The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 2 Spring 2012 | Page 19

Herbs
A natural remedy
Sweet basil is well known for its wide
range of medicinal properties and is
used all over the world. It is known to
relieve insect bites, headaches, upset
stomachs, fungal infections, depression
and sleeping problems.
When eaten regularly, it eases a nervous
or upset stomach, reduces intestinal
gas, and alleviates constipation and
bloating. Its pungent taste triggers the
production of saliva, enabling the body
to digest food more effectively as well
as stimulating the appetite.

To relieve an insect bite, crush
fresh leaves and rub onto the
skin to draw out the toxins.
It is a powerful antitoxin and antivenom
and is often used on various bites and
stings. To relieve an insect bite, crush
fresh leaves and rub onto the skin to
draw out the toxins. Alternatively, apply
it to fungal infections or wounds that
are slow to heal by making a poultice by
simmering the leaves for two minutes.
Then squeeze out the liquid, and apply
the poultice to wounds. To remove a wart,
rub basil leaves on it daily and cover with
a bandage.

Basil tea for sleep disorders and headaches
• Pour about ¼ cup of boiling water over 2 tsp of the dried leaves.
• Steep for 10 minutes.
• Drink a cup of the infusion twice daily.
Basil tea can also soothe an irritated and inflamed bladder or kidneys by drinking
one cup 3 times a day between meals until the symptoms disappear. For relief
from a head cold, pour boiling water over fresh leaves and inhale the steam.
Finishes here
Medicinally, basil is considered a mild antidepressant as it is emotionally uplifting;
it also helps ease tension. To ease depression, eat fresh leaves or diffuse basil
essential oil in an aroma lamp. Basil essential oil is also used to make compresses
and mild massage oils. It is believed to treat arthritic conditions and may even be
used as a hair tonic to encourage hair growth and to add highlights. M