Basil – The Herb Of Worship

Basil, also called Sweet Basil, is a popular name for the culinary herb Ocimum basilicum. It is found all over the world. Basil is a symbol of faith and worship by the Hindus towards their goddess Laxmi. Basil is also known as the king of herbs, basil herb is one of the oldest, popular and effective herbal plants. It is rich in much health benefiting photo-nutrients.

Health benefits of Basil :

Basil leaves contain plants derived chemical compounds which have shown to have disease preventing and health promoting properties. Basil leaves have much health benefiting essential oils such as linalool, limonene. These compounds have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The parts of herbs are very low in calories and have no cholesterol, but are also a rich source of many essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. Basil herb consists of exceptionally high levels of beta-carotene and vitamin A. These compounds act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Vitamin K is also found in basil, is essential for many coagulant factors of the blood and plays a major role in the bone strengthening.

Basil herb contains a good amount of minerals. It contains potassium, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Potassium is a crucial part of cell and body fluid; it helps in controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is useful for body as a co-factor for the anti-oxidant enzyme. A basil plant can be grown in a small pot in the backyard so that fresh leaves are everyday available for use whenever the need arises.

Besides this herb there are several useful herbs that can provide benefits in many ailments for more information about various herbs and their uses, you can visit at http://essiacherbalproducts.wordpress.com/