Lemon basil leaves are a medicinal herb with great health benefits
In the Philippines, fresh lemon basil leaves are used topically for burns and headaches. In China, lemon basil juice is used to treat children’s coughs, epilepsy, and seizures. In India, it is used to treat urinary tract infections, while in Japan, it is used as a culinary herb to garnish and add flavor to dishes.
Lemon basil leaves offer a plethora of health benefits. Illustration.
In Vietnam, lemon basil leaves are sold for approximately 50,000 to 70,000 VND per kilogram. However, only a few people use the fresh leaves as herbs, cook them in porridge or beef stir-fries, sour soups, or as a remedy for coughs and colds. Many people are unaware of the benefits of lemon basil and tend to discard or avoid consuming it.
According to Doctor Vu, in traditional Chinese medicine, lemon basil has a sour and pungent taste, a warm nature, and enters the lung meridian. It is used to relieve colds, dissolve phlegm, detoxify, and treat symptoms of colds, lung coldness, wind-cold, phlegm-heat, and bacterial infections. It is also effective in treating sore throats, inducing sweating, and relieving coughs and colds. With these benefits, lemon basil can be consumed fresh or brewed into a drink to relieve colds and warm the stomach.
In the Southern traditional medicine industry, lemon basil is often steam-distilled to extract its essential oil, which is then combined with other herbs to produce cough and cold remedies.
Modern medicine has found that lemon basil contains phenolic compounds, salicylates, carvacrol, eugenol, and caryophyllene. Notably, it is rich in vitamins A and C and Omega 6, offering potential health benefits such as:
Skin and eye health
Research indicates that vitamin A in lemon basil is beneficial for vision and is an essential component of the immune system. It helps prevent oxidation and improves inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis.
Lemon basil leaves are commonly used as a remedy for coughs. Illustration.
Reduced inflammation and enhanced immunity
The high content of vitamin C in lemon basil not only reduces respiratory infections but also boosts immunity against colds, flu, and coughs with phlegm.
Cancer prevention and cardiovascular health
Omega 6, a type of fatty acid found in lemon basil, plays a significant role in cancer prevention and increasing good cholesterol to maintain heart health. It also helps reduce symptoms of pain and swelling in rheumatoid arthritis.
Stress relief
Lemon basil leaves contain certain minerals and organic compounds that act as mild sedatives. Brewing the leaves into a tea can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and restlessness, promoting relaxation and better sleep.
Skin health and beauty
The anti-inflammatory compounds in lemon basil help reduce swelling, redness, and skin irritation. Additionally, it aids in healing insect bites and provides some relief from psoriasis and eczema.
Fever reduction
In case of a cold or flu with a fever, lemon basil can be used as a herbal remedy to bring down the fever. It also induces sweating, aiding in the removal of toxins through the skin and accelerating recovery from flu symptoms.
Improved kidney function
The juice extracted from lemon basil leaves has a diuretic effect, helping the body eliminate toxins by increasing urination. This process also reduces excess salt, water, and fat in the body, improving kidney function.
Blood sugar control
Lemon basil helps regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the release of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing a rapid increase in blood glucose levels. Additionally, it contributes to preventing diabetes-related complications such as hyperinsulinemia and obesity.
Lemon basil essential oil is used in cough syrup production. Illustration.
Precautions when using lemon basil leaves
According to Doctor Vu, while lemon basil is a beneficial herb for health, the following precautions should be noted:
– Lemon basil leaves are covered with fine hairs that can cause irritation, especially for pregnant and lactating women and individuals allergic to this herb.
– The essential oil extracted from lemon basil contains estragole, and prolonged oral consumption may have adverse effects on the liver.
– Lemon basil extract or essential oil may slow blood clotting and worsen bleeding disorders. Therefore, it is recommended to consume lemon basil in moderation.
– Lemon basil extract can lower blood pressure, so individuals with low blood pressure should use it sparingly.
– Consult a doctor before using lemon basil for medicinal purposes.
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