Basil, as a spicy and medicinal plant, has been known to mankind for a long time. The ancient Greeks called it the royal herb, the Indians referred to it as sacred spices, the Romans considered it a means of attracting success and prosperity.

The birthplace of basil is Asia, from where it spread all over the world. This plant is popular with many peoples, being an indispensable seasoning in their national cuisine. It gives the dishes a unique aroma and piquant taste. And its combination with other herbs or spices allows you to get different flavors. Basil is in great demand in Europe, the Caucasus, and the Central Asian states. Moreover, it is called everywhere in different ways: regan, rayhon, garden basil.

The use of basil
The benefits of basil for the body are in its high content of essential oils. Thanks to them, the plant has a delicate aroma, a peculiar taste and healing properties. It also includes tannins, phytoncides, vitamins B2, C, PP, rutin, carotene, camphor, natural sugars.

Basil is used not only in the preparation of various dishes. It is also a medicinal plant. It has the ability to disinfect the air. If you plant as many bushes in ordinary flower pots and arrange them around the room, then you can forget about colds. Such a neighborhood helps to strengthen immunity.

The plant also has antibacterial properties. Basil infusion is good to gargle with a cold, and with a runny nose it is recommended to inhale its vapors. Basil tincture also helps with sore gums. The same remedy was used by ancient healers to disinfect and heal wounds.

The benefits of basil in the treatment of diseases of the urinary system are known. It removes excess uric acid, softens small kidney stones, and has a diuretic effect.

The benefits of basil are that it relieves nervous tension, calms the nervous system, relieves headaches after stressful situations.

Basil for children
Any greens give the dish a taste and aroma, excites the appetite. But basil, because of its specific taste, is not liked by all adults, not to mention children. Kids, as a rule, unanimously reject such a seasoning for food. However, basil is not recommended for preschool children. After that, it is possible, but not daily and in very small quantities.

The harm of basil
There is also the harm of basil, especially if consumed in large quantities. This can lead to poisoning. The fact is that there are mercury compounds in the composition of this plant. They are harmful to health, especially for children. Basil should be consumed with extreme caution in diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, thrombophlebitis, epilepsy, heart disease, pregnancy. best gay massage nearby