There are many varieties out there among some of the craziest ones there is opal and cinnamon. Asian varieties add even a more exotic angle. Note that this herb has been produced for over 5000 years and was cultivated in its earlier years in places such as Iran and India. An older fella’ with a bit of history! Both its mint flavor and strong smell derived from its essential oils.

So now that I have laid out this brief introduction on this wonder herb, I should focus more on its health benefits. After all, this is what this blog is about… Let me quickly paraphrase one old friend, wikipedia: “…Basil and oregano contain large amounts of (E)-beta-caryophyllene (BCP), which might have a use in treating inflammatory bowel diseases and arthritis. BCP is the only product identified in nature that activates CB2 selectively; it interacts with one of two cannabinoid receptors (CB2), blocking chemical signals that lead to inflammation, without triggering cannabis’s mood-altering effects.” In case you missed it, what is really important and the key word from this line is: BCP is the only product in nature that can activate CB2 to block chemicals that lead to swelling, thus preventing it. In order words, basil -which contains large amounts of it, can provide quick pain relief to muscles and the like. You do not need to be a doctor to understand that a good amount of chopped basil sprinkled in the area where the muscle hurts can alleviate you just like if you were taking some aspirin, all the while instilling a fresh aroma into the environment.

More technically speaking, it is a component of the herb’s natural oil -eugenol- that causes the inhibition of a key enzyme from synthesizing the inflamatory prostaglandins which make the nerves sensitive.

The Kasturba Medical College in India has performed some studies to prove the antioxidant properties of basil and as part of their conclusions it is believed that wrinkles can soften to a degree in as little as 10 days, when making the herb part of one’s daily diet. In this case, the benefits lie on a different factor: the high concentration of flavanoids like “orientin and vicenin” which are engines of collagen production that contribute to a higher cell turnover, helping in turn rejuvenate your skin.

The below links lead to some of the studies performed by Kasturba:
1. Antioxidant properties of basil.
2. Enhancement of bone marrow radioprotection.
3. Protection against radiation injury.

Last but not least, basil can also aid in combating excess weight. Belly fat storage is dependent on the production of calcitriol by our bodies and basil helps suppress it. Together with its provision of manganese that helps regulate the levels of glucose in our bodies, basil works as a potent aid for burning fat faster than normal.

Just don’t over plant it everywhere in your house/apartment!