Like its Mediterranean brother, Thai sweet basil is a rich source of vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for eye health and skin health. In addition, foods with this vitamin are known to help protect the body against lung and mouth cancers.
Thai basil is also high in vitamin K, which the human body needs to maintain normal blood clotting and improve bone strength. And the vitamin C content of Thai basil is quite high.
Both Mediterranean and Thai versions of basil contain high amounts of iron, which the body needs to make hemoglobin. Basil also contains other minerals such as potassium, calcium, manganese and magnesium, and is a good source of dietary fiber.
Thai basil also contains a variety of essential oils, including eugenol and limonene. These oils are antioxidants with antimicrobial properties.
In Ayurveda, basil oil is used as a medicine for bronchitis, colds, and also as an antidote for poisonous bites. Essential basil oil has antiseptic, antispasmodic and mucolytic properties, and also stimulates digestion and improves metabolism and breakdown of fats.
A decoction of Thai basil eliminates bad breath, relieves joint pain and fatigue, and enhances the activity of the brain. If you have a cold or flu, try strong basil tea with a little lemon juice, a little honey, a pinch of cinnamon and cloves for a quick and pleasant surprise. And if you get a headache, you need to take some basil leaves and rub them into your temples. The basil decoction can be used as a hair rinse and scalp toner.
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- Mr thai basil
- Growing Thai Basil
- Thai basil in cooking
