Basil for Cramps
Basil is quite common and there are several types of it, each with their own natural abilities and blessings that they give to us upon being eaten. For the sake of simplicity we are going to be talking about sweet basil here (the most commonly eaten basil). In another blog post I will discuss Holy Basil, Thai Basil and some of the other basil plants that can be used medicinally.
WHAT CAN BASIL DO FOR YOU
Basil offers many similar properties that mint does. It's actually in the mint family! Who knew? It can help to ease gas, cramps, nausea and, vomiting. It works by either decreasing pain sensitivity in the abdomen area, or inhibiting the production of prostoglandins that cause cramps and nausea in excess. It is not entirely known which but regardless, it works!
Basil also acts as a mild sedative which is great for people who need a little extra help sleeping but do not wish to use over the counter medication. It won't make you crazy sleepy and pass out but eating a healthy dollop of pesto can work to make sleeping a little easier.
Basil can also help depression and anxiety. Basil is an adaptogen which basically means that it helps balance your body. If your body needs to make more or less of something than basil helps your body to do that. Depression and anxiety can be caused sometimes by lacks of certain chemicals. Thus basil aids your body in making more of what is needed.
One more thing that basil does is to remove some of the itch of bug bites by its antibacterial abilities. It will disinfect bites thereby removing some of the toxins that cause the itch.
WAYS TO USE BASIL
Basil like most other plants can be used in many different fashions. It is most commonly used in a poultice (bruised and crushed leaves applied topically), made into a tea, pesto sauce, tincture, or mixed with vinegar which can be added to salads.
Basil is most often added to foods or consumed as a tea. These are the easiest ways to use it especially if it is homegrown.
GROWING BASIL
Basil is easily grown in warm, moist areas. It likes 6 to 8 hours of full sun. It deals better being too warm than it does too cold. Basil needs to be continually harvested to keep the plant healthy. Just make sure to leave a few leaves so that the plant has a way to keep getting sun readily. Put seeds about 1 foot apart and about a quarter inch deep.
Basil likes moisture and should be mulched if the area is dry. When the flowers begin to appear, cut them off before they open to keep the plant from getting woody. The more you prune your plant the more it will grow.
Of course if you prefer, you can always buy a plant and plant it in the early spring. Just remember to be patient with it because it needs heat to really take off.
Enjoy your basil plant and take good care of it. It will keep coming back if your winters are not too cold.
Blessings!
Kelsie
(The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.)