Basil is a tender low-growing plant that grows in warm, tropical climates. Its leaves looks a little like peppermint, since they belong to the same plant family. Basil is native to Iran, India and other tropical region in Asia. The plant grows to between 30-130cm tall, it has a light green silky leaves and a white flower. Basil is very sensitive to cold and is best grown in hot, dry conditions.

Basil highly fragrant leaves it is best used when fresh as a seasoning, when used in cooked dishes it is generally added when the food is almost cook because as the heat can easily destroy its flavor.

Varieties of Basil: There are many varieties of basil, all of which differ somewhat in appearance and taste. The most commonly used variety in Italian cooking is sweet basil, and the Thai basil or holy basil is used in Asian cooking. Other famous varieties are lemon basil, anise basil and cinnamon basil all have flavors that subtly reflect their names.

Health Benefits of Basil:

• Studies have established that basil essential oil contain a substance that have a strong antioxidant that can prevent premature aging, age related problems and even cancer.
• Essential oil of basil has anti-bacterial properties. Studies have shown the effectiveness of basil in restricting growth of numerous bacteria (like staphylococcus, enterococcus and pseudomonas) that has become resistant to commonly used antibiotic drugs.
• Basil contain flavonoids (orientin and vicenin are the two important water-soluble flavonoids), the flavonoids in basil protect cell structures as well as chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damaged.
• Basil has anti-inflammatory effects, making it an ideal food for those people suffering from arthritis. The basil oil contains substance called eugenol which blocks the activity of an enzyme in the body called cyclooxygenase. This enzyme would normally cause swelling.

• Basil is a rich source of Beta-carotene, this help protect epithelial cells (lining of numerous body structures including the blood vessels) from free radical damage. Free radical damage is a contributing factor in the development of conditions like arthritis and cancer.
• Basil is also a good source of magnesium, a mineral that makes the muscles and blood vessels to relax, therefore improving blood flow and lessening the risk of irregular heart rhythm of the heart muscle or a blood vessel.
• Basil is a very good source of iron, calcium, potassium and vitamin C and K. It is also a good source of dietary fibers.
• Basil essential oil when used as skin and hair moisturizer, it enhances the luster of dull looking skin and hair.
• Basil essential oil is effective in treating skin problems like acne and psoriasis.
• Basil tea is used to treat constipation, stomach cramps, indigestion and flatulence. It can also provides immediate relief from the gas in your stomach and intestines.
• Basil essential oil is effective in providing relief from cold, influenza, whooping cough, asthma, bronchitis, and sinus infections.
• Basil essential oil can be used as an anti vomiting agent in motion sickness and many other vomiting cases.
• Basil essential oil when used in aromatherapy can provide a calming effect; it is therefore effective in stress related problems like migraines and depression. If use regularly can give mental strength and clarity.

Tips to prevent food poisoning: The easiest way to prevent food poisoning is to add basil and thyme in most of your recipes, especially for foods that are not cooked.