Indian basil, also known as the “queen of herbs,” has been used as a medicinal herb in India and Asia for centuries because, for example, it stimulates the immune system, inhibits inflammation, lowers blood sugar, and aids in the treatment of breast cancer. Basil was therefore once considered a “royal herb”.
Occurrence and cultivation of Indian basil.
Indian basil is a component of Ayurveda, the Indian art of healing, and in South and Southeast Asia it is used in cooking as well as to repel insects. Indian basil belongs to the labiates family. The tropical as well as subtropical Asia and northern Australia belong to its natural occurrence. The plant grows perennially herbaceous and reaches a height of up to 100 centimeters. The straight stem has numerous finely hairy branches. The leaves are arranged opposite and divided into petiole and leaf blade. They are finely hairy all over, especially on the leaf veins. In the terminal, spike-like inflorescences, six flowers stand together in so-called false whorls. The hermaphrodites have a double involucre. The sepals are fused in a bell shape and the brown nutlets are slightly ovate and humped.
Effect and use
The plant is considered a particularly sacred herb, which also plays an important role in religious ceremonies and is associated with numerous legends. It is highly valued and revered. In Hindu religion, the basil represents the presence of Vishnu and expresses a divine protection. Indian basil is used in Ayurveda as an elixir of life, which has a balancing effect and keeps one young and mentally clear. In India, the shrub can be found in many courtyards and at countless house entrances. It is often bordered by decoratively painted stones, making the special place an altar. Cross-legged, prayers are said on the ground in front of it. Indian basil is a component of Ayurveda, the Indian art of healing, and in South and Southeast Asia it is used in cooking as well as to repel insects. In cooking, Indian basil is usually used fresh, as the dried leaves have only a fraction of the original aroma. For the same reason, they are cooked only briefly. Indian basil tastes particularly good when added shortly before the end of cooking time, for example, in pasta sauces, stews and vegetable dishes, as well as in salads. Basil is also popular as a pesto. In Europe, Indian basil has become known especially as a tea. For this it can be used fresh or dried and tastes aromatically sweet.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Indian basil is used in the form of tea, for example, to relieve febrile illnesses, gastrointestinal problems to stomach ulcers. The medicinal herb is used for all inflammatory acute diseases, for example, colds, fever (including malaria), cough, sore throat and bronchitis, and likewise for kidney stones, diarrhea, stomach pain and ulcers. The mucous membrane of the stomach wall is apparently strengthened by basil. The herb is therefore said to have a stomach-strengthening effect and can be used for all digestive ailments. Duodenal ulcers and colon inflammation are also said to be improved with basil tea. Chewed leaves can accelerate the healing of wounds by applying them. Infections in the mouth, problems with teeth and gums, and insect bites are also part of the treatment spectrum. Basil can also have a soothing effect on headaches. The high content of carotenoids it contains also has a positive effect on the eyes and eyesight. Studies have shown that diabetics with low levels of carotenoids face a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, Indian basil protects against stress because it contains abundant potent ingredients such as the polyphenols and flavonoids, which are responsible for the antioxidant as well as adaptogenic properties. The body’s own healing processes are thus promoted. The herb also has a calming and strengthening effect on the psyche and nervous system. Therefore, it can be a good support for anxiety, panic attacks and depression. It also protects and maintains the performance of the brain, which makes it also play a role in senile dementia.As a preventive measure, it can be used against cancer. In experiments, the herb showed cell-protective and also concrete anticancer effect, because various antioxidant enzymes are activated and detoxifying metabolic processes are initiated in the organism, which can fight cancer cells. Basil also has an antibacterial effect and a strengthening effect on the immune system, and the immune-stimulating effect apparently supports the cancer-fighting process even more, because the immune system represents one of the most important main factors in the natural treatment of cancer. It has already been found that, for example, the growth of breast cancer can be stopped by preventing the new formation of cells and thus inhibiting the blood supply to the tumor. The tumor is starved in this way, so that metastasis can be prevented. The positive effect is apparently similar to that of chemotherapeutic substances, but with much fewer side effects. Therefore, according to researchers, Indian basil could be further developed as a means in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer, for example, to use it in combination with chemotherapy and reduce the dosage of the drugs. Basil also mitigates the side effects of radiation therapies and can therefore also provide ideal protection against the carcinogenic substances. Here, the ingredients orientin and vivencin play an important role. According to the scientists, however, further studies are needed to explore the benefits of basil in cancer therapy in more detail.
