Your Cup of Tea- Basil

Basil Leaves

How do you relax after a grueling day in the office, out in the field or from domestic responsibilities? If a cup is how you cope, then your backyard is an ideal place to find your brew.

Herbs have long been lauded for their medicinal purposes. Basil (local name: Bazilik) is one of these “green” teas which has been credited with healing properties. One of basil’s benefits is its ability to protect DNA. Present in basil are two antioxidants, orientin and vicenin, which were proven in a study to significantly reduce radiation damage to DNA. Also due to these antioxidant properties, basil has been noted as essential for heart health. Basil has been shown to prevent the development of high total cholesterol by increasing the use of cholesterol for bile acid production. It also contributes to heart health by reducing blood pressure. Basil also has antibacterial potential. Not only do the essential oils found in basil restrict the growth of bacteria that cause bacterial infection, it has also been proven to have a remedial effect on species of bacteria which have become resistant to clinical drugs. The stress/anxiety-relieving properties of basil go beyond the uplifting aroma. Studies have shown the ability of basil to combat stress-related symptoms such as sleep problems, exhaustion, sex problems and forgetfulness. Basil also has positive implications for the management of diabetes as it lowers blood glucose level by reducing the absorption of glucose in the small intestine. Essential oils of the basil also have anti-inflammatory properties which relieve the symptoms of arthritis.

Apart from being used as a tea, basil also has its use in cuisine. It is recommended that the leaves are used towards the end of the cooking process to retain the flavor and the essential oils. Fresh leaves are preferred for full flavor.

Basil Flowers

If you do not already have this amazing plant growing in your backyard, sourcing one should not be a problem. They are available commercially. One such outlet is the Union Agricultural Station. An inexpensive option would be to locate a friend or neighbor who may oblige you a cutting from his/her plant. You do not have a backyard? No problem. The versatile plant also grows well in containers. There is double the therapeutic effect from gardening and from drawing the tea. 

Basil plant

Useful Links:

 Plants of St. Lucia
Basil as a Super Food