Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Parts used: Leaves Benefits and uses:
The warming, aromatic constituents of basil help to calm the
nervous system; settle the stomach; clear the mind; and fight
off coughs, colds, flu and allergies. The magnitude of basil’s
healing endeavors are reflected in the hundreds of therapeutic
applications of this leafy green companion. Basil is known as
the destroyer of phlegm - when you consider the number of
ailments that are provoked by excess phlegm (from allergies to
asthma to colds), you begin to understand the breadth of basil’s
virtue. Basil is most commonly thought of as part of the tomato
sauce or pasta dish, but a cup of basil tea works works wonders
on almost any digestive complaint. Basil tea relieves stomach
cramps and spasm, nausea, gas and constipation. That must be why
it’s a primary ingredient in pasta dishes: so you can eat more
pasta! Basil doesn’t qualify as the world’s best tasting tea,
but it isn’t so bad, especially when you find out what it can do
for your stomach. J