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 medicinal values. 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 about 300 treatment cases. It shows its medical importance. The word Basil traces its origin from the Greek word basileus, which means King. As per the Oxford Dictionary, it means “some royal lotion, bath or medicine.  In French, it refers to “I herebe royale’. In Jewish, 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 very important question why basil leaf for health? There are few ayurvedic herbs like basil, which is probably used to treat all types of diseases viz. 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. More or less all the Indian families are having Tulsi plants in their homes because of its medicinal, religious, spiritual, and aesthetic values.

Basil leaf uses for skin beauty

Basil is amazing for your skin beauty. Being having antiseptic properties, it is a useful natural remedy for multiple skin problems and conditions. If you want flawless, blemish, and acne-free skin, use basil leaves.

1. Acne and pimples: The basil leaves help to remove toxins from the body thereby beneficial in the prevention of acne and pimples. Applying the paste of basil leaves and neem cure acne and pimples.
2. Skin scars: The paste of gram flour and basil when applied helps to lead to whitening of skin. Tulsi has anti-bacterial properties while gram flour helps to cleanse the skin.
3. Facial skincare tip: Before heading to the parlor for your skin, let’s try basil paste. If you want to be younger and brighter in perspective of skin, simply rub or apply a paste of basil leaves on your face. It helps to tone and improves your facial skin.
4. Blackheads prevention: Let’s know how to prevent blackheads from coming back by using basil leaves. Blackheads, which are the open dead skin cells on the surface can be eliminated naturally by putting wet leaves of basil on the face sometimes. Now, removes it and wash your face thoroughly with cold water.
5. For glowing face: Make a powder of the leaves and rub the same over the face. Let it be dry and wash off 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 anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and stress buster nature.

Basil leaf uses for hair care

How to maintain healthy hair is the desired of everyone? There are many hair care tips available, which help to make your hair shiny and lengthy. Along with a diet rich in protein and iron, you can also use basil leaves for healthy hair.

7. Hair loss prevention: Hair loss is becoming an alarming condition, especially before the youth. Instead of using artificial chemical products, one should use natural hair care tips. Basil paste is great in the prevention of hair loss as it reduces itching in your scalp region and also enhances blood circulation in the head area.

8. Dandruff treatment: Using Tulsi oil along with coconut oil helps to maintain moisturizing in your scalp region. The massage improves blood circulation, reduces itchiness and dryness. The regular massage also strengthens the hair follicles.

9. Grey hair prevention: The use of the mix of basil leaves, amla powder, and coconut oil helps to prevent grey hair. For this, the amla powder and basil leaves should be soaked overnight. Now, use coconut oil in it and wash your hair using the mix.

10. Basil leaves for weight loss: Basil leaves can also be used for weight loss purposes.  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 of basil leaves

1 cup of basil leaves has the following nutritional ingredients: Energy (23Kacal), Carbohydrate (2.65g), Protein (3.15g), Fat (0.64g), Cholesterol (0mg), Dietary fiber (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 a food are used in a variety of recipes such as pesto, dressings, marinades, vinegars, oils, herbal butter, basic salt, sauces, soups, salads, sandwiches, breads, pastas, desserts, and other cooking purposes.