4 mg
Persian Basil Benefits
Below, you will learn about some of the benefits of basil, its powder and juice, and how to make several basil masks and brews.
1- Antibacterial
Basil leaves have antibacterial properties and using them in your diet strengthens the immune system against all kinds of harmful bacteria.
2- Anti-inflammatory
Basil has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Overdosing anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and cyclooxygenase can cause unwanted side effects while basil is a natural treatment for inflammation.
3. Headache Remedy
Basil is an effective treatment for headaches and migraines. Basil tea works miracles as a cure for headaches. Wash the leaves and add them in a cup of boiling water and let it brew. Drink this tea (with some honey) twice a day.
4. Coughing Remedy
Basil is an effective and natural remedy for coughing. Simply add 5 cloves and 8 basil leaves in a cup of water and place it over the heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Then add a little salt and drink when it is cooled.
5. Strengthening the Immune System
The immune system plays an important role in keeping the body healthy and preventing various bacteria and viruses. Eating fresh basil enhances immune function and increases the body’s antibody levels up to 20%.
6. Treatment for Stress and Depression
Basil has a tremendous impact in helping with stress. Consuming basil leaves calms the person, reduces the stress and prevents depression. To treat anxiety, stress or depression, drinking a cup of basil tea or brew is excellent. You can also consume 12 basil leaves daily to improve mental health.
7. Eye Health
About 100 grams of basil leaves contain enough vitamin A to maintain the health of eye. Vitamin A and antioxidants in Reyhan are effective in reducing the risk of macular degeneration. To treat pain in your eyes, pour two drops of fresh basil juice in your eyes before sleeping. Repeat this procedure several times for definitive treatment.
8. Tooth Whitening
If you are struggling with oral problems, eat basil. This herb has a great effect on removing bad breath and whitening the teeth. To make a homemade basil toothpaste, dry some basil leaves, powder them and brush your teeth twice a day with it. For added effect, you can add some mustard oil as well.
9. Kidney Stone Remedy
Drinking basil tea enhances kidneys function. Kidney stones are caused by the deposition of minerals and salt in the kidney. As a natural treatment for kidney stones, mix fresh basil juice with honey and eat for 5 to 6 months.
10. Digestive Problems
Basil is useful in treating of gastric diseases. Fresh basil water is a natural and effective treatment for gastric contractions and pain. Mix basil and ginger juice and drink it. Drinking basil tea also strengthens the digestive system and relieves gastrointestinal, constipation, nausea and stomach burns.
11. Boosting Memory
It is interesting to know that the oil of this leafy green is excellent for enhancing memory and concentration.
12. Heart Diseases
Basil prevents heart disease and helps maintaining its health and function.
13. Diabetes and Weight Loss
This herb and its juice are beneficial for diabetes and reducing blood sugar. Eating basil on a daily basis prevents diabetes. It also reduces cortisol levels. It should be noted that cortisol is also known as a stress hormone and high levels of cortisol cause depression, anxiety, and abdominal obesity.
14. Iron Source
Basil is a good source of iron. A cup of fresh basil or a tablespoon of dried basil provides 10% of your body’s iron requirement. If you have iron deficiency, you should include basil in your diet.
15. Asthma Treatment
Studies have shown that basil is very effective in treating asthma and eliminates pulmonary and respiratory problems.
16. Skin Care and Health
Remember that before applying any mask or salve on your face and other sensitive areas of the body, be sure to try it on a small part of your skin and wait 20 minutes to make sure that your skin is not sensitive and you do not have allergies.
- Acne Treatment: The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of basil are useful for prevention and treatment of acne. For an acne treatment mask, add 6 to 8 fresh basil leaves in a cup of boiling water and wait for 5 minutes. Then apply on the skin and wash after a few minutes.
- Remedy for Pruritus and Skin Infection: Compounds such as thymol and camphor are effective in treating itching and skin infections, since camphor has a cooling effect. Simply crush some fresh basil leaves and apply on the skin and rinse with warm water after an hour. Repeat this twice a day.
- Brighten Your Skin: Natural oil and antioxidants found in basil exfoliate the skin, cleanse it, and closes the pores.
- Treating Eczema: Basil is useful for treating eczema, which is often associated with redness and itching of the skin. Crush a handful of basil leaves to form a dough. Then mix it with a tablespoon of turmeric. Apply this mask on the skin and rinse with warm water after 30 minutes.
- Anti-aging: Basil leaves contain antioxidants and flavonoids that have anti-aging properties, prevent wrinkles, soften and tighten the skin. Mix a few basil leaves with 1 liter of water and boil for 5 minutes. After cooling, add a few drops of lemon juice. Apply this toner on your skin before going to bed or twice a day.
Basil in Traditional Medicine
Some of the uses of basil leaves in traditional medicine include treatment the following problems: Diarrhea, Ear infections,Eczema, Stomach burns, Relieving pain, Flu, Nausea
If you’d like to read more from the Epersian Website here is the link: https://www.epersianfood.com/persian-basil/
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