Basil, also known as sweet basil, is a wonderful herb that has a wealth of uses in the kitchen - it is often used in Italian and Asian cuisine, making it a staple in countless recipes. And while it does add a uniquely delicious aroma and flavor to our food, it has other uses too. In fact, not only does basil have a number of medicinal properties (it can be used as an antibiotic, to balance blood sugar levels and reduce stress), it also has various skin and hair benefits as well.
Good to Know! Basil is a relatively easy herb to grow. Bear in mind that it is a delicate leaf, and prefers warm and sunny conditions. It is especially sensitive to frost. It may thrive better as an indoor herb, especially by a sunny kitchen windowsill.
So, let's take a look at what other things you can do with basil:
12 Alternative Uses for Basil
1. Use it to calm the stomach: Basil is thought to be especially beneficial for indigestion, and is known to alleviate feelings of fullness. Add 1/2 a teaspoon of dried or fresh basil leaves to a glass of water.
2. Use it to soothe a cough and a cold: Basil leaves may help alleviate a cough and a cold. Just chew on a couple of fresh leaves or make a calming tea of dried basil to help alleviate the symptoms.
3. Use it to alleviate a headache: A facial steam with dried basil leaves may help soothe a headache. To reap the benefits, add a tablespoon of dried basil leaves to 2 cups of boiling water in a large pot. Carefully lean over the pot, cover your head with a towel and breathe in the steam for 5 to 10 minutes. The headache should start to subside.
4. Use it to soothe stings and bites: For insect stings and bites, chew on a basil leaf and apply it to the bite to help relieve the pain and draw out the venom.
5. Use it to soothe an ear infection: The essential oil of basil contains antibacterial properties and may be used to help alleviate an ear infection.
6. Use it to keep blood sugar levels in check: While not thoroughly looked into, some studies indicate that Basil can help level out blood sugar if consumed regularly and drunk as a juice or tea.
7. Use it to calm nerves and reduce stress: Herbalists recommend adding 2 cups of strong basil leaf tea to a warm bath, to help reduce stress and facilitate relaxation.
8. Use it to improve skin tone: Sagging skin is a problem commonly observed in the cheeks, jowls and neck. To improve your skin tone, mix dried basil leaves with water and apply to the face with a cotton ball on a regular basis, especially before going to bed.
9. Use it to defy aging: To reap the benefits, apply a face mask made of fresh basil leaves and coconut oil, to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Coconut oil will make for an excellent base as it deeply hydrates skin cells, while basil's antioxidant activity helps ward off and even reverse free radical damage.
10. Use it to heal ringworm: This fungal infection is highly contagious. Get rid of it by crushing some basil leaves with a few drops of lemon juice, then apply it to infected areas.
11. Use it to prevent hair loss: Put an end to excessive hair loss with some fresh basil leaves. Crush a couple with a few drops of amla oil and massage the mixture into your scalp, leaving it on for a couple of minutes. When done, shampoo your hair.
12. Use it to control dandruff: Basil has incredible anti-fungal and antioxidant properties, and may therefore be used as an all-natural treatment for dandruff. Just crush lots of basil leaves and combine with some coconut oil (ideal for its hydrating properties) then massage into the scalp and shampoo after a couple of minutes.
Related Articles:
8 Amazing Health Benefits of Stinging Nettles
Fight off Seasonal Flu with These 30 Natural Herbs
Hidden Features in Everyday Objects We Bet You Don’t Know
Do you know why toothbrushes have blue bristles? Or why notebooks have margins? Learn about the secret practical features of 30 everyday objects.
Don’t Throw Away Banana Peels! They Have Some Great Uses
Before you throw throw away the next banana peel into the trash can, read about the great ways it can be used.
How to Grow More Basil Than You Can Use in No Time
Why pay for herbs, such as basil, all the time if you can plenty for your cooking purposes at home?
8 Herbs That Will Help You Cool Down This Summer
Alongside other health benefits, these herbs have natural cooling properties. This makes them the perfect addition to your food and drinks this summer!
Relieve Itching With These 7 Useful Natural Tips
Here's a look at a few great home remedies that can work wonders to calm itchy skin.
Struggling With Nasal Allergies? Try These Natural Cures
Hay fever season is upon us. To cope with the condition this year, we have some wonderful natural treatments that will help.
The Egg Secret Tips You Never Knew...
This video shows you some of the best egg life hacks you never knew you needed, but now you'll see them - use all the time!
Cowboy Cures: Saddle Up for Immune-Boosting Home Remedies
Watch this video to learn some useful cowboy cures for a healthy life.
15 Immensely Helpful Things You Can Do With Baby Oil
Learn about these 15 helpful uses for baby oil!
Imitation Foods Aren’t All Bad – Here Are 6 Safe Options
Imitation foods aren’t always bad. Some of them are actually good, while some are avoidable.
Video Guide: Peel a Potato in Less Than a Minute
In this video guide, you will learn how to peel potatoes as quickly as possible.
Waking Up at Odd Hours? Here's What Your Body is Saying
This guide will help you understand how your body systems work and identify any mental challenges you may face.
10 Reasons Why You Should Drink More Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has an incredible amount of uses! Check out our top ten here.
Before You Throw Old Books Away, Read THIS
In this article, we'll explore 7 solutions for reusing old books and turning them into useful objects that can upgrade your life and home.
A Word from Warren Buffett: Investing for Beginners
Unpack the genius of Buffet's philosophy and get a chance to understand the financial world through his eyes. Tune in, absorb, and let your financial journey flourish.
How to Make an Effective Cough Remedy Using an Orange!
Oranges are a great source of vitamin C that helps strengthen the immune system, but did you know there is a way to make it an effective cough medicine?
Discover: Who Are the Most Successful Inventors in History?
If you love inventions and history, you'll find this post fascinating!
Freeze Your Food Quickly and Efficiently with These Tips
Which foods can you freeze for later use?
Make Cleaning Windows Less Tedious with This DIY Recipe
There is a quicker and more effective way to clean the windows in your house. Take a look at these two methods.
12 Foods We Bet You Didn't Know Could be Microwaved
Do you think that your microwave is only good for heating frozen dinners? If so, you’re sorely mistaken! Use the following microwave hacks to soften sugar, froth milk, whip up some French toast, and more!
Clean the Things You Thought Were Impossible Easily
Thought you couldn't clean these items easily? This guide will help.
If You Wear These Shoes Often, You Are Damaging Your Feet
Wearing these shoes often can damage your feet!
Solve Common Issues With Your Clothes Using These 20 Tips
Keep your clothes in perfect condition with these nifty tricks!
Here Are the Top Ten Uses for Baking Soda
This video demonstrates how to use baking soda to solve a number of daily problems!
Here's How You Should be Washing Your Dark Clothes
When it comes to washing dark clothes, you've got to be careful. Here's how to wash your dark clothes without ruining them!
Keep the Bedroom Cool in the Summer Heat with These Tips!
Getting a good night's sleep during the hottest summer months doesn't have to be a challenge. With these clever easy tricks, you'll sleep like a baby!
Eat Eggs? Keep Those Egg Cartons, They're Very Useful...
Egg cartons can be used for many diverse purposes.
16 Useful Inventions That You Never Knew Your City Needs!
These cool and awesome inventions have been designed to make the world a much better and easier place.
5 Sitting Positions and What They Say About You
This guide will help you understand the meaning behind five common sitting positions that you may encounter in your daily life.
5 Common Insect Bites You Should Fear and Beware!
Sometimes bug bites can be relatively harmless, and sometimes they can be much more worrying. But how do you know when? Here are 5 bug bites to watch for.
14 Uses for Rice that Have Nothing to do With Eating
Rice is an incredibly versatile grain - you can do much more with it than just cook it and eat it! Find out 14 uses for the grain that you never knew.
21 Things a Burglar Could Tell You, But Certainly Won't
This post could save your possessions, or even your life, someday. That's why you have to make sure that you read it!
This Breathing Exercise Kills Anxiety in Just 5 Minutes!
Neuroscientists say there’s a simple breathing technique that can kill anxiety and stress in less than five minutes. Find out how.
Wow! Check Out These 12 Unexpected Uses of Home Appliances
From steaming towels in a rice cooker to cooking salmon in a dishwasher, these alternative functions are bound to amaze you!
These 2 Solutions Will Help You Say Goodbye to Plaque!
If you have some plaque on your teeth that you need to get rid of, we recommend that you try out this brilliant home remedy!
Vodka Has Many More Uses Than You Ever Imagined!
Vodka is not just for use when you need a drink. Here are 16 uses for the Russian beverage that you've undoubtedly never thought of.
WARNING: Don't Keep This Product in Your Car
Hand sanitizers can be found in plenty of vehicles, maybe even in yours, but is it wise to store them there?
How to Make a Candle-Powered Snow Globe
If you're still looking for decoration ideas, this one is a whopper!
I Never Imagined You Can Use Coca-Cola to Do These Things!
A bottle of Coca-Cola goes a loong way, it turns out! From tenderizing meat, to cleaning jewelry & repelling bugs, the magic drink can do it all!
Manage Stress in Your 50s with These Meditation Techniques
Manage stress in your 50s with these meditation styles.
You Won't Be Old AND Vulnerable After Reading This
Just because you're elderly, it doesn't mean that you're incapable of defending yourself. Read this complete guide to find out exactly what you should do.
Some Tips You Might Not Know About Whisky
If you're a lover of whisky and would like to know how best to drink it, the guide will cover everything you need to know!
These Innocuous Car Items Conceal Surprising Dangers
If you're a car owner, this video will be really helpful to you.
Discover How to Use Turmeric to Remove Unwanted Hair
Turmeric is a wonderful spice from India that has a whole myriad of different applications. Here's how to make 5 turmeric-based masks for unwanted hair removal.
DIY: Make Your Own Face Mask in a Few Easy Steps
To get around the shortage, you can make your own DIY surgical face mask. It can be easily done even if you're can't or don't want to sew.
Alka Seltzer Makes a Surprisingly Helpful Cleaning Tool
Read on to find out how you can clean with this medicine cabinet staple.
Keep Food Daisy Fresh: Here's the Secret
Food wastage is always a shame, and that's why we should all do our best to avoid it as much as possible.