There are many health benefits to basil.

Firstly, it has strong anti-inflammatory activity. Basil contains powerful essential oils (such as eugenol and linalool) with enzyme-inhibiting properties. They help to reduce inflammation, as well as lessen the risk of heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions.

Basil is also very beneficial to the digestive system. The eugenol in the leaves has anti-inflammatory properties (as mentioned above) which has a positive effect on the digestive tract. Basil also helps to restore the body’s correct pH level by balancing the amount of acid in the body. It feeds healthy bacteria within the gut microflora, helping to increase immunity and promotes healthy digestion.

 

 

Basil is an anti-bacterial herb full of vitamin C. Therefore, if you feel a cold coming on, a cup of basil tea or hearty basil soup is the perfect remedy. Basil flushes the surface of your skin, sinuses, and lungs with blood rich with immune fighting cells. Its aromatic qualities will induce profuse sweating to “sweat out” the bug, which is known as “releasing the exterior” in Chinese medicine.

According to Ayurveda, Bhrajaka Pitta (the part of your immune system responsible for defending your body through circulation/skin and promoting temperature homeostasis through the skin) is activated . To expel the pathogens, Ayurveda utilises herbs (such as basil) to induce therapeutic sweating (diaphoresis), to kindle your Agni (digestive fire) and cool the body through sweating (febrifuge).

If you want a recipe which utilises basil, look no further than my Basil Soup.

Living in the UK, the sun doesn’t always shine! However, the upside of the changeable climate means we are blessed with an abundance of delicious fresh vegetables. This delicious Ayurvedic soup recipe brings to life an abundance of vegetables in minimum time. It should be easy to digest and the nutrients easily absorbed making a perfect light evening supper.

Click the link to read the recipe for yourself: https://eatandbreathe.com/summer-vegetable-soup/