Health Benefits of Basil Oil, Uses And Its Side Effects

Basil’s scientific name is Ocimum Basilicum. It also is known as Saint Joseph’s Wroth. It is a herb belonging to the mint family and is a native plant of India. It is also found in many parts of Asia, mainly the tropical areas. If the features of the plant taken into consideration, then depending upon different varieties grown in various parts of the world, all these varieties have leaves smelling-like anise and often give a strong and pungent smell.

In Italy, basil oil is the main part of Italian cuisine, because of the strong smell it has. It makes an integral ingredient of the popular pasta sauce- Pesto Sauce. Other countries where basil oil is commonly included in food are Indonesian cuisine, Vietnamese Cuisine, and Thai Cuisine. But, it is not at all limited to the culinary world; it has a great importance in medicinal uses too. Mostly, the Basil Oil is used as an essential o¬il.

Basil Oil is rich in Vitamins and minerals which are essential for the human body. It has dietary fiber (1.6g), Energy (22 kilocalorie), Carbohydrates (2.65g), Fat (0.64g), Protein (3.15g) Water (92.06g), Vitamin A (264micrograms), Thiamine (0.034micrograms), Riboflavin (0.076milligrams), Niacin (0.902milligrams), Vitamin B6 (0.155micrograms).

Folate (68micrograms), Choline (11.4milligrams), Vitamin C (18.0milligrams), Vitamin E (0.80milligrams), Vitamin K (414.8micrograms), Calcium (177milligrams), Iron (3.17milligrams), Magnesium (64milligrams), Manganese (1.148milligrams), Phosphorus (56 milligrams), Potassium (295milligrams), Sodium (4milligrams) and Zinc (0.81milligrams).

Basil oil has a huge list of nutritional values. People can also use this oil in health conditions such as, reducing inflammation, treating cardiovascular diseases etc.

Basil leaves, though used for culinary purposes, are also well known for their medicinal purposes. The essential oil of basil is only used for medicinal purposes. It is also used to soothe joint and muscle pains, clear breathing passages, cool the skin, and reduce the felling of anxiety. There are many other benefits for which the basil oil is commonly used. Some of the most prominent uses are calming down of mind and heart, relieving stress, reduction of fatigue etc.

Usually, basil is safe for adults, but there could be side effects if not used properly. It is believed that parts above the ground are unsafe if taken by mouth; the same is applicable for basil oil too. It possesses a chemical called Estragole, which can even cause cancer.

Some side effects of basil oil include bleeding disorders, low blood pressure, and lowering the speed of blood clots.

Usually, basil is safe for adults, but there could be side effects if not used properly. It is believed that parts above the ground are unsafe if taken by mouth; the same is applicable for basil oil too. It possesses a chemical called Estragole, which can even cause cancer.

Some side effects of basil oil include bleeding disorders, low blood pressure, and lowering the speed of blood clots.