Availability: All Year Around
What to look out for
Usually, the best pots of Basil are the bigger ones, which presents a more bushier, and vibrant green colour. Also, check the roots if possible, and make sure it is not root-bound.
Try to avoid Basil pots that express wilted, discoloured or drooping leaves, as these aspects may indicate that the plant is dehydrated.
Storage
After you have purchased that beautiful basil pot, it must be stored properly in order for us to get the most out of this magnificent herb.
- One of the most important parts of storing basil’s pot is to keep the herb in a warm and luminous place. Basil must be kept above 15 Celsius and into a very bright place with sun, usually this place can beside the kitchen window where is one of the warmest part of the house.
- The second aspect of keeping the herb healthy is watering it often. Try to aim for a slight moist soil at all times, watering at least one a day. Important to highlight that the excess water at the bottom of the pot must be drained to avoid rotten roots.
- Lastly, remove any flower bud you notice on the herb, otherwise the basil can turn out bitter than usual.
Benefits
May Reduce Inflammation
As the oils that basil possesses such as Eugenol, Linalool, and Citronellol contains anti-inflammatory compounds, the consumption of basil may reduce inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, heart diseases, and bowels issues
Supporting Mental Health
Studies have pointed that basil provides benefits to the brain by alleviating symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and age-related memory loss while increasing the ability think more rationally and clearly.
Minimise Heart Disease
Apart from the Eugenol oil, basil contains high levels of magnesium, thus both compounds will not only lower the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, but they will also improve blood flow therefore relaxing muscles and blood vessels.
Support Cancer Prevention
Another compound that basil possesses is Phytochemicals, and these type of chemicals will support the fight against certain types of cancers such as liver, lung, skin and oral cancer cells.
Oxidative Stress Reduction
Basil can support the body in fighting free radicals that would otherwise promote risk to health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. The herb can do that because basil contains antioxidants such as Anthocyanins and Beta-Carotene.