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Basil: properties, treatment, composition, application. Video
Basil is a fragrant plant of the Clayaceae family. The plant is used as a spice in various recipes in the world of culinary. In addition, basil has a number of properties that make it not only a seasoning, but also a medicinal plant. Some cosmetics companies use basil as an ingredient in creams and scrubs.
Basil: properties, treatment, composition, application
In India, basil is considered a sacred plant and is second only to the lotus in the hierarchy of veneration. Hindus believe that tulsi (the name of a basilica in Hindi) fulfills the innermost desires and gives the body the energy of love.
Basil came to European countries after the campaign of the army of Alexander the Great in Asia, and in Russia it appeared at the end of the XNUMXth century and at first found use only as a medicinal plant.
Fresh basil leaves and stems are a valuable source of B vitamins, ascorbic acid, carotene and rutin. Basil flowers and seeds contain a large amount of essential oil, glycosides, eugenol, camphor. After drying, basil loses a percentage of the content of nutrients, but retains its medicinal properties in sufficient concentration, until a new harvest.
Basil as a seasoning for food is recommended for bloating, lack of appetite, low blood pressure. Tannins, contained in large quantities in the leaves, are used for severe sweating, lubricating the legs, palms or armpits with a decoction of the plant.
Broths of basil are used as a lactogonic agent in case of insufficient milk supply from a nursing mother. They gargle with sore throats and stomatitis. Decoctions are used as a wound healing and antiseptic for difficult healing wounds and trophic ulcers in diabetes mellitus.
Basil baths are used to soften the skin. The aromatic oil from this plant relieves tension, improves mood and acts as a general tonic.
To prevent basil from losing its color and retaining its aroma, dry it in a dark, well-ventilated area.
As a seasoning, basil can be used in chicken, meat, various soups, side dishes and salads.
Eggplant with oriental basil
You will need:
– 2 eggplants; – a bunch of fresh basil; – 1 tbsp. l. soy sauce; – 1 hot pepper; – 1 tsp Sahara; – olive oil; – salt; – water.
Soak the eggplant, cut into small pieces, in salted water. Leave on for 30 minutes.
Fry the garlic in a deep frying pan, along with finely chopped chili.
Squeeze the eggplants, add to the pan with pepper and garlic and fry until soft.
Add sugar, soy sauce and simmer for 5 minutes over low heat.
Chop the basil finely, stir well and turn off the heat.
Add basil to a bottle of vinegar and you will always have a fragrant seasoning for meat or chicken dishes at your fingertips.
Chicken breast salad with potatoes and basil
You will need:
– 200 g smoked chicken breast; – 150 g of potatoes; – 100 g of pickled gherkins; – 30 g green onions; – 30 g fresh basil; – salt; – vegetable oil for frying; – olive oil.
Peel the potatoes and cut into strips. Fry in vegetable oil until crusty.
Cut the breast and gherkins into cubes and mix with the potatoes in a deep salad bowl.
Chop basil and onion, add salt and heat slightly in a special mortar or in a cup until juice appears. Add olive oil to the herbs and mix well.
Drizzle over the salad with aromatic sauce.