10 Wonder Uses of Basil Leaves for Skin, Hair and Weight Loss

Basil overview

Basil, or “queen of herbs”, is the most healthiest, sacred, and wonderful medicinal ayurvedic herb. It belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. The aromatic herb is full of nutrients and therapeutic value. It is used to make a variety of recipes. There are about 35 types of basil species. As far as Ayurveda treatments are concerned, the holy herb is used in nearly 300 treatment cases. It shows its medical importance. Basil traces its origin from the Greek word basileus, which means King. The Oxford Dictionary defines it as “some royal lotion, bath or medicine.  In French, it refers to “I herebe royale’. In Judaism, it gives strength while fasting. In India, it is a medicinal, religious, and spiritual herb.

Different names of Basil

• English: Basil
• Scientific name: Ocimum basilicum
• Hindi: Tulsi
• Tamil: Tulaci ilaikal
• Telgu: Tulasi akulu
• Kannada: Tulasi elegalu
• Urdu: Tulsi ke patte
• Marathi: Tulasici pane
• Malayalam: Tulasi ilakal
• It is also known as Saint Joseph’s Wort

Why basil leaf for health?

This is a fundamental question: why is basil leaf for health? A few ayurvedic herbs like basil have probably been used to treat all types of diseases, from coughing to cancer, since ancient times. That’s why it is known as the healthiest herb in the world. It is grown all over the world, especially in India. Most Indian families have Tulsi plants in their homes because of their medicinal, religious, spiritual, and aesthetic values.

Basil leaves are used for skin beauty

Basil is excellent for your skin. Antiseptic properties make it beautiful. Antiseptic properties make it a beneficial natural remedy for multiple skin problems and conditions. Use basil leaves if you want flawless, blemish, and acne-free skin.

1. Acne and pimples: The basil leaves help remove toxins from the body, thereby beneficial in preventing acne and pimples. I am applying the paste of basil leaves and neem to gram flour, and basil paste helps cure acne and pimples.
2. Skin scars: When applied, the paste of gram flour and basil helps to whiten the skin. Tulsi has anti-bacterial properties, while gram flour helps to cleanse the skin.
3. Facial skincare tip: Before heading to the parlour for your skin, let’s try basil paste. If you want to be younger and brighter in the perspective of skin, rub or apply a paste of basil leaves on your face. It helps to tone and improve your facial skin.
4. Blackheads prevention: Let’s know how to prevent blackheads from returning using basil leaves. Blackheads, which are the open dead skin cells on the surface, can be eliminated naturally by sometimes putting wet basil leaves on the face. Now, remove it and wash your face thoroughly with cold water.
5. For a glowing face: Make a powder of the leaves and rub the same over the face. Could you let it dry and wash it thoroughly with cold water? This is as effective as the paste of turmeric and lemon when applied over the face.
6. Younger skin: It provides younger skin as it is full of antioxidants along with an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and stress-buster nature.

Basil leaf is used for hair care

How do you maintain the healthy hair that everyone desires? Many hair care tips are available, which help make your hair shiny and lengthy. Along with a diet rich in protein and iron, you can also use basil leaves for healthy hair.

• Hair loss prevention: Hair loss is alarming, especially among the youth. Instead of using artificial chemical products, one should use natural hair care tips. Basil paste is excellent in preventing hair loss as it reduces itching in your scalp region and enhances blood circulation in the head area.
• Dandruff treatment: Using Tulsi oil and coconut oil helps maintain moisturising in your scalp region. The massage improves blood circulation and reduces itchiness and dryness. The regular massage also strengthens the hair follicles.
• Grey hair prevention: Using the mix of basil leaves, amla powder, and coconut oil helps prevent grey hair. For this, the amla powder and basil leaves should be soaked overnight. Now, could you use coconut oil in it and wash your hair using the mix?
• Basil leaves for weight loss: Basil leaves can also be used for weight loss.  The regular use of basil leaves, along with freshly prepared curd, helps to maintain your weight and also enhances the energy level of the body.

Nutritional facts about basil leaves

One cup of basil leaves has the following dietary ingredients: Energy (23Kacal), Carbohydrate (2.65g), Protein (3.15g), Fat (0.64g), Cholesterol (0mg), Dietary fibre (1.60g), Folates (68), Niacin (0.902mg), Pantothenic Acid (0.209 mg), Pyridoxine (0.155mg), Riboflavin (0.076 mg), Thiamine (0.034mg), Vitamin A (5275 IU), Vitamin C (18mg), Vitamin E (0.80 mg), Vitamin K (414), Sodium (4mg), Potassium (295 mg), calcium (177mg), Copper (385 mg), Iron (3.17 mg), Magnesium (64mg), Manganese (1.15mg) and Zinc (0.81mg). 

Basil leaves to use in foods

Basil leaves as food are used in a variety of recipes such as pesto, dressings, marinades, bottles of vinegar, oils, herbal butter, essential salt, sauces, soups, salads, sandwiches, bread, pasta, desserts, and other cooking purposes.