Be surprised by 9 health benefits of lemon basil leaves!

Known as a popular spice of Vietnamese people, but few people know that it also has other miraculous uses. Can lemon basil treat coughs and reduce sore throats? These are just the most "basic" effects of lemon basil leaves! Surely you will be surprised with the 9 effects we are about to reveal below! 

I. What is lemon basil? Things to know about lemon basil leaves

What is lemon basil?

Lemon basil is also known as Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng, hairy basil or dwarf basil, and thick-leafed basil. The international name of lemon basil is Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng, belonging to the Lamiaceae family. 

This is a type of grass, about 30-50cm high, the stem close to the ground becomes woody. The leaves grow opposite, are succulent, have serrated edges, the upper surface has simple hairs, the lower surface has more secretory hairs. Lemon basil leaves contain a lot of essential oils, the aroma is very pleasant.

Some basic information about lemon basil leaves

Here is some basic information about this folk herb:

→ The essential oil content in lemon basil is about 0.05-0.12%

→ Lemon basil contains about 65.2% phenolic compounds.

→ The ingredients of lemon basil leaves contain many active ingredients that have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and pain-relieving properties such as: Salicylate, Thymol, Eugenol, Carvacrol and Chavicol

→ Lemon basil leaves contain Codeine, which has antibacterial and antiviral effects that are harmful to the respiratory system and digestion.

According to some studies, lemon basil leaves also have the ability to create strong antibodies against staphylococcus, pneumococcus, and streptococcus bacteria.

II. 9 effects of lemon basil leaves – You may not know

Surely, you will be surprised with the effects of lemon basil leaves below:

1. Most "outstanding" effect: Cure cough, reduce sore throat

Lemon basil is one of the medicinal herbs that is highly effective in treating coughs, reducing sore throats and sinusitis for women and children. Like lemon, lemon basil leaves also have the ability to kill bacteria, are natural antibiotics, and remove mucus and phlegm well. Whether it is folk remedies or dietary supplements produced on modern production lines, lemon basil leaves are in the ingredients.

2. Lemon basil can also reduce fever

In addition to its ability to treat coughs and reduce phlegm, lemon basil leaves can also help reduce fever very quickly. After using lemon basil leaves, the body will sweat, eliminate toxins through the skin and speed up the recovery process.

3. The effect of lemon basil leaves in treating bad breath

According to many experts, lemon basil leaves can also cure bad breath very well. People often use dried lemon basil leaves to boil water, then regularly gargle and rinse the mouth 5-7 times a day.

4. Lemon basil leaves help reduce arthritis?

Lemon basil leaves contain a certain amount of Omega 6 which can reduce arthritis. According to many studies, lemon basil can also prevent osteoporosis.

5. Did you know: Lemon basil can improve eyesight?

Improve eyesight – This is an effect of lemon basil leaves that very few people know about. Thanks to its rich Vitamin A content, this herb can help reduce stress, oxidation in the eyes and prevent macular degeneration.

6. Reduce menstrual cramps with lemon basil leaves

Using lemon basil leaves to relieve menstrual cramps is not popular in Vietnam, but in India and some parts of Indonesia, this method is widely used. Lemon basil leaves will be dried and boiled to get water.

7. Plants that help you reduce stress and anxiety

Are you stressed, anxious, have trouble sleeping, have trouble sleeping well? Lemon basil leaves can completely help improve this condition. Drying lemon basil leaves and using them as tea will bring a feeling of relaxation, good sleep, 

8. Skin is more beautiful when using lemon basil leaves?

One of the “miraculous” effects that few people know about lemon basil leaves. Lemon basil has the ability to regenerate and beautify the skin extremely well. In particular, it can heal insect bites and stings, reduce redness, reduce swelling, eliminate itching and irritation. For those who are having problems with acne, using lemon basil leaves will bring about remarkable changes.

9. Did you know: Lemon basil helps reduce the risk of cancer?

According to a 2019 study, it was found that: Lemon basil stems are rich in antioxidants and have the ability to clean up free radicals. This charcoal extract can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. If used regularly, you can completely reduce the rate of cancer.

Of the 9 effects listed above, how many of the real effects of lemon basil leaves do you know?

III. Suggestions for some simple ways to prepare lemon basil leaves at home

Below are some simple remedies from lemon basil leaves that you can completely apply at home:

→ Reduce fever, flu, cough, headache, stuffy nose : Use 15-20gr of leaves, squeeze to get the juice to drink. You can combine it with onion, ginger, each 12g, boil water to drink and steam to sweat.

→ Treat cough and sore throat : Pick a few leaves and chew, hold in mouth, and swallow the juice.

→ Treatment of asthma : Take 10gr of lemon basil and 10gr of perilla and boil with 500ml of water until half remains. Divide the medicine into 2 parts to drink during the day. Note, avoid seafood, fried foods, and cold water.

→ Treat allergies and hives : Boil 15g of dried lemon basil with 2 bowls of water until the amount of water is about 1/2. Divide the boiled water into 3 parts to drink during the day. In addition to drinking, you can also pound the leaves with a little salt and apply to the inflamed, swollen skin.

Hopefully with this article, you have a better understanding of the effects of lemon basil leaves as well as how to prepare them. Don't forget to regularly follow NanoFrance's Website to update more information about other Medicines!