Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Healing with Basil
One best-selling herb guide states: “No modern medical studies have confirmed any of basil’s supposed effects.” This is hardly the case. Basil’s merits have certainly been overblown around the world-putting it in your ear won’t cure deafness-but the herb has proven to have definite benefits.
Intestinal Parasites - Basil oil really does kill intestinal parasites, thus confirming its traditional use in Malaya and lending credence to its age-old use as a stomach soother and treatment for a broad range of intestinal ailments.
Acne - Indian researchers have reported that basil kills bacteria when applied to the skin. They have used basil oil successfully to treat acne.
Immune Stimulant - One animal study shows basil stimulates the immune system by increasing production of disease-fighting antibodies by up to 20 percent. This may help explain its supposed effectiveness against bacteria and its traditional uses in treating many infectious illnesses.
Rx for Basil
Scientifically prepared basil oil is more concentrated than even the strongest home infusion or tincture. But if you’ve become frustrated by the ineffectiveness of other acne remedies, it probably won’t hurt to try a strong, fragrant infusion or tincture of basil. Apply with a cotton ball to freshly washed skin.
For an infusion, use 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 to 20 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day and enjoy basil’s rich, warm aroma and minty, mildly peppery taste.
In a tincture, use 112 to I teaspoon up to three times a day. Use either a tincture or an infusion to take advantage of basil’s infection-fighting potential.
Basil should not be given in medicinal quantities to children under age 2. For older children and people over65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.