Did you know that basil leaves fight cancer and help you quit smoking?

Basil is not just for pesto, but is a plant of many health benefits. It aids you from many diseases and problems.

While you might only think of basil as an ‘herb in your pasta sauce’, it can also provide various surprising health benefits.

As we all know, the basil plant is the best and most beneficial plant that we can grow in our homes or in any garden. It is the perfect source of different vitamins and potassium. In addition, it also shields us from different diseases and harmful insects.

A basil plant has immense benefits but I will be discussing the 10 major benefits a person can get from this plant.

Bone Strengthen

This plant is an excellent source of Vitamin K, the overlooked bone builder and heart protector. Consumption of basil leaves on a regular basis provides us with vast amounts of Vitamin K, which also protects you from blood clotting as a bonus point.

Variety of vitamins:

1. Potassium: Cares for the heart and brain.

2. Vitamin B6: Important for normal brain and nerve function.

3. Vitamin A, C and E: Vitamin A prevents eye related problems and promotes a healthy immune system. Vitamin C provides protection against immune system deficiencies and is the ideal nutrition marker for your overall health. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps build cell structure.

4. Niacin: An essential vitamin required for processing fat in the body and lowering cholesterol levels.

5. Folate or folic acid: A B-group vitamin that is vital for healthy foetal development.

6. Iron: Paramount for our bones and reduces Anaemia (fatigue or weakness) due to lack of haemoglobin.

7. Phosphorus: An essential nutrient required for proper cell functioning, regulation of calcium and strong bones and teeth.

8. Copper: An important mineral required by the body for bone and connective tissue production.

9. Manganese: Required by the body for proper enzyme functioning, nutrient absorption, wound healing and bone development.

10. Calcium: As we all know, crucial for bones and teeth.

Your solution to mosquitoes

Yes, that’s right, mosquitoes hate basil plants.

Basil plants and various other herbs have mosquito-repellent attributes. If you place a basil plant near your room or in your garden, it will fend off mosquitoes. It not only repels mosquitoes but also flies and storm bugs.

Got stung? Basil is the solution for you!

If you get bitten or stung by an insect, rubbing basil leaves on the bite or sting will help relieve pain and inflammation.

Stress kicker

Basil, also known as holy basil, is used in Ayurvedic medicine for combating stress. Adding two cups of strong basil leaf tea to a warm bath will help reduce stress and ease relaxation.

Fever, cold and flu

Basil leaves acts as a preventive against malaria and dengue fever. You can also chew fresh basil leaves to aid coughing and brew up some tea from dried basil leaves to help soothe illness.

Anti-cancer

Basil also fights cancer. Yes, basil’s antioxidant abilities have been medically proven to combat cancer and heal neuropathy caused by surgery. It very well could be the next big breakthrough in the field’s bustling anticancer progress.

Ease your lungs

Basil is very effective in curing almost all varieties of respiratory disorders including Bronchitis (both chronic and acute), treatment of Asthma, and heals damage caused to the lungs due to smoking, Tuberculosis and lung cancer.

If you take basil leaves in your tea regularly, it will make your lungs function better. In short, basil leaves work as a cleaning agent for your lungs.

Helps you quit smoking

Basil leaves are the best way to quit smoking. Keep two or three basil leaves in your pocket and whenever you feel the need to smoke, just eat one of the leaves. If you smoke after, it’ll make your throat burn, hence puts you off smoking.

Removes kidney stones

Basil is regarded as a tonic and is beneficial for the overall health of kidneys. Infuse five to six basil leaves in boiling water for around 10 minutes. Add a teaspoon of honey (optional) and drink this tea when it cools down to induce stone expulsion from the urinary tract.

So now you know that not only does it add flavour to your food, it also protects from and aids various illnesses and health-related issues.