20 Clever Ways To Use Basil Leaves - Page 2 of 2

#11 General Cooking

Using basil in the kitchen with a myriad of applications from stir-fries to scrambled eggs, from curries to tagines.

#12 Basil Essential Oil

Make your own basil essential oil from your organic and homegrown plant and reap its many health benefits such as nausea, motion sickness, indigestion, constipation, respiratory problems, stress, uneven skin tone, insect bites, and poor circulation.

#13 Steam Away Headaches

Because basil works as a muscle relaxant and has analgesic properties, steam infused with the leaves of the plant is said to be an effective treatment for tension headaches.

#14 Calm The Stomach

Basil tea is great for soothing an upset stomach or helping digestion. Steep three basil leaves in a cup of boiling water and drink three or four times a day, between meals. It’s also thought to relieve symptoms of acid reflux, especially when mixed with a spoon of raw honey.

#15 Bites and Stings

In addition to its painkilling properties, basil oil is both antimicrobial and antioxidant. These properties are probably what makes basil so successful at relieving the pain and itching associated with insect bites or bee stings. While you can apply some basil oil to the affected area, you can also chop or chew up a basil leaf and apply it to the bite for quick relief.

#16 Calming Bath

Basil also is known to relieve anxiety, basil leaves or oil can be added to your bath along with a cup or two of Epsom or Himalayan Pink Salt. Its antiseptic properties will also keep your skin soft, supple and free from acne or other skin infections.

#17 Ease Congestion

The age-old remedy of steaming the face to relieve congestion has been used to enhance health for thousands of years. Add a little fresh or dried basil to your steam and you’ll be increasing its decongestant powers. The plant’s natural antihistamine and analgesic properties will have you feeling better within minutes.