Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Basil is also known as Ocimum basilicum, and has certain therapeutic properties and the reported benefits of using it internally, in the form of a herbal tea (infusion) are listed below.
Basil is used for the following
Ocimum basilicum benefits:
• lowering blood pressure
• antispasmodic
• easing tension
• general detoxifier
• cleansing the blood
• lowering blood sugar levels
• lowering stress levels
• anti-inflammatory
• lowering cholesterol
• can be used as an “adaptogen”
Making herbal tea
The standard way to make an infusion, unless otherwise specified, is to pour a cup of boiling water over the material to be infused, let it stand for 5 minutes, strain it, and drink it.
• Fresh plant material
o When the recipe refers to fresh plant material to be used, a 1/4 cup fresh material is used, following the method above.
• Dried material
o When the recipe refers to using dried material, use 2 teaspoons of material when making it.
• Bark or seeds
o Should the recipe call for bark or seeds to be used, use 2 teaspoons of seeds or 1 tablespoon of bark.
• Sweetening your infusion
o You could sweeten your health drink with honey, should you so require, and a dash of fresh lemon juice may also enhance the taste.
General warning when using herbal infusions
• Only use the herbal material if you are 100% sure that it really the herb in question.
• If you are ill or have any health concerns, consult your health practitioner.
• Only have one cup of herbal infusion per day, except during acute periods – such as when you have a cold or flu, you can then have it three times a day, but for a maximum of 4 days.
• When you use herbal remedies, be aware that they can be extremely powerful, and should you have any side effects when taking these infusions, immediately stop using the herb and consult your health practitioner right away.