Medicine from the garden -with Andre

Today we are having a look at Basil. The name meaning ‘King’, this plant truly is the ‘King’ of herbs. Relatively easy to grow in almost any garden in South Africa. Basil is one of those herbs that is a must have, due to tremendous medicinal uses, as well as a must have in the kitchen for salads or soups, to just name a few. Drinking a cup of basil tea is not only refreshing, but packed with nutrients and life changing health benefits.

Best of all is it’s free if you are prepared to get your fingers in the ground from time to time. Basil is packed with antioxidants ,relieving the body of free radicals putting a burden on system- lowering the risk of many dreaded illnesses or diseases. Basil also strengthens bone structure and skin, but mostly basil is used for gut issues and fluid retention.

Basil lowers blood pressure by relaxing the muscles and blood vessels causing better blood flow. Little secret, if you rinse your mouth with steeped basil water, it will cure mouth conditions like you won’t believe with it’s strong antibacterial functions. So much this simple herb can do – Divinely gifted to us. – Andre Slabbert, Naturologist.