Basil Juice Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Basil is an annual herb that is grown world-wide and used in a variety of culinary dishes as a flavoring. There are numerous types of basil, which can be used in various herbal remedies, such as in tea. In addition, fresh basil leaves can be made into a juice or added to smoothies and taken orally for its many medicinal properties.¹

Basil Juice Uses and Health Benefits

Basil herbal remedies contain many health benefits, such as helping treat cramps, symptoms of colic, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. Basil remedies can also help in treating mental conditions like depression, insomnia, and anxiety. They may even have potential benefits on whooping cough, migraines, and epilepsy.¹ Basil is also thought to act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.² This gives it a heart-healthy reputation by preventing atherosclerosis--or hardening of the arteries--heart attack, and stroke. The flavonoid compounds found in basil leaves also contain antibacterial properties.³ More research is needed to determine if basil juice produces these same benefits as other basil remedies do.

Specific to basil juice, it’s said to help relieve skin itchiness and ringworm symptoms when combined with honey and made into a topical wash.¹ This syrup mixture can also be taken orally to treat cough. Taking basil juice with cloves and cinnamon can help individuals suffering from chills.¹ Other potential basil juice uses include for:

• Vitiligo (Skin Depigmentation) - Topical application of basil juice is thought to help in treating skin depigmentation problems.
• Kidney Stones - Among basil juice benefits, it’s believed to help treat kidney stones due to the acetic acid content found in the basil plant.
• Skin Rash - Basil juice may help in treating skin rash symptoms when applied topically.
• Heat Stroke - Oral basil juice uses include taking it to treat heat stroke.
• Warts - Topical basil juice application could help in treating warts.

Basil Juice Side Effects and Precautions

Basil juice side effects may include low blood pressure, low blood sugar, and increased risk of bleeding when taken for more than six weeks at a time.⁴ Basil contains a compound known as estragole, which could stimulate uterine contractions. Though this compound is mostly found in the volatile oil, it’s best for pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid herbal remedies made with basil. However, use of basil in normal food amounts as a flavoring is considered safe for consumption.⁵

References

1. http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_basil.htm
2. http://foodfacts.mercola.com/basil.html
3. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=85
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-health/home-remedies-for-kidney-stones#lemon-juice3
5. http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-3652007#hn-3652007-side-effects