MEDICINAL PLANTS

The basil is a herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family, originally from tropical countries is very common in our country, where it is grown in gardens and pots. It is an herb often branching, with ovate leaves and whole. The flowers are arranged in long terminal clusters. Plant is very aromatic and fragrant, which has long used to flavor and aroma to many sauces and stews, but besides being culinary spice, has other medicinal properties to be discussed later. We also warned that uncontrolled use may cause problems, especially in children, which contains the essence in the leaves and flowering tops.

FLOWERING

Flowers in summer, but may vary depending on how and where it was grown. Conventional wisdom recommends filling the pot shells of snails to breed wonderful basil. It also warns he will not get much sun and not to receive more water than necessary. With all these little tricks, you can achieve a very successful crop of basil and aromatic. As for the collection, which mainly concerned the leaves and flowering tops. The leaves are used both fresh and dried, then do not waste their scent after drying.

APPLICATIONS

Central to this aromatic herb is the essence, the quantity and quality varies depending on the source. Is generally more abundant at the flowering tops, although there are exceptions. This essence is rich in metilcavicol, linalool, cineole and eugenol in addition to these compounds, saponins are also in composition. This essence gives the plant properties appetizers, digestive, spasmolytic, carminative, slightly sedative, and external use, analgesic, and antiseptic vulnerary. Therefore, it is especially indicated in malnutrition, heavy and slow digestion, digestive spasms, headaches and whooping cough. Externally it can be used with good results in wounds, eczema and myalgia (muscle aches). But remember that essences can produce at least irritation of mucous membranes and in the particular case of this substance, used in higher doses than usual, can produce narcotic effects. Summer In many places there is a tradition of buying a basil macetita to combat insect pests and mosquitoes that normally disturb the well-deserved summer break. Actually it is not proven to discourage troublemakers bugs, but certainly much less basil damages the ozone layer than any insecticide those used today.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. 5 gr. Fresh leaves are added to a cup of boiling water, add a few drops of lemon and a little sugar. You can take a cup after the 3 main meals.
Essence. Take 2 to 3 drops, 3 times a day, after meals. Do not exceed this dose.
Powder. The powdered basil has been used extensively as the rape to provoke sneezing. In the pharmaceutical market there are many flavored with basil. The best job I can give to this plant as food seasoning in stews, soups, etc.., Which gives a delicious taste and aroma, as many know.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Labiatae
HABITAT: Pots
FLOWERING: Summer
PART USED: Leaf and flower sumidad
CASTILIAN: Alhábega
CATALAN: Alfábrega
BASQUE: Brazilla

USES

Appetizer Moderate, Digestive Leve, Mild sedative.