Basil Instinct

The basil plant, originally native to India, Asia, and Africa, was revered as a sacred and noble herb. The name basil actually comes from the Latin word “basileus”, and the Greek word “basileus”, both meaning “royal” or “kingly”. This noble herb has wound its way into many countries, gardens, traditions, and recipes, and still, most people don’t know just how magnificent it truly is.

“A man taking basil from a woman will love her always”. Renaissance man and saint Sir Thomas Moore may have been onto something here, for basil has been shown to be something of an aphrodisiac. In fact, basil was actually the symbol of love in ancient Rome. Inhaling their fresh scent improves circulation and blood flow while consuming the leaves provides libido-lifting nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, along with manganese and sulfate.

But wait, there’s more! Basil doesn’t just add spice to romance, it has a litany of other health benefits as well.

When considering the health benefits of basil, it’s important to note that fresh is best. The antioxidants and essential oils that make it so beneficial can disappear during the drying process, so if you want to get the biggest bang for your basil, buy it fresh! Then you can be sure to experience the full potency of all the following health benefits:

• Removes Free Radicals
  • The antioxidants contained in basil leaves can help to reduce free radicals in the blood, which leads to a reduction in the risk of several diseases, including heart disease and arthritis.
• Prevention of Heart Disease
  • Basil has been shown to help lower blood pressure, which can help to prevent heart disease.
• Reduced Inflammation
  • The essential oils in basil, which are eugenol, linalool, and citronellol, help fight inflammation in your body. Anti-inflammatories help to lower your risk of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, and even bowel issues.
• Protection Against Infection
  • The oils in fresh basil have antibacterial properties, which can help protect against internal infections, or skin infections if applied topically.

Enjoy all these wonderful benefits by using fresh basil in your next recipe!