Sweet Basil

This fragrant herb contains an array of flavonoid which help protects cells from damage.

Basil is a popular herb, originally from India and is best known as culinary herb prominently featured in Italian cuisine. It may taste somewhat like aniseed with strong, pungent often sweet, fragrant smell. The leaves are highly fragrant, used as seasoning herb for variety of food. Basil has become one of the most recognizable herbs. The flavor is warm, sweet and somewhat pungent and peculiar. 
Basil is used in soups, meat pieces, fish, certain cheeses, tomato cocktail, eggplant, zucchini, cooked cucumber dishes, cooked peas. Dried basil is sprinkled over lamb chops before cooking. Basil is often used with or as a substitute for oregano in Pizza topping, spaghetti sauce of Macaroni and cheese casserole. Dried Basil is more concentrated in flavor. Oil in Basil is highly volatile, it is best to add the herb near the end of cooking process so it will retain its maximum essence and flavor. 
                    
Dried basil is good for respiratory system and can be consumed in preparation of herbal tips. It can also be used to treat throat and nose infections. Basil is said to help recover from problems like dysentery, nausea and stomach ache. It stimulates appetite and helps cure flatulence. It is traditionally used for treatment of stress, asthma and diabetes.