Hung quế, also known as basil, is a versatile herb with a strong, natural fragrance and a mild spicy flavor. It is commonly used fresh in dishes like duck and offal in Southern Vietnam, where it adds a distinct taste to the food. Hung quế essential oil is highly aromatic and is known for its effective detoxifying properties. Its intense fragrance can have a strong impact on your sense of smell.
Benefits for skin
Hung quế essential oil stimulates blood circulation and helps purify the blood. Regular use of hung quế can result in brighter, healthier skin, reducing inflammation and combating acne. You can consume hung quế water or use it for face cleansing purposes.
Good for hair and scalp
In traditional medicine, hung quế is used to soothe the scalp, relieve itchiness, and prevent hair loss. You can prepare a hung quế hair tonic by boiling it or extract its juice directly for application before shampooing.
Hung quế reduces stress and treats headaches, promoting a sense of well-being
Hung quế essential oil has a calming effect on the nervous system. To relax, you can crush a few leaves of hung quế to smell its fragrance. Alternatively, boil hung quế in water, soak a towel in the liquid, and apply it to your forehead. You can also enjoy the aromatic benefits of hung quế through steaming to relax and reduce fatigue. A study conducted in India found that hung quế helps maintain normal cortisol levels – the stress hormone in the body. Therefore, inhaling hung quế essential oil can improve blood circulation, alleviate feelings of tension, fatigue, and anxiety, and reduce stress.
If you regularly face stress or work high-intensity jobs, carrying hung quế leaves with you to crush and smell the oil can help you achieve a more relaxed state. This can improve your overall well-being, promote healthier skin, and reduce skin issues caused by stress such as pigmentation and acne.
How to use hung quế
The most common way to use hung quế is to add it to dishes as a fragrant garnish. However, this method allows for limited use.
You can dry hung quế and make it into a tea, which you can drink daily. Hung quế water can also be used as a mouthwash; rinse your mouth with it for about 5 minutes and then spit it out. This will help strengthen your teeth and gums and reduce inflammation.
Hung quế water can also be used for face cleansing purposes, giving you a relaxed feeling and brightening your skin while also providing antibacterial and anti-dandruff benefits to your hair.
However, it is important to note that pregnant women and individuals with low blood pressure should limit their consumption of hung quế.