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Holy Basil |
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| Holy basil, like the sweet basil used in cooking, comes from India
where it is revered as a sacred herb. The Egyptians burned a mixture of
basil and myrrh to appease their gods. Sweet Basil "Ocimum
basilicum" was introduced in Europe as a seasoning for food.
The herb has very important medicinal properties notably its ability to
reduce blood sugar levels. It also prevents peptic ulcers and other
stress related conditions like hypertension, colitis and asthma. Basil
is also used to treat cold and reduce fever, congestion and joint pain.
Due to its anti-bacterial and fungicide action, basil leaves are used on
itching skin, insect biting and skin affections. Holy Basil is regarded as the most sacred plant in Ayurvedic medicine, balances the chakra system. Or in western terms it is called an adaptogen, a tonic to help the body's physical and emotional adrenal stress response return to normal. People who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome that have a lot of stress and anxiety report that this herb in blends helps them. Influences of holy basil include: anti-inflammatory., lowers blood sugar levels, antispasmodic, analgesic, lowers blood pressure, reduces fever, and serves as a fungicide. Holy basil is also known as: Ocimum sanctum Linn, Sacred basil, Kemang |
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