Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an annual plant species from the honeybee family (Lamiaceae). Basil is native to tropical regions. It has been discovered that it grows in a wide area from Central Africa to Southeast Asia. It spread all over the World.
As the Greek philosopher and herbalist Theophrastus mentions in the 3rd century BC, the name of the basil was derived from the Greek word “basilikos”, meaning “plant worthy of kings”. The Greeks and Romans believed that it is necessary to plant seeds for a healthy seedling growth. The Roman writer Lucius Junius Moderatus Columella was the one who gave more information about basil. Columella said that basil is a plant that should be planted abundantly “from the fifteen of May to the summer solstice”. The Romans thought it was a magical and sacred plant for Venus and, like many fragrant plants, should be harvested meticulously.
The famous Roman science expert Pliny thought that the seeds of a basil were not a strong aphrodisiac. Even today, in some regions, farmers feed the seeds of this plant to donkeys and horses to increase their sexual power during their breeding season. Basil, which later became the symbol of lovers thanks to its aphrodisiac feature, was considered a sacred plant by the Gauls. So that the Gauls were only allowed to harvest the plant by purified people. In Gallias, who planted the basil until it blooms in July-August, those who harvested this holy plant had to go through purification stages, which have strict rules: wash the plant to harvest the plant in three different spring waters, wear clean clothes, keep themselves away from untreated people and not use metal tools to cut roots. . Basil, which they put into the ointments they used when they were mummies, was also crowned in Egypt.
Adult basil sizes usually vary between 20 and 60 cm. Its leaves, which range from light green to dark green, are soft and they are between 1 and 5 cm long and between 1 and 3 cm wide. Basil opens its flowers towards the end of summer heat. Its flowers are in white, pink and yellowish tones. Basil plant, which is very sensitive to cold, loves hot and dry environments the most. In addition, when the basil is wet, it can be used in meals and salads as well as dried.
It contains plenty of vitamin K, iron and calcium. It meets vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, mangenesis and calcium needs. In addition to these features of basil, it is also used as an ornamental plant in balconies and homes. Thanks to its odor secreted by basil, it prevents mosquitoes from coming into its environments. So it has fly repellent feature.
2 tablespoons of basil contain only 1 calorie. It contains 0.2 grams of protein, 0.1 grams of carbohydrates, 0.1 grams of fiber and 16 grams of potassium. The daily recommended vitamin A meets 1% of your daily calcium need and 1% of your daily iron need. Basil is used for inflammatory diseases, cancers, bacterial infections, viral infections, stress, cardiovascular problems, etc. Ideal to fight against. It also facilitates normal liver function and acts as a natural aphrodisiac.
Basil contains essential oils that help fight free radical damage to the body. It protects cells and DNA structure. It helps protect white blood cells that help immune system function and regulate cellular structures. The antioxidants found in basil can protect the body from cancerous growth and mutation of cells. Often, toxins that cause stress are found in our body. Basil has antioxidants that help us fight oxidation and slow down the effect of aging. It consists of many useful essential oils such as basil, linalool, citronellol, eugenol. These oils often inhibit enzymes that help fight heart diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis. If basil is regularly consumed by attending any food or mixed with tea, it can make your immune system stronger and help you fight these diseases.
According to many people, basil has the power to protect against cancer. This is because it contains phytochemicals that help prevent lung, mouth, liver and skin cancer. Basil can successfully induce cancer cell apoptosis and prevent cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body. During chemotherapy or radiation therapy, you can use basil as an additional cancer treatment. This includes alleviating the ailments experienced after chemotherapy. Since basil has anti-bacterial properties, it can provide significant protection against the growth of bacteria inside the human body. Basil extract is also helpful in the treatment of diseases caused by bacteria such as Staph infection and E. Coli. According to studies, basil acts against bacteria by preventing the development of infection to a great extent.
Viral infections are common in children and adolescents. Helps fight against basil, virus, bacteria, mold and yeast-borne diseases. Basil is the best herb that can provide protection by fighting Candida virus and other forms of skin irritation. Basil acts as an herbal medicine, an adaptogen, helping the body adapt to stress and reduce the harmful effects of stress on the body. After basil is consumed daily, an increase in antioxidant activity and a decrease in blood sugar levels can be observed. It is also useful in people suffering from mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. That’s why many people in India chew basil leaves to have a healthy body and mind.
Basil contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help muscles relax and contract. It also maintains healthy blood pressure in the person. The eugenol ingredient in basil helps keep blood pressure under control, lowering cholesterol levels and protecting the heart. Basil produces enzymes that help detoxify and high antioxidant defenses. This leads to a decrease in fat accumulation in the liver. Fat accumulation in the liver can cause non-alcoholic liver fatty disease and can be very harmful to health. Therefore, basil helps prevent and prevent this disease.
Basil is a rich source of magnesium that improves blood flow and can help sleep problems. The combination of antioxidant chemicals with antibacterial benefits makes basil perfect for skin health. It helps prevent acne and make your skin look younger, as well as reduce signs of aging, such as wrinkles, and increase skin elasticity.
Basil has been observed to reduce spasmodic activity in the brain. Another study on animals shows that eugenol in basil leaves is beneficial for the nervous system. Basil contains copper, a vital producer of adenosine triphosphate. This is a compound that helps eliminate the effects of fatigue and fatigue. To help keep energy levels high, it is recommended to use basil in beverages.
Basil wants a clean field without weeds. It is suggested that it will be followed by a good fertilized hoe plant with farm manure in the seizure. In Tarlavari production, seed can be sown directly into the field with a seeder. In this case, the amount of seed to be used per decare is around 0.6-1.0 kg. The row spacing is 30-40 cm. Sowing should be done in cold regions after the danger of frost has passed. If sowing is not possible in autumn, it is necessary to go to early sowing in spring. Since it is not possible to plant in the cold regions in autumn, it is mandatory in spring.
Mowing is generally done at the beginning of flowering. There are more than one format in the appropriate years. Following the form, the plants should be carried without tight bunch and dried at 30-35 c. The most common disease in basil is leaf spots made by mushrooms. In the young period, the damage of leaf plants is also very high.
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