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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the side effects of basil?
Basil is an herb that originated in tropical regions of India, Africa, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.
The plant is easy to grow in most climates and requires little maintenance. Basil also thrives in poor soil conditions and is very drought tolerant.
As for the health benefits, more than 200 known compounds are found in basil, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, polysaccharides, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties which may help relieve symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, depression, eczema, insomnia, infections, migraines, osteoporosis, psoriasis, respiratory problems, stress, and ulcers.
Basil is also a culinary spice and is often added to tomato sauces, soups, salads, pasta dishes, rice dishes, dips, casseroles, pizza toppings, pesto, chicken wings, and popcorn.
However, like all herbs, basil should be consumed in moderation. Too much of anything is not good for you. For example, eating large amounts of basil could lead to stomach upset. And if you have sensitive tummies, avoid consuming basil during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements.
You should only take one type of supplement at a time. If you take other medications, make sure they do not interact with each other.
You should never use herbs while on medication unless directed by your doctor.
Some people experience allergic reactions when using herbs, especially those allergic to ragweed. Symptoms include hives, swelling around the mouth or eyes, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, seizures, or even death.
Some people who take certain medications may develop an allergy to basil. These drugs include:
- Antacids (like Alka Seltzer)
- Anti-anxiety medicines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, etc.)
- Beta-blockers (like Propranolol)
- Blood thinners (like Coumadin)
- Calcium channel blockers (like Amlodipine)
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs (like Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, and Pravachol)
- Diabetes medicine (like Glucophage)
- Diuretics (like Lasix)
- Heartburn medicines (like Prilosec OTC)
- Hormone therapy (like Premarin, Tamoxifen, Femara)
- Insulin (like Humalog, Lantus, Novolin R)
- NSAIDs (like Aleve, Motrin, Advil, Excedrin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen)
- Oral contraceptives (like Ortho Evra, Yasmin, Loestrin, Ovrette, Yaz, and Seasonale)
- Pain relievers (like Aspirin, Celebrex, Vicodin, Percodan, Darvocet, Dilaudid, Fiorinal, Tylenol 3s, Naproxen, Motrin, Tramadol, Ultram, Voltaren
Is basil good for kidneys?
The answer is yes. Basil is an excellent food for kidney health. It contains potassium which helps reduce high blood pressure. It also contains vitamin K, which is essential for bone strength. As well as this, it is rich in antioxidants which help protect against heart disease.
Basil is great for digestion too. It contains digestive enzymes that break down protein and carbohydrates. This makes it easier to absorb nutrients from your meals.
Basil is a wonderful addition to any diet. Try sprinkling some over pasta dishes, salads, soups, and sandwiches. Or add little stir-fried vegetables, chicken, fish, meat, and tofu.
It's delicious in pesto sauce and fresh in salad dressings. You'll find many recipes online where you can learn how to cook with basil.
Try making basil oil by adding a few drops of pure olive oil to a jar filled with chopped basil leaves. Let it steep overnight, and then strain out the leaves. Use the oil as a massage oil or rub it onto your skin.
It will leave your skin soft and smooth.
Is eating raw basil good for you?
I'm sure everyone knows that fresh herbs are great for cooking but did you know that you could eat them too? Raw, uncooked herbs are packed full of nutrients and vitamins that we normally have to cook.
They contain more antioxidants than any fruit or vegetable. And they also help our immune systems stay strong and healthy.
The best way to enjoy these delicious little green gems is to eat them raw from the garden. But there's nothing wrong with enjoying them cooked, either. They taste even better when sautéed in olive oil and served alongside pasta or rice.
There are lots of ways to incorporate raw herbs into recipes. Add them to salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps, omelets, stir-fries, and pesto.
Just make sure you wash them well first!
What is the difference between "regular" and smoked paprika powder?
Regular Paprika Powder (Piment d'Espelette) is an essential ingredient for our recipes. We use it for its intense flavor and color. It's also used as a spice and seasoning agent. Smoked Paprika Powder (Paprika Chorizo) adds a smoky taste and aroma to dishes. Both types of Paprika Powder come from Spain, where they grow the best peppers in the world.
Smoked Paprika Powder (Chorizo Paprika) is made from red peppers, which are dried slowly in special ovens. This gives them a rich flavor. They are then ground and mixed with salt, garlic, and spices.
Regular Paprika Powder (Espelette Paprika) is made by grinding green bell peppers without additives.
What spice is good for inflammation?
Turmeric is one spice that can be beneficial for reducing inflammation. It contains the active ingredient curcumin, which has been studied extensively and shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Other spices like ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, and cardamom may also reduce inflammation in the body. Adding these spices to your diet can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
Another spice that can be used to reduce inflammation is black pepper. The active ingredient in black pepper, piperine, has been studied and found to have anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help reduce pain associated with inflammation. Additionally, the spice contains antioxidants which are beneficial for overall health.
Adding black pepper to your diet may help reduce inflammation and promote overall health. Be sure to talk with your doctor before adding any spice to your diet, as some spices may interact with your medications or supplements. Eating various healthy foods, including spices with anti-inflammatory benefits, can help keep your body balanced and reduce the risk of chronic inflammation-related illnesses.
In summary, adding spices to your diet can be beneficial for reducing inflammation and promoting overall health. Spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, cardamom, and black pepper have all been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory effects.
Which plant has antibiotic and wound-healing properties?
People often ask about plants that have medicinal uses. Some of these include aloe vera, eucalyptus, chamomile, and lavender. If you're wondering why there aren't any plants used for cleaning and disinfecting purposes, it's because most plants have toxic qualities.
The reason why we use herbs for medicine is that they contain compounds that stimulate our immune system. This means that they help us fight infections and heal wounds.
Some plants also have anti-inflammatory properties. These include ginger, turmeric, and mint.
Herbs such as basil, fennel, marigold, and oregano are great for cleansing the body.
There are even some plants that help prevent cancer. Research shows that black raspberries may reduce the chances of developing breast cancer. The same goes for broccoli. It can help prevent colon cancer.
Why do some love coriander and others don't?
Some people hate coriander, while others love it. But why?
Coriander is an herb that grows in warm climates throughout the world. It is native to both North America and Europe.
The leaves of the plant are used in cooking and can also be found in condiments such as salad dressings and dips. When added to food, coriander provides a spicy flavor.
Many people love its taste because it adds a fresh flavor to dishes without overpowering them. Others dislike the smell and taste of coriander because they find it too strong.
But there is more to coriander than meets the eye. There are two types of coriander – sweet and hot. Sweet coriander is milder and sweeter tasting compared to hot coriander.
Sweet coriander is usually grown for its seeds, often called cilantro. This type of coriander is easy to grow and is very low maintenance.
Hot coriander is most commonly used in Indian cuisine. Hot coriander gives a rich flavor to curries and sauces, making it popular among Indians.
Some people say that hot coriander tastes better than sweet coriander. However, the opposite is true for those who prefer sweet coriander.
There are many reasons why people enjoy different varieties of coriander. For example, one person may love the taste of coriander, while another enjoys the aroma.
Whether you like sweet or hot coriander, you might be surprised to learn that you can buy both types of coriander online.
Statistics
- The global herbs market is expected to reach more than $125 billion by the end of 2025.
- Herbs are among the most popular and widely used medicinal remedies. According to a survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health, herbs were used by over 38% of adults in the United States.
External Links
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- Antioxidant capacity of 26 spice extracts and characterization of their phenolic constituents - PubMed
- Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant - PMC
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How To
How to Use Herbs and Spices in Cooking?
Herbs and spices are a great way to add flavor without adding calories. If you've been cooking for years, you already know how easy it is to make even bland foods taste delicious. Try these tips to add more flair to your dishes.
Herbs and spices are essential ingredients in any kitchen. In addition to making food taste better, they also help keep food fresh longer. From enhancing the flavors of soups and sauces to infusing drinks with exotic tastes, herbs and spices go far beyond traditional cooking.
The most important thing to remember when using herbs and spices is to use them sparingly. Even though they may seem like powerful ingredients, they have a strong scent. So, sprinkle them on top instead of piling them onto a dish.
You'll find that the best herbs and spices come in small containers. This makes them easier to measure out, so there won't be any waste. Plus, you'll save money because you won't have to buy large amounts.
Another tip is to avoid placing herbs and spices directly on hot pans. Heat will quickly dry out the herbs and spices, leaving a bitter aftertaste. Instead, place them on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
Use herbs and spices liberally in recipes where they naturally complement each other. For example, cinnamon pairs well with apples, while garlic complements tomatoes. Once you learn how to combine flavors, you'll be able to create your signature dishes.
Try experimenting with different herbs and spices to spice up meals. For instance, mix thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Then toss the mixture with pasta, chicken, or fish.
After the meal, store leftover herbs and spices in airtight jars. This will prevent them from drying out. Also, wrap unused herbs and spices tightly in plastic wrap. They should stay fresh for at least three months.
If you're looking for ways to improve your diet, consider trying new herbs and spices. You can experiment with different blends until you discover your favorite combination. The possibilities are endless!
Resources:
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Did you miss our previous article...
https://belovedsaffron.com/herbs/dahlia-growing-guide-amp-the-1-mistake-gardeners-make