HEALTH BENEFITS OF BASIL (AKOKO MESA)
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Scientific name is Ocimum basilicum. In Ghana it is known as Akoko mesa because it is noted for preparing poultry meat .
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
Manganese, magnesium, copper, calcium, omega-3 fat, beta carotene, betacaryophyllene, folate, vitamins A, C and K.
HEALTH BENEFITS.
1. Including basil in our meal is good to combat acute or chronic inflammation such as swelling.
2. Basil consumption is healthy to fight or treat arthritis due to the betacaryophyllene in them.
3. Basil has antibacterial properties that fight pathogenic bacteria by slowing or inhibiting the growth of the disease causing organism.
4 Consumption of basil is good because of its antioxidants ability it has to combat and neutralize free radicals in the blood stream as well as repair damaged molecules therefore protecting cells from deteriorating .
5. Consumption of basil helps you to combat cancer by preventing the growth and spread of malignant cells.
6. Basil has the ability to reduce glucose level in the blood and limit the cholesterol and triglycerides which help to fight diabetes.
7. Including basil in your meal is an added advantage to boost production of detoxifying enzymes and reduction of fat deposit thereby keeping the liver healthier.
8. Consumption of basil is good for boosting the energy level and ensuring mental clarity to reduce oxidative stress.
9. Intake of basil is highly recommendable for men to combat erectile dysfunction since basil boosts the sexual hunger and anger of men.
10. Basil had the ability to slow down the aging process of skin cells and for that matter helps the body in fighting the damaging effects of the ultraviolet rays that causes wrinkles and dark spots.
11. Intake of basil is good to promote healthy bones since basil prevents easy brittle bones as well as fracture of bones which in effect promote bone density.
12. Basil has the ability to speed up blood clotting which is an advantage to check bleeding and healing of wounds.
13. Manganese and copper in basil ensure the production of neurotransmitter, serotonin which improves on the effective transmission of impulse within the brain to fast track the ability to recall which in effect subdue epileptic seizures.
14. Manganese in basil helps the body to control hormonal imbalances in women therefore combat premenstrual discomfort like pain, depression, fatigue, breast tenderness and mood swing.
15. Consumption of basil is necessary for the thyroid gland in ensuring proper metabolism to regulate activities such as breathing, heart rate, body temperature and body weight. Proper functioning of the thyroid gland combat sweating profusely, tingling, trembling, insomnia, dry skin, fatigue, missed period, and heavy flow in women.
16. Basil facilitates absorption of fat and controls constipation.
17. Basil contains beta carotene and ascirbic acid which support the body to fight macular degeneration and cataracts respectively.
- What other names is Basil known by?
- What is Basil?
- How does Basil work?
- Are there safety concerns?
- Are there any interactions with medications?
- Dosing considerations for Basil.
Basil is an herb. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.
Basil is used for stomach spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, kidney conditions, fluid retention, head colds, warts, and worm infections. It is also used to treat snake and insect bites.
Women sometimes use basil before and after childbirth to promote blood circulation, and also to start the flow of breast milk.
Some people use it as a gargle.
In foods, basil is used for flavor.
INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO RATE EFFECTIVENESS FOR...
- Acne. Early research suggests that applying a gel containing basil and sweet orange essential oils to the skin for 8 weeks might help clear breakouts in people with acne.
- Mental alertness. Early research suggests that aromatherapy with basil, peppermint, and sandy everlasting essential oils for one week might improve attention, mental alertness, and mental focus in some people who report feelings of mental exhaustion.
- Head colds.
- Loss of appetite.
- Intestinal gas.
- Stomach spasms.
- Kidney disorders.
- Blood circulation.
- Worms.
- Warts.
- Snake and insect bites.
- Other conditions.
QUESTION
Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________.See Answer
Basil contains many chemicals. These chemicals might help get rid of intestinal worms. Basil is a good source of vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron.
Basil is POSSIBLY SAFE for adults when taken by mouth as a medicine, short-term. In some people basil can cause low blood sugar.
The above-ground parts of basil and basil oil are POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine, long-term. These contain estragole, a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Basil is LIKELY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women in food amounts. But larger medicinal amounts are POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice.
Children: Basil is LIKELY SAFE for children in food amounts. But larger medicinal amounts are POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice.
Bleeding disorders: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting and increase bleeding. In theory, basil oils and extracts might make bleeding disorders worse.
Low blood pressure: Basil extracts might lower blood pressure. In theory, taking basil extracts might make blood pressure become too low in people with low blood pressure.
Surgery: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting. In theory, basil oils or extracts might increase the risk for bleeding during surgical procedures. Stop using basil at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Basil extract might decrease blood pressure in some people. Taking basil extract along with medications used for lowering high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low. Do not take too much basil if you are taking medications for high blood pressure.
Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting. Taking basil oils or extracts along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
The appropriate dose of basil depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for basil. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
REPORT PROBLEMS TO THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Reviewed on 9/17/2019
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