Basil, also known as Ocimum basilicum, is a common culinary herb that has several medicinal properties. The leaves of the plant contain essential oils, flavonoids, and other compounds that have been found to have medicinal properties.
How is Basil Antidepressant?
Basil contains compounds such as eugenol and linalool, which have been found to have a calming effect on the body. Therefore, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. In traditional uses, the aromatics of basil oil are how the compounds are introduced to the body. Touching fresh basil leaves to the skin will transfer the oils. Additionally, basil contains antioxidants that help to protect the brain from damage caused by stress.
Another way in which basil may act as an antidepressant is by modulating the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. For example, some animal studies have found that basil extracts can increase levels of serotonin.
How does basil stimulate the adrenal cortex?
There is limited scientific evidence to suggest that basil directly stimulates the adrenal cortex. The adrenal cortex is the outer layer of the adrenal gland that produces several hormones, including cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens.
However, basil may indirectly support adrenal function by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Chronic stress can cause the adrenal glands to produce excessive amounts of cortisol, which can lead to various health problems such as high blood pressure, weight gain, and mood disorders. Basil contains compounds such as eugenol and rosmarinic acid that have been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system, which may help to reduce stress and support healthy adrenal function.
Additionally, some studies have found that certain compounds in basil may help to regulate blood sugar levels, which is another function of the adrenal glands. For example, a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that basil extract improved insulin sensitivity in rats with diabetes, which may be due in part to its ability to stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas.
Overall, while more research is needed to fully understand the potential effects of basil on adrenal function, some of its compounds may indirectly support healthy adrenal function by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
How is Basil Antiseptic?
Basil has been found to possess antiseptic properties due to its ability to inhibit the growth of various microorganisms. The essential oils, eugenol, linalool, and estragole found in basil have been shown to have antimicrobial activity. Basil can help fight against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. For instance, listeria, staphylococcus, and salmonella, may be treated with basil.
One study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that basil essential oil was effective against several strains of bacteria. The study included E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that a basil extract was effect against the fungus Candida albicans, which can cause infections in the mouth and throat.
How is Basil an Antiemetic?
Basil has been traditionally used for its digestive properties and has been found to possess antiemetic (anti-nausea) properties. The essential oil of basil contains several active compounds, including eugenol, linalool, and methyl chavicol, which have been shown to have antiemetic effects.
One study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that an extract of basil was effective in reducing vomiting in rats induced by a chemical stimulus. Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that inhaling the essential oil of basil reduced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
The antiemetic effects of basil may be due in part to its ability to stimulate the digestive system and reduce inflammation. For example, some studies have found that basil extracts can increase the secretion of digestive enzymes and improve gastrointestinal motility, which may help to reduce nausea and vomiting.
How is Basil a Tonic?
Basil is considered to be a tonic herb in traditional medicine systems, meaning that it is believed to have a general tonifying and strengthening effect on the body.
Basil contains a variety of active compounds, including essential oils, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which may contribute to its tonic properties. These compounds have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties.
As a tonic herb, basil is believed to support overall health and well-being by promoting vitality and enhancing the body’s natural defenses. It may also be used to help improve appetite, digestion, and circulation. Basil is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium, which may further contribute to its health-promoting effects.
How is Basil a Carminative?
Basil is considered to be a carminative herb, which means that it can help to relieve digestive discomfort and promote healthy digestion. Carminatives work by relaxing the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, which can help to reduce bloating, gas, and cramping.
Basil contains several active compounds, including eugenol and linalool, which have been shown to have carminative properties. These compounds can help to stimulate the digestive system, improve the secretion of digestive enzymes, and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
Studies have found that basil can help to alleviate various digestive symptoms, such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. For example, a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that an extract of basil was effective in reducing colonic spasms in rats. Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that a combination of peppermint and basil essential oils reduced bloating and abdominal discomfort in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
How is Basil a Febrifuge?
Basil has been traditionally used as a febrifuge, which means that it is believed to help reduce fever. This use of basil is based on its traditional use in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine systems, where it is believed to have cooling and anti-inflammatory properties.
Basil contains several active compounds, including eugenol, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. These compounds may help to reduce fever by modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation in the body.
Studies have found that basil can help to reduce fever in animal models. For example, a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that an extract of basil was effective in reducing fever in rats. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential antipyretic properties of basil in humans.
How is Basil an Expectorant?
Basil has been traditionally used as an expectorant, which means that it can help to promote the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract. Basil contains several active compounds, including eugenol, camphene, and cineole, which have been shown to have expectorant properties. These compounds can help to stimulate the production and secretion of mucus, as well as promote the relaxation of the smooth muscles in the respiratory tract.
Studies have found that basil can help to relieve respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing. For example, a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that an extract of basil was effective in reducing coughing and bronchospasm in guinea pigs. Another study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that a combination of basil and ginger was effective in improving respiratory function and reducing coughing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
For more culinary herbs and their properties, visit our article Culinary Herbs and Their Properties here.