Overview

Basil leaves are medicinal herb, which is also known as sweet basil. It belongs to the mint family. Leaves are glossy and oval-shaped, with a smooth tip and found all year round. Basil leaves are popularly known as tulsi in India.

Basil leaves grow in a humid, warm climate with aromatic, sweet smell where some leaves are red and green having a red stem. Basil leaves grow in well-drained soil and need plenty of water in summer.

Basil leaves grow up to a height of 18 inches and is a bushy shrub. Its color changes from light green to dark purple. It contains a reddish flower with tiny fruit.

Nutritional profile

There are plenty of basil leaves nutritional benefits, few of them are:

Basil leaves contains vitamins and minerals such as 0% cholesterol, 8% potassium, 6% fibre, 6% protein,105% vitamin A, 30% vitamin C,17% calcium, 17% iron, 10% vitamin B-6, and 16% magnesium.
It contains polyphenolic flavonoids such as vicinen and orientin.

Health benefits

Basil leaves benefits are off the chart. Some well-known ones are:

Basil oil is extracted from the leaves to make oil, which is used to cure cuts and wounds and reduce skin infections.
Basil leaves contain a lack of vitamin K, which is used in blood clotting.
You can buy basil leaves online that contain anti-bacterial properties that prevent us from a skin infection, mosquito bite, cold, and cough.
Basil leaves are used in ayurvedic medicines.

Uses

Basil oil is used as skin creams to reduce roughness and wrinkles.
Basil leaves are used fresh or dried in tea, dishes, etc.

Recipes

1. Basil Ice Tea

Ingredients: 5 cups water, 1 cup fresh basil leaves, 1/2 Teaspoon dried flaked Tulsi leaves, 1 Teaspoon Black Tea Leaves or Green Tea leaves, Sugar or Honey

Cooking steps: Add water, Tulsi leaves, and the tea leaves in a pot. Keep it for 5-10 minutes. Then strain it with a strainer into a cup. Drop honey above it and keep it in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 min. Now it is ready to have a refreshment drink. Serve with ice.

2. Basil Juice

Ingredients: 2 peeled Oranges, 6 basil leaves, 2 Teaspoon Honey, 5 Ice cubes

Cooking steps: Add oranges, honey, ice cubes in a mixer jar and blend for a few seconds. Strain it in a glass. Now it is ready to drink.