KEMANGI

-

Image result for basil







 Scientific name: Ocimum basilicum

 Other names: Lemon basil

 Facts: 
• Green and ovate leaves, size depends on cultivar
• Have a thick, central taproot
• Leaves taste almost like anise, with a pungent sweet smell
• Native to India and tropical region from Africa to Southeast Asia
• Belong to a mint family known as Lamiaceae
• Prefer light soil and high temperature for successful growth
• Contain essential oil that used in medicine and chemical industry
Pharmacological uses:

 1. Good for digestion
Eugenol that can be found in Basil leaves carries out anti-inflammatory action in the digestive tract. Besides, it also has an effect in helping to balance the acid within the body to make sure the pH is at a proper level. 

2. Anti-inflammatory
Eugenol, linalool, and citronellol in Basil leave extract to have the effect to lower inflammation when digested through their enzyme inhibiting properties. This can help to lower the risk of acquiring heart disease, inflammatory bowel, and rheumatoid arthritis.

 3. Skin benefits
Basil leaves extract can help to cleanse the skin from within. By using Basil’s oil, impurities and clog pores can be treated, especially for people with oily skin. Acne can also be avoided because Basil extract has strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect.

4. Antidepression

Basil’s essential oil is said to stimulate neurotransmitters that are responsible for regulating hormones that control happiness and energy. It is also believed to be a powerful adaptogen or also as an anti-stress agent.

 5. Diabetes management
Basil has a very low glycemic load, which helps in slowing down the release of sugar into the blood. It also helps cut down the triglyceride and cholesterol levels to avoid the risk of diabetes.
Side effect

 • Increased risk of getting liver cancer
• Slows blood clotting
• Lowers blood pressure

Interesting Basil fact

  • Flower and leaves are edible, but leaves are more often in use. The specific flavour of the plant depends on the leaves that contain essential oil.
  • Each type of basil has a unique aroma. Sweet basil has a clove-like aroma, lemon basil has lemony taste while cinnamon basil has a sweet, cinnamon-like aroma
  • The dry form of basil used in Italian cuisine in the dished that made of tomato, soups and salads.
  • Basil contains chemicals which repel insects. Certain experiments showed that basil is toxic for mosquitoes.
  • Basil is used for the preparation of holy water in orthodox churches in Bulgaria, Romania, Macedonia and Serbia.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

POKOK BUNGA MELUR

-
Image
Scientific name:  Gardenia jasminoides  J.Ellis Malay name: Melur Facts: G. jasminoides  is indigenous in southern China, Japan, the Ryukyu Islands, and Taiwan, possibly also locally in Sri Lanka. It is widely cultivated in the tropics and subtropics, and sometimes naturalised. In Southeast Asia, it is commonly planted in gardens. G. jasminoides  is originally a species from temperate climates. In tropical areas, it grows well at altitudes of 400-1200 m. In the tropical lowlands, it flowers poorly or not at all. It thrives best on properly drained, but not too dry soils with pH 6-7, and it prefers sunny places. G. jasminoides  fruit was found to contain iridoid glucoside (e.g. gardoside and scandoside methyl ester), and caratenoids (e.g. crocetin and crocin). Traditional Use: G. jasminoides  is believed to be bitter and cold in character and has been used to disperse heat, purges fire, cools the blood, and removes toxins. The w...
Read more

HOLY BASIL/TULSI

-
Image
Holy Basil/ Tulsi Malay name: Tulasi Scientific name: Ocimum tenuiflorum •  It is originally from India but now grows in Australia, West Africa, and some Middle Eastern countries. •  It is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an "adaptogen" to counter life's stresses. •  It is considered a sacred plant by the Hindus and is often planted around Hindu shrines •  T he Hindu name for holy basil, Tulsi, means "the incomparable one." General uses: 1. Reduces anxiety and associated stress and depression in people with anxiety. 2. Reduces plaque and gingivitis. 3. Decrease blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. 4. Help with weight loss or control of blood sugar or cholesterol. 5. Taking holy basil extract by mouth in the morning and at night decreases symptoms of          stress, including forgetfulness, sexual problems, exhaustion, and sleep problems.   Side effects: Pregnancy ...
Read more

ROSELLE

-
Image
      Scientific name: Hibiscus sabdariffa Facts:  • Belongs to the family of Malvaceae which is originated from West Africa • Widely cultivated in Tropical Africa, Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia, Mali, Nigeria, Chad, India, Indonesia, Phillippines, Malaysia, Brazil, Australia, Mexico, Hawai and Florida USA.  • Habitat of the herb is disturbed ground. DOMESTIC APPLICATIONS: a) The root is edible but very fibrous b)  Roselle seeds can be roasted and ground into a powder then used in oily soups and sauces and have been used as a coffee substitute that is said to have aphrodisiac properties. c) The young leaves and tender stems are consumed raw as a green vegetable or cooked. Used in salads, as a potherb and as a seasoning in curries, they have an acid, rhubarb-like flavour. d) Fleshy red calyxes of Roselle are commonly used for the production of soft drinks and tonic without alcohol like wine, juice, jam, jelly, s...
Read more