The Most Popular Uses for Basil Plant

Basil is an herb that belongs to the mint family. This aromatic plant is commonly used in various cuisines globally, especially in Italian and Thai dishes. Besides its culinary use, basil has several other applications that make it a versatile plant. In this article, we’ll discuss the most popular uses for the basil plant.

Culinary Use

Basil is famous for its culinary use in different cuisines worldwide. Here are some of the most popular ways of using basil in cooking:

Pesto Sauce

Pesto sauce is a classic Italian sauce that is made with basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It is usually served with pasta or used as a spread on sandwiches or bread.

Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a simple Italian salad made with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil leaves. It’s often seasoned with salt, black pepper, and extra-virgin olive oil.

Thai Cuisine

Basil is an essential ingredient in Thai cuisine, especially in dishes like Pad Krapao (Thai Basil Chicken) and Tom Yum Soup.

Medicinal Use

Basil also has medicinal properties that make it an essential herb in traditional medicine. Here are some medicinal uses of basil:

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Basil contains essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in different parts of the body.

Digestive Disorders

Basil has been used for centuries to treat digestive disorders such as bloating, constipation, and stomach cramps.

Respiratory Disorders

The essential oil found in basil has been shown to relieve respiratory disorders such as asthma and bronchitis.

Other Uses

Apart from culinary and medicinal uses, here are other ways that basil can be used:

Pest Control

Basil can be used as a natural pest control method to repel insects such as mosquitoes and flies. Planting basil around your home or using its essential oil as a repellent can help keep these pests at bay.

Aromatherapy

The sweet aroma of basil makes it an excellent choice for aromatherapy. You can add basil essential oil to your diffuser or bathwater to help you relax and relieve stress.

Cosmetics

Basil extract is used in cosmetic products due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps soothe skin irritations and reduce redness.

FAQ

What are the different types of basil?

There are several types of basil plants such as sweet basil, Thai basil, holy basil, lemon basil, and cinnamon basil.

Can I grow basil indoors?

Yes, you can grow basil indoors as long as you provide it with enough sunlight and water.

Is there any harm in consuming too much basil?

Consuming excessive amounts of basil may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach. It’s recommended to consume it in moderate amounts.

How do I store fresh basil leaves?

You can store fresh basil leaves by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and placing them in a plastic bag or container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I make my own basil essential oil?

Yes, you can make your own basil essential oil by soaking fresh basil leaves in carrier oil such as olive oil or almond oil for a few weeks. Strain the mixture and store the oil in a dark bottle away from sunlight.