24/08/2025
Sweet Basil is a common herb used in cooking to add flavour and interest to many dishes, pairing particularly with tomatoes.
But did you know it also has medicinal properties, most notably related to digestion.
Basil is an antispasmodic, helping to relieve digestive discomfort, spasm, bloating, indigestion and nausea.
To use Basil for digestive health benefits you can simply add the dried or fresh herb to your cooking.
Or drink as a tea. Using 1 teaspoon of dried herb or 2 teaspoons of fresh herb to a cup of boiling water. Infuse for 10 minutes.
It is also available as an essential oil. However, there are a few things to be aware of before using the oil, as it has many cautions and contraindications. It is a known carcinogen, skin irritant and blood thinner. These actions are more pronounced in the oestrogole chemotypes. The Linalool chemotype is somewhat safer, but still should not be used in excess or internally. Its also not suitable for pregnancy due to its emmenagogic action.
Tisserand states that the oestrogole chemotype is not safe under any circumstances. So, if you want to use Basil essential oil make sure to check that it is a Linalool chemotype.
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