Native to India, basil has been used since ancient times both in cooking and as a medicinal plant.

Friends of Pesto Fresco, we love all the herbs that are characteristic of Liguria.
Of all of them, we obviously have a fondness for basil.
Basil is in its own right the king of our Ligurian summers, not least because “basileus” really means king. It perfumes, colors and gives a special flavor to many of our dishes.
Its leaves are indispensable in our kitchens. It is among the most versatile aromatic plants to use in the kitchen, in fact basil has become a typical ingredient in Italian gastronomy.
Basil, however, does not stop at its use in the kitchen, in fact, already in ancient times it was used as an essence to create perfumes and as a healing remedy.
Today we will deal with the properties of basil and its uses as a medicinal plant.

Properties of basil.

Rich in minerals, vitamins, flavonoids and antioxidants, which are useful in protecting the body from aging and counteracting the action of free radicals, basil also has strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and promotes digestion and proper functioning of the stomach.
Consumption of Pesto Genovese is ideal to take advantage of its high vitamin content, as the latter is best preserved in raw basil.
But there’s more! According to popular tradition, the leaves of this portentous plant are even a remedy against sadness.
Actually, its virtues in this case could be related to its bright green color and lively scent.
The fact remains, however, that basil is a tonic for the nervous system and the mind in cases of fatigue and stress.

Nutritional values of basil. According to tables from the Center for Food and Nutrition Research,

100 grams of basil contains, among other things:
26 mg vitamin C
300 mg potassium
250 mg calcium
37 mg phosphorus
It also contains vitamin A and B vitamins.

A powerful essential oil is produced with basil, which is useful in cases of physical and emotional stress. In aromatherapy it is used in cases of insomnia, stomach cramps and poor digestion. Suffumigation with basil essential oil is also very good for soothing coughs and colds. Also, diluted in a basic vegetable oil, it is also very useful for massage and muscle rubs.

And how do you use basil, besides consuming it in Pesto Genovese?