Discover the Immunity and Health Benefits of Lemon Basil

Discover the Many Health Benefits of Lemon Basil

Lemon basil is a delicious and aromatic herb that offers many impressive health benefits. It has a unique citrus flavor that makes it a versatile ingredient in various dishes. Let's explore more about this remarkable herb and how it can boost your wellbeing.

What is Lemon Basil?

Lemon basil, also known by its scientific name Ocimum citriodorum, is a hybrid herb derived from breeding sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) with hoary basil (Ocimum americanum). It likely originated in Southeast Asia and features broad green leaves with a distinct lemony aroma.

Key Nutrition Facts

Lemon basil is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive plant compounds:

• Vitamin A - supports good vision and immune health
• Vitamin K - vital for blood clotting and bone health
• Iron - prevents anemia by carrying oxygen in the blood
• Calcium - strengthens bones and enables muscle, nerve, and heart function
• Antioxidants - protect cells from damage caused by free radicals

The Top Health Benefits of Lemon Basil

Research shows incorporating more lemon basil into your diet can provide these science-backed health improvements:

Boosts Immunity

Lemon basil is loaded with protective phytonutrients and antioxidants that strengthen immune defenses. The essential oils in the leaves exhibit antimicrobial effects against bacteria, viruses, and fungi to ward off illness.

Eases Inflammation

The antioxidants and oils in lemon basil leaves relieve inflammatory conditions associated with arthritis, gout, irritable bowel disease and more. Applying basil oil directly aids muscle and joint pain.

Supports Heart Health

Rich in vitamin K, folate and antioxidants, lemon basil promotes healthy blood flow. It prevents calcium buildup in arteries to reduce heart disease risks. The herb's scent also calms the mind and eases stress on the heart.

Stabilizes Blood Sugar

An animal study showed lemon basil extract lowered blood glucose levels and boosted insulin production. This makes it potentially useful for managing diabetes symptoms when paired with a healthy lifestyle.

Aids Digestion

Lemon basil assists with digestion issues like gas, bloating, stomach cramps and constipation. Sipping lemon basil tea soothes the gut. Its antibacterial activity kills harmful pathogens and balances healthy gut flora.

Contains Cancer-Fighting Properties

Ongoing research indicates lemon basil may suppress the growth and spread of certain cancer cell lines, including breast cancer and mouth carcinomas. More human studies are still needed in this area.

Improves Brain Function

Inhaling lemon basil's aromatic compounds activates parts of the brain involved in memory retention, cognitive performance and coping with stressful situations. This can boost productivity at work or school.

How to Use Lemon Basil for Improved Health

Here are some easy ways to incorporate more lemon basil into your wellness regimen:

Brew Tea

Infuse freshly chopped lemon basil leaves in hot water to make a refreshing herbal tea. Sip this to unwind in the evenings, improve digestion after meals or give your immune defenses a lift.

Blend into Smoothies

Add a handful of lemon basil leaves to your morning fruit smoothies. The herbs pair especially well with citrus flavors and green veggies like spinach or kale.

Sprinkle on Salads and Soups

Mince or chiffonade fresh lemon basil over salads, grain bowls and soups. Its tangy flavor livens up greens, grains, beans, tofu, chicken or fish.

Stir into Homemade Dressings

Puree lemon basil leaves with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and seasoning to craft a super-nutritious salad dressing overflowing with health perks.

Create Pesto

Process lemon basil leaves in a food processor with walnuts, parmesan, garlic, olive oil and lemon zest for a vibrant pesto sauce perfect for pastas, bruschetta and dips.

Use to Make Infused Oil

Soak cleaned lemon basil leaves in extra virgin olive oil to extract its beneficial plant compounds into the oil, which can then flavor veggies, breads and various dishes.

Apply Essential Oil

Dilute lemon basil essential oil with a carrier oil to create a topical rub targeting muscle aches, arthritis pain and inflammation when massaged onto the skin.

Possible Side Effects and Precautions

For most people lemon basil is very safe when consumed in regular culinary amounts. However, the following groups should exercise more caution:

Blood Thinners

Because of its vitamin K content, excess lemon basil could interfere with blood thinning medications. Speak with your doctor before significantly increasing intake.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Not enough data exists on lemon basil safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Stick to food amounts if pregnant or nursing until more research emerges.

Surgery Patients

The potential for lemon basil to slow blood clotting may raise bleeding risks around surgical procedures. Stop consuming increased amounts at least 2 weeks before a planned surgery.

Skin Irritation

When applying lemon basil essential oil topically, dilute with a carrier oil and do a skin patch test to check for irritation first since some people's skin is sensitive.

The Takeaway on Lemon Basil

With its uniquely refreshing citrus flavor and stellar nutrient profile, lemon basil certainly earns its place among the most popular culinary herbs. Its diverse range of wellness benefits empowers you to optimize immunity, manage blood sugar, support detoxification and enhance digestion.

So do your health a flavor by incorporating more of this dynamic herb into delicious recipes, teas, dressings and DIY body products!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.