I adore basil in numerous forms - seasoning marinara sauce, pounded into pesto, or sandwiched between mozzarella and tomato - but I'm about to enjoy the herb on an entirely new level.

Ocimum basilicum (a.k.a. sweet basil) [1] is the Italian staple and Ocimum sanctum (a.k.a. holy basil [2] a.k.a. tulsi [3] in India) is its close cousin. In addition to flavoring foods, both basils can be used in several healing capacities. In Ayurveda [3] tulsi is used to prepare the mind and heart for spiritual work, to reduce fever, and to treat colds and flu.

Indian researchers have also found that tulsi contains powerful antioxidants that protect the cardiovascular system from free radical damage due to high cholesterol. The herb has also been found to maintain the healthy functioning of the liver after exposure to radiation or environmental pollution like pesticides. There are also ongoing studies into tulsi's healing affect on ulcers and type 2 diabetes.

Basil can be consumed in a tea, blended into vegetable juice, or simply inhaled for its aromatherapeutic effects. Or it can top a pizza - the choice is yours.

[via Natural Health] [4]

Image: hort.wisc.edu