Basil originated in India and first appeared in Europe during the 12th century. Many peoples and religions, such as Hindus and Orthodox Christians, attribute divine properties to basil – it is a common belief that basil found in baptismal water protects the person being baptized from colds, regardless of the outside temperature.

Basil is mentioned in records from ancient Egypt. The word itself comes from the Greek word basilikon, meaning royal. Among the Romans, basil was associated with loyalty and love, and in India it was a symbol of welcome.

Basil as a spice

Basil is used in cooking, primarily as a spice that, in addition to giving a pleasant aroma to dishes, helps in the digestion of heavy food and protects it from spoilage. It is used fresh or as a dried spice. Dried basil has a stronger flavor and is recommended for soups, i.e. bean and pea dishes, it is also recommended as a spice for dishes prepared with potatoes, corn, cauliflower and eggplant, and the Mediterraneans use it in both varieties, that is, dry and fresh, when preparing pasta and salads.

Medicinal properties

The following vitamins can be found in basil: vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C and vitamin B6; and from the minerals it contains magnesium, manganese, potassium and iron.

Otherwise, vitamin K participates in the process of synthesis of proteins that are of great importance for coagulation (clotting) of the blood and for stopping bleeding. A lack of vitamin K can cause increased bruising or bleeding.
Also, vitamin K works with vitamin D and together they transport calcium to the bones. Low levels of vitamin K can lead to an increased risk of fractures.
It prevents calcification of arteries and blood vessels, thereby reducing the risk of thrombosis and reducing the causes of stroke or heart attack.

Basil is also rich in vitamin A, beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells that surround numerous organs, including blood vessels, from damage caused by free radicals. It prevents cholesterol in the blood from oxidizing, which further prevents atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.

Basil also has antibacterial properties and contains flavonoids that protect DNA.

It can be very effective for various diseases, and is effective for reducing body temperature; for treating various inflammations; for soothing coughs, it is effective for soothing cold symptoms; for asthma and bronchitis; has a beneficial effect on the heart; for depression and stress; improves kidney function; works on mouth infections; maintains eye and dental health; improves appetite; soothes nausea and the urge to vomit.

Basil in folk medicine

Basil has long been used in folk medicine, primarily for people who have problems with depression, but also for people who have problems with digestion (it stimulates appetite, helps with various inflammations of the digestive organs).

For basil to have any medicinal properties, it must be harvested at a certain time, more precisely during the summer, twice just before flowering, because then its essential oils are most concentrated. In doing so, it is necessary to cut the plant above the ground or collect only the leaves. The entire cut basil is dried in a well-ventilated place, away from direct sources of light, and if it is only the leaves, then they are dried on paper placed over a wooden rack. After the basil has dried, it is further placed in a glass container or in paper and stored in a dry place, also without direct sources of light.

Why is basil tea good?

Basil tea is easy to prepare, rich in vitamins and minerals, and characterized by a characteristic aroma and taste.

It is good because of its pronounced sedative effect, it soothes tension, and also has an anti-inflammatory effect (relaxes muscles, prevents various infections), and is effective against viral infections and colds.

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, basil tea is good for use in colds, coughs, and sore throats. For sore throats, it is best to gargle lukewarm tea.

Basil tea – preparation

There are several ways to prepare basil tea. The basic method is to pour boiling water over dried basil leaves and leave for 10 minutes, after which the tea is strained. It is sweetened to taste. Prepared this way, it can even be drunk daily, but after a week it would be a good idea to take a two-week break.

You can also make basil tea from the leaves, flowers, or powdered dried leaves. The herb can also be used to make freshly brewed tea by adding 2-3 teaspoons of basil to a cup of boiling water and letting it steep for 5-6 minutes.

Basil Tea for Cough

Basil tea has been shown to be very effective for coughs, flu, colds, and even asthma and bronchitis. The method of preparing basil tea for cough is the same as we have already mentioned, the only important thing is to drink it while it is still warm, and you can add other medicinal ingredients like lemon, ginger, black pepper, and even honey to basil tea for cough. Drink it daily.

You can also mix honey with fresh basil leaves and take this mixture twice a day to get maximum benefits for treating cough. No matter what the cause of your dry cough is, basil tea can help.