Is it possible to eat cilantro during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

The benefits of spices for pregnant women

Both cilantro itself and its seeds, coriander, are used in cooking. This spice is valued not only for the spicy individual taste that it gives to each dish, but also for its rich composition. It contains:

• B vitamins,
• vitamin C;
• magnesium;
• potassium;
• iron;
• calcium;
• phosphorus.

As well as eleven essential oils and acids, including ascorbic acid.

All this makes the spice very valuable, especially for pregnant women, who during this period of life should eat as healthily as possible, enriching two organisms with the necessary microelements at once. But the rest of the time, cilantro should definitely be present in every person’s diet.

Coriander is also useful during pregnancy because it improves appetite and has a choleretic effect. With the help of coriander, toxic substances are more quickly removed from the body, which is another argument in favor of this spice for women who are in an interesting position.

Cilantro can neutralize the effect of heavy metals on the body of both parents and the fetus itself - this contributes to the formation of more stable immunity in the child. Essential oils relax and calm the nervous system, helping to reduce irritability and anxiety.

Some experts recommend introducing cilantro into a regular diet at the pregnancy planning stage in order to cleanse the body of toxins and calm the nervous system.

The phytoestrogens contained in cilantro contribute to this. The spice also reduces sugar levels and dilates blood vessels.

Useful article: Benefits and contraindications of rosemary

In the last trimester, doctors recommend reducing salt intake to avoid swelling, and cilantro helps give dishes a brighter, less bland taste.

Cilantro is especially relevant for pregnant women who live in large cities or near hazardous industries and busy highways.

What is cilantro

Cilantro, also known as Chinese parsley and coriander, are greens that are used for cooking and in folk medicine. It is a representative of the Umbrella family. This spice is often used to make perfumes, soaps and cosmetology. At the same time, cilantro is one of the best honey plants.

What does cilantro (coriander) look like?

The plant combines spice (leaf part) and spices (small seeds). The green cilantro is called a direct relative of dill.

The plant's homeland is western Asia, the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

Composition and beneficial properties

The chemical composition of cilantro and its effect on the human body is as follows:

• vitamin A - important for the health of the skin, strengthens the immune system, regulates protein synthesis, takes part in redox processes, strengthens nails, and has a wound-healing effect;
• beta-carotene - has a powerful antioxidant effect, protects cells from the harmful effects of free radicals, protects against radiation, maintains visual acuity and eye health;
• B vitamins (except B12) - improve the health of hair and skin, increase energy, elevate mood, stimulate the immune system, help process food into energy;
• vitamin C - improves blood composition, is important for the synthesis and absorption of collagen protein, has an antioxidant effect, resists chronic diseases and colds, improves immunity;
• vitamin E - has antioxidant properties, is important for the successful conception and bearing of a child, promotes the production of sperm in men, reduces the likelihood of developing blood clots;
• vitamin K - takes part in the synthesis of blood proteins involved in coagulation, regulates the content of enzyme elements in the blood, ensures normal skeletal development in children, and takes part in anaerobic respiration;
• vitamin PP - ensures normal brain function, maintains healthy nails, hair, skin, regulates blood glucose levels;
• potassium - regulates water-salt balance, is important for normal protein synthesis, has a positive effect on intestinal motility;
• calcium - strengthens bone and dental tissue, regulates blood pressure, takes part in the process of muscle contraction, determines the quality of the nervous system;
• magnesium - takes part in muscle contraction, regulates the state of the circulatory system, normalizes metabolism, removes toxins, prevents headaches, chronic fatigue, and joint pain;
• sodium - normalizes water-salt metabolism, takes part in the production of gastric juice, dilates blood vessels, maintains normal acid-base balance;
• phosphorus - important for muscle contraction, takes part in the division and growth of body cells, necessary for bones and teeth;
• iron - participates in the formation of hemoglobin, ensures normal functioning of the thyroid gland, is important for the correct conduction of nerve impulses along nerve fibers;
• manganese - improves the functioning of the nervous system, regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, takes part in the metabolism of thyroid hormones, prevents the deposition of fat in the liver, increases the body's protective functions;
• copper - has an anti-inflammatory effect, protects human bones from fractures, increases immunity, normalizes the functioning of the thyroid gland;
• selenium - reduces the risk of developing cancer, promotes normal cell growth, improves the activity of the pancreas, and has an anti-inflammatory effect;
• zinc - strengthens the immune system, is necessary for cell renewal, takes part in protein synthesis, and has a wound-healing effect.

The calorie content of cilantro is only 23 calories per 100 g of product.

General beneficial properties of cilantro

This spice has long been used to treat digestive problems and cardiovascular diseases. It is also known that tinctures made from vodka and coriander relieve fatigue and weakness. Of course, to the question: “Can pregnant women eat cilantro in this form?” The answer is obvious - “no,” but in the future, after lactation is completed, this method of treating chronic diseases can be very useful.

Cilantro has a pronounced diuretic effect, which is why it is used to treat swelling, as well as to prevent kidney diseases and infections of the urinary system - its essential oil disinfects the urinary ducts and stimulates the healing of ulcers and inflammations.

Cilantro also has analgesic and antiseptic properties.

The decoction is prepared according to the following recipe:

• 20 g cilantro;
• 700 ml water.

Bring water to a boil and pour cilantro leaves (or 3 g of grains) over it. Leave to steep for 60 minutes, then strain. This decoction is drunk in small sips throughout the day - the specified proportion is exactly the daily requirement.

The same product can also be used to cleanse the skin - if you wash your face with this decoction every morning, you can get rid of inflammation and rashes, make the skin softer and more tender to the touch.

How to use basil?

Many people are interested in how to use basil? A few drops of basil essential oil are added to the aroma maker to help the body cope with a stressful situation, and in combination with eucalyptus oil, the expected effect is greatly increased. Also, with this method of application, the olfactory sensors are activated.

Basil tea, obtained by brewing crushed leaves and flowers, has a beneficial effect on performance, helps stop vomiting and cope with attacks of nausea. It is also useful in the treatment of stomach diseases, helping to increase appetite. Drinking tea before bed can help relieve insomnia

.

You can rinse your mouth with a decoction of basil to eliminate unpleasant odor and destroy germs, so it is used in the treatment of sore throat and stomatitis. If you moisten a cotton swab with the decoction and apply it to the bite site, you can relieve itching and inflammation.

You can use basil to eliminate swelling. For this purpose, compresses from the dried plant are used. When getting motion sickness in transport

You should chew a fresh basil leaf a little and then leave it in your mouth until the condition improves.

Eating the plant

The plant is used salted, dried or fresh. Dried coriander is used as a seasoning for soups and main courses. It is added to a variety of sauces. It is recommended to eat young coriander leaves. Fresh herbs add a unique aroma to vegetable, fish and meat dishes.

Cilantro is actively used to prepare the following dishes:

• goulash;
• pilaf;
• canned fruits;
• fried pork;
• borsch;
• adjika;
• dishes made from peas, beans or lentils.

Coriander seeds are also used to make sausages.

Benefits for weight loss

Basil is 92% water. It also contains fiber, mono- and disaccharides, saturated fatty acids.

Nutritionists recommend eating purple basil for those who want to lose weight; it accelerates the lipid process and fat burning. The greatest effect can be achieved if you eat basil seeds rather than leaves. As natural sorbents, they cleanse the body of waste and toxins, and in combination with regular exercise, they help to lose weight.

It is important to buy seeds intended specifically for consumption - in a pharmacy or specialty store, and not those from which gardeners grow plants in their garden plots. Seeds for planting undergo special treatment, which will negatively affect the body.

Preparing Basil Seeds

Ingredients

:

1. Basil seeds – 1 tsp.
2. Filtered water – 0.5 tbsp.

How to cook

: Pour a teaspoon of dry seeds with warm boiled water. Mix thoroughly. Leave for several minutes until the seeds are covered with a transparent film.

How to use

: Use steamed seeds separately or add to various desserts, fruit salads, vegetable smoothies, teas, yogurts. You should not prepare the seeds in advance, as a fresh portion retains the maximum amount of nutrients.

Result

: Basil seeds improve digestion and accelerate the elimination of toxic substances from the body.

Basil during pregnancy

There are different opinions regarding basil in the diet of pregnant women: some recommend it as a source of vitamins, include it in the top list of foods necessary during pregnancy, others impose a ban on its use.

In any case, it should be eaten with caution, since individual intolerance is possible, and there are a number of contraindications. In small quantities, it can benefit the expectant mother’s body.

Benefit

Basil is rich in vitamin C, phytoncides, and essential oils, which makes it an excellent tool for strengthening the immune system , preventing colds and other diseases of a viral and bacterial nature.
This is especially important for pregnant women, since a harmless cold can cause considerable harm to the unborn child, and the list of medications that can be taken during this period is limited.

Basil helps to cope with headaches of various origins without medications.

Pregnant women often suffer from anemia, and basil contains iron, folic acid , and is very important for fetal growth. It is also a source of calcium , necessary for the formation of the child's skeletal system.

Potassium contained in basil protects against cramps, which often plague pregnant women.

Basil has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, which is very important for expectant mothers.

Among the beneficial effects for the body from eating basil are antispasmodic effect , wound healing, maintaining heart function, treatment of fungal diseases, and urolithiasis.

Harm

Some varieties of basil contain mercury compounds.
They can be toxic for pregnant women. Basil increases the tone of the uterus and can cause miscarriage or premature birth.

The reaction to essential oils varies from person to person; in some they cause gastrointestinal disorders, including poisoning, an allergic reaction, and irritation of the mucous membranes.

Moreover, it is possible that before pregnancy the woman tolerated basil well, but the little man growing inside her “didn’t like it.”

Indications

Indications for eating basil during pregnancy include vitamin deficiency and its prevention , weakened immunity, nervous exhaustion, and insomnia.

For sore throats, stomatitis, and periodontal disease, basil can be used as a decoction for rinsing. In principle, there are many indications for using basil, but pregnancy imposes its own limitations.

Contraindications

In general, basil is contraindicated for diabetes , epilepsy, thrombophlebitis, coronary heart disease, high and unstable blood pressure.
Pregnant women have their own contraindications - if the tone of the uterus is increased, there is at least a minimal threat of miscarriage, basil is strictly contraindicated.

It should also not be consumed by pregnant women with hypertension and other diseases listed above. Another contraindication is individual intolerance, which can only appear with the onset of pregnancy.

What can cause and what is dangerous about heavy bleeding during pregnancy?
We'll tell you! Sore throat during pregnancy: symptoms and treatment - in this article.

What sensations does a woman experience in the first days of pregnancy? https://puziko.online/rannie-sroki/pervye-priznaki/oshhushheniya-v-pervye-dni.html Read this article.

Can a nursing mother eat basil?

Many people are interested in whether a nursing mother can eat basil. In moderation and preferably in dried form. You can add a couple of pinches of greens to your dishes, but nothing more. The fact is that the digestive system of newborns is not fully formed, so babies up to three months suffer from bloating and accumulated gases. Why take another risk by consuming basil in large quantities during breastfeeding? You can heat-treat greens so that your baby’s tummy doesn’t hurt. This, by the way, will also relieve him of colic.

Did you know that dill water relieves cramps and bloating in babies? Basil also boasts this property. And since, of course, it cannot be given to a newborn in its pure form, a nursing mother should consume greens.

Due to an excess of basil in the diet, problems with lactation may begin: milk will be produced in smaller quantities. By the way, this property is used by women who want to stop breastfeeding.

What other benefits does basil have for a child?

Plant:

• calms;
• increases immunity;
• improves appetite.

So if you eat basil, you will improve your baby’s health.

Contraindications

Basil is not allowed:

• problems with the cardiovascular system;
• hypertension;
• diabetes mellitus;
• epilepsy;
• uterine tone;
• low blood clotting;
• individual intolerance.

Basil increases the tone of the uterus, which can subsequently lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Many varieties of this plant contain harmful toxic mercury compounds. An allergic reaction may occur to the essential oils contained in the plant. They can also cause gastrointestinal disorders and irritation of mucous membranes. Therefore, even if a pregnant woman has no contraindications, if consumed excessively, basil can even cause severe poisoning.

Precautionary measures

Before introducing basil into the diet of the expectant mother, you need to:

1. Consult a doctor to make sure there are no contraindications.
2. To make sure that the pregnant woman does not have individual intolerance, eat very little first and look at the body’s reaction. If everything is normal, then you can gradually increase the dose.
3. In case of any bad reaction (uterine tone, allergies, etc.), immediately exclude it from the diet.

How to use?

No matter how many benefits basil brings, it should not be abused during pregnancy. The best option is to use it as a seasoning in small quantities. In addition, you can use fresh basil leaves in salads ; its combination with cheese and tomatoes is especially tasty. But before crumbling it into a dish, it is better to pour boiling water over the leaves - this will reduce the harmful effects of basil.

But it is not recommended to cook basil leaves; during the cooking process, it loses its taste and beneficial substances. If you want to add basil to the soup, it is better to do it at the very end. It is recommended to eat basil in small portions no more than 2 times a week.

In the third trimester of pregnancy, you can cut yourself some slack and slightly increase the amount of basil in the menu if you want, but in the first months it is better to exclude this plant from the diet altogether.

Uses of basil

• In cooking,
  basil leaves are used fresh and as a dry spice. Its taste and aroma are unique - bitter-sweet taste with bright notes of freshness. It goes well with absolutely all dishes, and especially with tomatoes. Not only leaves are used, but also seeds. Basil is used for canning, smoking and even for flavoring alcoholic beverages, oil and vinegar;
• In cosmetology
  , basil is used due to its antiseptic properties in the creation of products for the care of problem skin. Essential oil and plant extract are added to creams for the age group, as it significantly improves the quality of the skin. Shampoos based on it are effective against hair loss;
• Official medicine
  recognizes the medicinal properties of basil, especially anti-cold and immunomodulatory properties. This plant is included in ointments, cough syrups, herbal teas, tablets and cough drops. Essential oil is actively used as a tonic, etc.;
• Alternative medicine
  uses basil for medicinal baths with a calming effect. Decoctions and infusions are made from the plant, which are recommended for use for colds, migraines, inflammation of the urinary system, and joint problems. Recommended for problems with reproductive function for women and men;
• In perfumery,
  basil is often used to create men's perfumes with a spicy scent, but women's perfumes are also not ignored. Perfumers classify basil as a “green” note with a characteristic bitter-tart and at the same time fresh smell. Basil goes well with bergamot, lavender, lemon, marjoram, lemon balm, etc. You can often find basil in perfume lines from popular manufacturers - Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, Kenzo, Sisley, etc.;
• In aromatherapy,
  basil oil extract is recommended for use for chronic fatigue, headaches, stress conditions and sleep disorders.

In medicine

In traditional medicine, the main beneficial property of basil is its antiseptic effect. Many studies note the positive use of the plant to eliminate infectious colds. It qualitatively removes phlegm from the upper respiratory tract and mucus from the nasopharynx, and relieves other symptoms of colds.

The plant has a general strengthening effect on the body, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, prevents inflammatory processes in the kidneys and bladder, and also has a mild diuretic effect. Cleanses the blood of toxins. Helps with sleep disorders, neuroses and headaches.

Basil tea is used for diarrhea and flatulence. It is also prescribed to improve appetite, sleep and for neuroses. Basil infusions are drunk as an anticonvulsant, for migraines and painful menstruation, and for decreased function of the mammary glands.

The plant is also used externally. Basically, its essential oil is used, and various ointments are made that contain it. Prescribed for dry eczema and dermatitis, acne, infectious sore throat and dental diseases. Effective for joint pain, neuritis and muscle inflammation.

All parts of the plant contain camphor in large quantities, so it is used as an aphrodisiac for depression of the central nervous system. Improves cerebral circulation. Basil is an immune-strengthening and tonic. It is recommended to use it in the postoperative period and during the treatment of serious diseases of the body.

One of the main benefits of basil oil is tuberculostatic activity.

The most popular official preparations that include basil include:

• Tablets, ointment and syrup "Travisil";
• Doctor Mom tablets and ointment;
• Cough syrup "Kuka";
• Cough syrup and balm “Bronchoton”;
• Bronchocin;
• Suprima broncho;
• Syrup and tablets "Kofol";
• Syrup "Bronholitin";
• Balm “Golden Star”;
• Balm “Red Elephant”.

At home, you can make many medicines from basil, which will be no less effective for treatment than many pharmaceutical drugs. Let's look at popular recipes.

Infusion for neuroses and convulsions

prepared as follows: 1 tbsp. Steam dry basil herbs in 250 ml of water. Leave for 2 hours. Strain and drink 1 tbsp. four times a day.

For the decoction

, which helps improve digestion and increase appetite, 2 tsp are needed. dry basil herb. Further recipe:

• Pour 1 cup of water over dry basil;
• Boil after boiling for 10 minutes;
• Leave for an hour and strain;

Drink the resulting portion throughout the day.

To make tea to relieve nervous tension and improve sleep

follows: 1 tbsp. Steam dry raw basil in a glass of boiling water and leave for a quarter of an hour. Drink as tea with honey twice a day.

Otitis

Treated with basil as follows:

• Add 2 tbsp to 2 glasses of water. fresh leaves;
• Bring to a boil, but do not boil;
• Leave for 15 minutes;
• Make a compress from the resulting broth and apply to the sore ear for two hours;
• You can soak cotton wool in the broth and insert it into your ear. Continue the procedure until complete healing.

toothache

will help remove rinsing with basil solution: 1 tbsp. steam dry raw materials in 250 ml of hot water. Leave for half an hour. Strain and rinse your mouth 7-8 times a day.

To bring down the temperature

The following infusion is prepared: 2 tsp. Dried basil flowers pour 250 ml of boiling water and leave for two hours. Strain and take 1 tbsp. three times a day before meals.

In cosmetology

Cosmetologists value basil for its antiseptic, rejuvenating, and tonic properties. Essential oil and basil extract are used in the production of creams and shampoos. They not only improve the composition, but also give a stunning aroma to cosmetics.

You can often find basil in anti-aging cosmetics, since, in addition to the rejuvenating effect, it also has antioxidant properties that slow down the aging process of the skin. Basil essential oil is included in shampoos for all hair types.

Cosmetologists note the following properties of basil in cosmetics:

• Tonic;
• Regenerative;
• Emollient;
• Healing;
• Antiseptic;
• Anti-inflammatory;
• Decongestant;
• Vitaminizing;
• Brightening.

If it is not possible to purchase cosmetics with basil, you can make them at home.

To prepare a vitamin face mask

follows: prepare a paste from fresh leaves of the plant and mix with warm water in a 1:1 ratio. Moisten the gauze and apply the resulting fabric mask to your face for half an hour. Wash off any remaining mask from your face with cold water.

For a strengthening hair mask you need:

• Mix 1 drop each of basil, rosemary and black pepper essential oils;
• Add 2 drops;
• 2 yolks and a pinch of salt;
• Apply the resulting mass to the entire length of the hair and leave for half an hour;
• Wash off;

The procedure should be repeated every week.

Rejuvenation mask

: mix 1 tbsp. honey with egg yolk and add 3 drops of basil essential oil to the mixture. Apply to face for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water.

To fight acne

You should squeeze the juice from basil leaves, soak a cotton swab in it and wipe the affected areas with it 3-4 times a day until the acne completely disappears.

For weight loss

Nutritionists recommend consuming basil during diets, as it is rich in beneficial vitamins. It is an excellent substitute for salt, especially when combined with rosemary. This is important, because if you want to lose a couple of kilos, you need to remove excess water from the body, which salt retains.

Basil helps improve the digestive process and normalize metabolism. Interestingly, not only dry and fresh basil leaves are eaten, but also its seeds. They are natural sorbents, cleanse the body of heavy metals and radionuclides, remove cholesterol plaques, excess fluid and eliminate problems associated with the gastrointestinal tract.

Basil seeds are also beneficial. When losing weight, they are used as follows: 1 tsp. seeds pour 0.5 tbsp. boiling water Infuse, covered, until swelling. Then add juice or yogurt to them and eat them for breakfast.

When losing weight, basil is added to baths, which tighten the skin and eliminate swelling. To prepare the decoction you will need:

• 1 bunch of fresh basil pour 1 liter of water;
• Boil for 5 minutes over low heat;
• Pour the broth into the bath.

To prepare healthy basil tea that promotes weight loss, you need to: pour 50 grams of fresh leaves with 2 cups of boiling water. Leave for half an hour and drink 2-3 times a day.

In cooking

In cooking, basil is used fresh and as a seasoning. There are a huge number of varieties of this plant. They differ in leaf color from soft green to dark purple, as well as aroma. Some varieties even smell like sweet vanilla.

This plant is especially popular in Greek, Italian, Asian, French and Caucasian cuisine. Basil goes well with almost all dishes - salads, meat, fish and even sweet desserts.

Table vinegar can be turned into balsamic vinegar by adding a few basil leaves.

A wonderful aroma will prevail in canned vegetables and pickles if you add basil to them. Dry herbs are added to meat and fish, sausages and pates, and also when smoked. Sauces, dressings and gravies are made on its basis. An interesting and already popular combination of basil, marjoram, coriander, mint, tarragon and parsley gives dishes a very piquant taste and aroma.

Basil can be used to flavor various drinks, including alcoholic beverages. Many people make a flavorful salad dressing by adding fresh basil to sunflower or olive oil.

Precautionary measures

Basil is a very useful plant, but with this indisputable fact, you need to be careful with its use, especially for pregnant women. This herb can irritate the mucous membranes of almost all organs, so it cannot be consumed in unlimited quantities. A pregnant woman should definitely know about the use of basil by her supervising doctor.

Important! Basil oil in significant doses poses a rather serious danger that can lead to poisoning and even death.

This oil should not be used by people with diseases of the cardiovascular system, bleeding disorders, or thrombosis. Also, pregnant women should always remember about the ability of basil to cause uterine contractions, and, as a result, miscarriage or premature birth. Therefore, if you do not know how to use it correctly during pregnancy, then it is better not to do it.

Can pregnant women eat cilantro?

Despite the abundance of active ingredients, cilantro is allowed for use during pregnancy. During this period, a woman may benefit from the following properties of the plant:

• prevents vitamin deficiency;
• normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• gently cleanses;
• improves the absorption of other beneficial substances;
• strengthens the immune system;
• improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Normalized consumption of cilantro for pregnant women will help maintain good health, have a positive effect on the condition of hair and skin, and promote the proper development of the fetus.

But it is worth remembering that, despite the obvious benefits, there are clear restrictions on the amount of product consumed. The indicator depends on the stage of pregnancy at which the woman is and some individual characteristics.

In late stages of pregnancy, it is permissible to eat the plant. But doctors do not recommend exceeding a dose of 10 g of greens per day. Frequency - 1-2 times every 10-14 days. External use is more acceptable.

Tinctures based on coriander - cilantro seeds - will come to the rescue. In the 3rd semester of pregnancy, the need for such products is due to frequent swelling and deterioration of the skin on the body and face.

You can use one of the recipes below.

Delicious salad recipe

To prepare basil salad you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 ripe tomatoes;
• 1 bunch of basil;
• 3 cloves of garlic;
• a little vegetable oil for salad dressing;
• a pinch of salt.

The dish is prepared in the following sequence:

1. The tomato must be cut into neat slices.
2. Basil leaves should be finely chopped.
3. After this, you need to peel and chop the garlic.
4. All ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
5. The dish is salted and seasoned with oil. Both olive and ordinary vegetable oil are suitable for this purpose.

You can complement the salad with walnuts. Their piquant flavor will be emphasized by the spicy aroma of basil, and the dish itself will become more nutritious and satisfying. You need to add a small amount of walnuts (about 50-100 grams) to the salad. They need to be finely chopped on a cutting board and poured into a plate with the prepared salad.

What can you cook?

Basil is most often used as a spice.

in preparing various dishes. It goes great with meat. The plant has excellent tonic properties.

Basil and lemon drink

This drink is especially good to drink in hot weather. It is very easy to prepare.

For 4 liters of water take 1 large lemon, 30-50 grams of fresh basil

, 350 grams of granulated sugar. Basil leaves and lemon cut into slices are placed in boiling water along with sugar, and then boiled in it for 10-15 minutes.

The finished drink is filtered. They drink it chilled.

Homemade ice cream with strawberries and basil, video recipe:

Juice

Well-washed and peeled basil branches are sent to a blender and chopped. The resulting mixture is placed in double gauze, with the help of which the juice is squeezed out of it.

It is better to drink it diluted with boiled water.

. To enhance the aroma, you can add a small amount of lemon to the drink.

A cocktail made from a mixture of basil and tomato juice has original taste.

The plant has a large number of substances that are useful and necessary for the body of a pregnant woman. It must be included in the diet, taking into account contraindications.

The daily intake of the product should not exceed 30-50 grams

. Before including it in your diet, you should consult your doctor.

When it comes to basil, it is very often characterized as incomparable and wonderful, meaning not only its high culinary merits, but also its unique medicinal properties. In folk medicine, the use of basil has become very popular, and in Indian culture it is recognized as a sacred plant that can heal not only the body, but also the mind.

Indications and contraindications

Fresh greens are recommended for consumption by those who suffer from insomnia, nervous exhaustion, to prevent vitamin deficiency and increase immunity. Basil decoction is used as a gargle for sore throat, periodontal disease or stomatitis.

Absolute contraindications to the use of this herb are:

• diabetes;
• unstable blood pressure;
• ischemia;
• thrombophlebitis;
• epilepsy.

Pregnant women should pay attention to the plant’s ability to increase uterine tone. Therefore, it is better to avoid consuming basil during early pregnancy and if there is a threat of miscarriage. For nutrition during this period, read the article Nutrition in early pregnancy>>>.

Benefit for health

The rich chemical composition determines the benefits of basil for the body.

. The essential oils contained in the leaves have an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.

Biologically active substances in basil:

• slow down the aging process;
• reduce the risk of developing numerous diseases;
• improve skin condition;
• accelerate the process of bone tissue formation;
• normalize heart function;
• stabilize blood pressure;
• increase hemoglobin;
• relieve insomnia and depression.

What is useful for men

Basil has a beneficial effect on men's health:

• leaves contain acids that stimulate blood circulation, the functioning of all internal organs and normalize blood sugar levels;
• basil eliminates problems with the gastrointestinal tract, including gas formation and constipation;
• the enzymes contained in the plant burn excess fat and help avoid gaining extra pounds, which is important for men who spend a lot of time driving a car or in the office;
• basil has a beneficial effect on the skin, eliminates itching, flaking, eczema;
• It is also useful to eat basil for those who want to find peace of mind, relieve stress, balance the functioning of the nervous system - the plant will restore sound sleep, improve appetite, relieve headaches and toothaches;
• Including basil in the daily diet, men will be able to concentrate faster and increase the overall tone of the body.

Basil will be useful for the treatment and prevention of male diseases: prostatitis, orchitis, sexual impotence.

What is useful for women

Basil is good for women's health

Basil is no less valuable for women's health. In addition to its general strengthening effect, the plant will interest women in its antioxidant properties, as well as the possibilities with its help:

• lose weight;
• improve skin condition;
• reduce the risk of cancer, including breast cancer;
• improve well-being during menstruation.

As a good natural antioxidant, basil is beneficial for female beauty. The essential oils it contains have a beneficial effect on oily skin, eliminating acne. To eliminate the problem of increased fat content, apply a paste of steamed seeds once a week (recipe is posted below).

Basil will relieve skin with the first signs of aging from fine wrinkles and pigmentation, improving its tone and tightening sagging areas. The camphene included in the composition will cool and refresh the face, neck, and décolleté.

Basil oil is added to hair lotions and masks to strengthen hair and activate growth.

Basil leaves tone the smooth muscles of the uterus and improve blood circulation, so they will be useful for irregular or painful menstruation.

Benefits of basil during pregnancy

Despite the fact that regular consumption of basil reduces pain during labor and improves lactation during breastfeeding, the plant should be treated carefully during pregnancy. It should be added to food only after permission has been received from the supervising gynecologist.

Fresh and dried basil is rich in vitamin C, making it good as an antibacterial and immune booster. During pregnancy, this is especially important, because the slightest cold can harm the baby, and the number of medications allowed for use during this period is limited.

The plant normalizes the functioning of the nervous system and eliminates sudden mood swings that are typical for pregnant women. The potassium contained in basil eliminates cramps, which often affect pregnant women.

Other beneficial properties of basil include a wound-healing effect, improvement of heart function, which during pregnancy pumps increased volumes of blood, prevention of fungal diseases and urolithiasis.

The healing properties of aromatic seasoning

Medicinal infusions containing basil are used to gargle for colds and acute respiratory infections. To prepare the product you need to do the following:

1. 5 g of dried basil leaves are poured into 0.2 liters of boiling water.
2. The mixture is infused for twenty minutes.
3. After this, the drink must be cooled.

The resulting infusion is used to gargle. The procedure is recommended to be carried out three times a day.

For a severe cough, severe headache and stomach discomfort, you can prepare the following decoction:

1. 10 g of basil leaves are poured into 500 ml of water.
2. The mixture must be brought to a boil.
3. The product must be cooked over low heat for 30 minutes.
4. The resulting broth must be cooled and filtered.

The drug is taken orally 10 ml twice a day, before meals.

Healing decoctions prepared from basil leaves help eliminate anxiety. They help cope with depression that occurs during pregnancy and improve sleep. To do this, add a small amount of honey to 100 ml of medicinal basil decoction. The product should be taken in the evening, shortly before bedtime. The duration of the treatment course ranges from 10 to 14 days. Basil aroma oil is used to treat skin diseases and pathologies of the respiratory system. You can add 3 drops of essential oil to bathing water. As a result, the bathroom will be filled with the pleasant aroma of basil. Essential oil helps eliminate headaches and reduces fatigue. When using the product, you must be careful: the recommended dosage should not be exceeded. In high concentrations, essential oil can cause burns of the mucous membranes.

Coriander in cosmetology

An alternative use of this incredibly useful plant is cosmetology. You can use it to make a daily cleanser. To do this, you will need to chop 30 grams of fresh cilantro leaves, pour 200 ml of boiling water and set aside for 25-35 minutes. Before use, the resulting infusion must be filtered. You can wash your face with it in the morning and evening, and for greater convenience you can pre-freeze it by wiping your face with ice cubes. For such purposes, cilantro can be brewed with chamomile. This combination will help relieve skin irritation and oily shine.

Spicy cilantro makes traditional dishes refined and original, and due to its rich composition it saturates the body with nutritional components. But during pregnancy you should not get carried away with it. This is one of the many herbs, the use of which must be very strictly dosed.

celery during pregnancy

Chemical composition

Vitamins

Microelements:

Macronutrients:

Methods of use

Basil is an essential oil plant that is added as a spice during cooking. Its aroma goes well with meat, cheese, fish, and poultry. It is used to season vegetable salads, appetizers, sauces, and soups.

Fresh and dried

During the basil season, it is better to eat it fresh, since when dried it loses up to 30% of its beneficial properties. When preparing dishes that are subject to heat treatment, it is better to add it 10–15 minutes before the end, otherwise the aroma of the herb will disappear and the food will acquire a specific bitter taste.

Salad with tomatoes, cheese and basil

Basil complements the taste of cheese and tomatoes very well.

Ingredients:

• tomatoes - 4–5 medium-sized pieces;
• onion - 1 piece;
• hard cheese - 100 g;
• basil - 1-2 shoots;
• olive oil - 1 tablespoon;
• salt and pepper - to taste.

Preparation:

1. Rinse the tomatoes and basil under running water and peel the onion.
2. Cut the tomatoes into slices, onions into thin half rings, cheese into cubes (or grate on a coarse grater), tear the basil with your hands.
3. Place everything in a deep bowl.
4. Season the salad with salt, pepper, olive oil and mix.

This salad is rich in vitamins, low in calories, tasty and easy to prepare.

Fish baked in the oven with tomatoes, cheese and basil

For this dish, it is better to choose low-fat river fish - perch, pike.

Ingredients:

• fish fillet - 0.5 kg;
• salt, pepper, chopped garlic - to taste;
• 4–5 medium tomatoes;
• hard cheese - 100–150 g;
• fresh basil - leaves from 2 shoots;
• 4 tablespoons olive oil.

Preparation:

1. Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Rinse the fish fillet under running water, dry with a paper towel, rub with a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic and place in a mold.
3. Drizzle the fish fillets with a little olive oil.
4. Wash the tomatoes, peel them, cut into slices and place on top of the fillet.
5. Sprinkle with basil leaves and grated cheese.
6. Drizzle with remaining olive oil.
7. Place the pan in a preheated oven and bake at 180–200°C for 15–20 minutes.

Fish dishes are very healthy for expectant mothers, but during pregnancy they can be consumed if you are not allergic to fish and seafood

How and where to store at home

No other spice has such a unique smell as basil, so today it is difficult to imagine preparing many dishes without it. This herb, when growing, feels good in our climate; it is also available in abundance in stores and markets. But it is quite delicate, so storing the plant at home is a rather difficult task.

Did you know? Even in India, in ancient times, basil was valued as sacred, in Italy it is considered a symbol of love and they try to use it wherever possible, and in Ancient Rome this herb was perceived as real evil.

For storage, you need to choose leaves that are not wilted, without damage or dark spots. This herb contains a lot of water, so it is best to store it by placing the stems in a glass container and soaking the roots with water.
Without covering, it is recommended to place the greens on an open surface without direct sunlight. In such conditions, basil retains its freshness for two weeks. If the plant is covered with polyethylene during this storage, pressing the edges, it can be stored for up to three weeks. In addition to basil, viburnum, strawberries, figs, sauerkraut, persimmons, sea buckthorn, rose hips, and bananas are also rich in vitamin C.

If there is not so much spice and you may need it in a couple of days, then its leaves can be placed on a damp cloth, wrapped and stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for three to four days. The plant can also be crushed and placed in a jar, filled with olive oil, and stored in the refrigerator for two to three months. After this storage, olive oil soaked in basil is perfect for making salad dressing.

To be able to store the spice for a longer period of time, it is recommended to freeze it. The leaves are washed, dried on a paper towel, then the branches are laid out on parchment and placed in the freezer so that they do not touch each other. After an hour of freezing, the branches are placed in ziplock bags with air squeezed out, which are stored in the freezer and retain their unique properties throughout the year.

In another freezing method, the leaves are finely crushed, placed in ice cube trays with water added, and frozen. After this, the cubes need to be knocked out of the mold, placed in a bag and stored in the freezer.

Fresh basil can also be frozen with olive oil. The leaves are finely chopped, mixed with olive oil, placed in zip bags and stored in the freezer.

If necessary, you need to break off a piece and store the rest in the freezer compartment. In this form, the plant can be stored for about a year. You can also dry the spice by first rinsing and removing moisture.

Features of application

Cilantro is primarily a spice that is used in cooking. However, thanks to its rich chemical composition and its beneficial properties, the plant has also found application in folk medicine and cosmetology.

In folk medicine

The beneficial properties of coriander could not go unnoticed by traditional healers.

The plant, in one form or another, is used in the following cases:

• Various compresses and applications are used to treat dermatological diseases;
• in case of inflammation of the gums or micro-wounds in the oral cavity, it is enough to chew seeds or fresh coriander;
• decoctions and tinctures help normalize digestion, thanks to the essential oils they contain, improve the quality of gastric juice, increase appetite, and eliminate flatulence;
• a small amount of coriander oil added to an aroma lamp can restore the psychological state, tidy up the nerves, and eliminate fatigue syndrome;
• Compresses made from cilantro decoction help with conjunctivitis and some other eye problems.

Important! When breastfeeding, mothers quite often develop cracked nipples, for the healing of which the pharmaceutical industry produces quite a few different drugs. But if a woman does not want to use chemicals, coriander oil will come to the rescue - an excellent natural antiseptic with a healing effect.

In cosmetology

Cosmetologists recommend using cilantro-based masks to whiten skin, remove wrinkles, and give facial skin freshness, firmness and a healthy color. An excellent remedy for daily washing is a decoction of herbs.

To prepare it you will need:

• fresh cilantro - 70 g;
• boiling water - 0.5 l.

Prepare the decoction as follows: brew chopped greens with boiling water, let it brew for half an hour, then filter. When the broth has cooled to a comfortable temperature, it is used for washing. You can prepare a similar remedy by adding 3 tbsp to the same amount of ingredients when brewing. l. chamomile colors.

Did you know? Coriander essential oil is used in the perfume industry. Based on it, perfume compositions are prepared that smell like bergamot, violet, grapefruit, lime and rose.

After cooling, the strained broth is poured into an ice-freezing mold and placed in the freezer. The resulting cubes are used to wipe the skin, especially in places where wrinkles form. The use of such a product has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, removes symptoms of irritation and oily sheen.

In cooking

Coriander seeds and greens are especially popular in the Caucasus. This happened largely due to the plant’s ability to stimulate the digestion of food after a hearty feast rich in meat, typical of these places. Despite the fact that the recipe for the popular Caucasian seasoning - adjika - may vary depending on the specific region of preparation, the spicy snack almost always includes two constant components: fenugreek and coriander.

No less popular than adjika in the Caucasus, especially in Georgia, is a spicy mixture - Svan salt, named after its region of origin - Svaneti, a region in northern Georgia. The composition of the mixture, just like adjika, certainly includes coriander. There is a version that Svan salt began to be prepared in ancient times, mixing table salt with local herbs (coriander, fenugreek, cumin, dill, etc.). They did this in order to increase the volume of salt, which at that time was very expensive. Fresh cilantro is used to prepare various meat and vegetable dishes.

Without it, it is impossible to imagine real Caucasian chebureks. One of the options for serving shish kebab (there is an opinion that this serving has Azerbaijani roots) is to serve the dish on a bed of onions in which the meat was marinated; the kebab is sprinkled with cilantro and pomegranate seeds on top. Many Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Balkan and Transcaucasian cuisines have similar dishes with different names: Greek tzatziki, Turkish dzhadzhik, Bulgarian tarator and even the Indian drink lassi.

Did you know? Coriander is used in the preparation of various vegetarian dishes, imitation sausages and pates. Most people strongly associate the smell of spice with the smell of meat.

Although the mentioned dishes differ in geography of origin and composition, they all have the same basis: a fermented milk product typical of the area (yogurt, cottage cheese, ayran, kefir, tan, etc.). A large amount of herbs is added to yogurt or some other drink, including fresh cilantro, garlic, cucumbers, and salt. Of the dishes typical of our cuisine, okroshka is closest to the cold soups listed above.

Cilantro belongs to the Apiaceae family, which also includes carrots, parsley, cumin, parsnips, celery, etc. Cilantro and its seeds go well with the listed crops, as well as with eggplants, tomatoes, sweet peppers, garlic, onions, potatoes and legumes. Coriander seeds are used to prepare various marinades, as well as in cold appetizers like Korean kimchi (Korean pickled carrots, cabbage, fish).

How to choose the right one when purchasing

There are a lot of varieties of basil, they all differ in both appearance and taste. This plant can have different leaf shapes and colors (green, purple, brown, blue). To taste, one type of spice may be close to lemon, another to cinnamon, a third to resemble tea, but they all have sufficient richness.

When selling basil, it is offered fresh, frozen or dried. It is best, of course, to buy the plant fresh, eat the leaves immediately, and choose your own storage method for the remaining leaves.

When buying a herb, you need to pay attention not only to its freshness, but also to the possibility of its safe use, because many manufacturers in the process of growing this spice use various chemicals, which can be easily recognized by careful inspection and testing of aromatic properties.

When purchasing basil, you need to pay special attention to the following:

• fresh leaves are rich and bright, regardless of their color;
• the leaves should have elasticity and juiciness to the touch, the plant should look fresh, evoke the feeling of having just been picked;
• when you rub a fresh leaf with your fingers, an aroma with characteristic richness and astringency appears, while the leaves have a slightly pronounced odor;
• a sign of unsatisfactory quality is the presence of plaque, spots of unknown origin, and various contaminants on the leaves;
• the leaves should be dry, but not dried out;
• a plant sold in containers or bags must be checked for the integrity of the packaging, read the expiration date and examine the leaves for the level of moisture, drying and presence of defects;
• the color of the leaves on the outside and inside is different, but it should still be uniform on both sides, because the presence of yellow veins indicates that the drying process has begun, green spots indicate the increased use of fertilizers and various chemicals, any spots present on the leaves are deviations;
• It is allowed to place and pre-sale storage of plant stems in water in order to prolong its fresh appearance.

Did you know? Basil planted in the ground and grown in open ground can repel insect pests and cause the death of some of them. This plant is planted in areas for decorative purposes, as well as to protect other plants from aphids, spider mites and other pests. And as an excellent honey plant, basil attracts beneficial insects to the site.

You should not buy basil if:

• its leaves are limp or have dried out and yellowed areas (it has lost its taste and will not be stored for long);
• it is dirty, the leaves have a sticky coating (technological rules were not followed during cultivation, collection and storage; chemicals were also used to accelerate growth);
• it is odorless (grown using chemicals);
• its leaves smell of mold, dampness, rot (this should not happen even to a minimal degree);
• the leaves have tears or cracks (such a plant will be less juicy and will deteriorate faster);
• there are growths on the plant (indicating damage by diseases and pests);
• there are rotten leaves in the bunch (basil deteriorates quite quickly, so even if damaged specimens are removed, healthy ones cannot be saved from rotting).

Useful

There is an excellent one - a real storehouse of vitamins. Moreover, it cooks very quickly. You need to spend very little time on this. Ready!

Basil is also added to fish, meat dishes, and other salads. It not only improves the taste of food, but also imbues it with an amazing smell.

If you want to eat this plant in the cold season, find out. To do this, dry fresh leaves or put them in the freezer. As you can see, nothing complicated.

You can often hear basil called the royal herb.

. It is widely used in cooking and for preparing medicinal decoctions and tinctures.

The plant can grow up to 60 cm in height. You can distinguish basil from other herbs by its color. The plant's tassels have a pinkish or purple tint. They feel slightly rough to the touch.

Is it possible to include basil in the diet during pregnancy or not? Let's figure it out.

In trade, basil can be found in fresh and dry form. When purchasing fresh leaves

plants pay attention to their color. It should be bright and rich.

Plant freshness is one of the main indicators of product quality. Its branches should be elastic and succulent.

These indicators indicate that the leaves have only been cut and contain a large amount of substances beneficial to the human body.

Before buying a plant, its leaves are rubbed with your fingers. The strong aroma released by the ground plant indicates the good quality of the product. It should be rich and tart.

The leaves should not show signs of rot, mold or pigmentation. You should not buy plants that are overly wet.

In supermarkets, basil is most often sold in packages.

, which indicates its expiration date. When purchasing, you need to pay attention to this.

The packaging protects the product from damage and drying out. You should not buy basil in packaging that has mechanical damage, and also:

• with leaves showing signs of dryness;
• dirty or moldy;
• odorless and odorless;
• having mechanical damage, growths or signs of pest damage.

The dry plant goes on sale in packaged form

. Its manufacturer is responsible for the quality of the product. All necessary information about the product can be found on the packaging.

Beneficial effects of coriander seeds on the body

Coriander seeds have analgesic, choleretic and antiseptic properties. They are used to prepare a medicinal decoction intended to treat diseases of the digestive organs.

The product is prepared according to the following scheme:

1. 20 g of medicinal plant is poured into 700 ml of boiling water.
2. The product must be infused for at least 60 minutes.
3. Then the resulting mixture is filtered.

It is recommended to drink the coriander-based product in small sips throughout the day. Coriander decoction reduces pain in the stomach.

Treatment with basil

Basil helps increase the vitality of the body and improve mood, enhance the effect of drugs prescribed for diseases:

• organs of vision (glaucoma, conjunctivitis, cataracts);
• musculoskeletal system (gout, rheumatism, dislocations, bruises, swelling);
• oral cavity (stomatitis, gingivitis, caries, bleeding gums);
• dermatological and venereal diseases (dry eczema, acne, trichophytosis, microsporia, chlamydia, gonorrhea).

Juice from fresh basil leaves is used to wipe insect bites to relieve itching and redness.

For diseases of the nervous system

It is no coincidence that Basil is called “natural balm for the soul and mind.” It has an anti-stress effect and quickly normalizes the emotional state, relieving nervous disorders and hysteria.

Simply rubbing a fresh basil leaf between your fingers and inhaling its aroma can help you fall asleep faster. Therefore, psychologists recommend placing a pot with a growing plant in the bedroom or hanging a sachet of dried basil leaves over the bed.

Basil will come to the rescue in situations where high brain activity and concentration are required - during important negotiations, when taking an exam, or while driving for a long time. It will calm you down and relieve stress after a hard day at work. And if you chew a basil leaf, you can reduce the pain of migraines.

As an antidepressant, basil resists the accumulation of stress, relieves anxiety and fears

. It is no coincidence that it is recommended to be included in food for those whose psyche is prone to frequent states of melancholy and depression.

For diseases of the heart and blood vessels

Thanks to its cardiotonic properties, basil improves heart performance. The plant also has a hypotensive effect – it reduces blood pressure. By dilating blood vessels, basil improves blood circulation, ensuring its full flow to all organs.

The plant is used for treatment and prevention:

• cardiac ischemia;
• hypertension;
• atherosclerosis;
• anemia.

For diseases of the kidneys, liver and urinary tract

Basil enhances the effect of drugs prescribed for treatment:

• cystitis;
• jade;
• pyelitis;
• dysfunction of the adrenal cortex.

The herb has choleretic and diuretic properties, having a preventive effect on the kidneys, liver and urinary system.

For respiratory diseases

For sore throat, ARVI and other respiratory infections, drink a decoction of basil, gargle with it, or take inhalations to relieve pain and reduce fever.

Basil decoction for colds

Ingredients

:

1. Dry basil – 1 tbsp. l.
2. Rose hips - 3 tbsp.
3. Water – 0.5 l.

How to cook

: Pour boiling water over rose hips and basil in a thermos. Leave for 60 minutes.

How to use

: Drink a glass half an hour before meals. You can add 1-3 tsp. honey

Result

: Basil-rosehip decoction will speed up recovery, relieve fever and pain symptoms.

To reduce a runny nose, rinse your sinuses with basil infusion. Prepare it according to the same recipe, but without adding rose hips, and increase the infusion time to 6 hours.

To restore your sense of smell and reduce inflammation during sinusitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis, use basil in inhalations. Steam fresh or dry basil leaves with boiling water and breathe over the steam for 5-10 minutes.

Eat the plant regularly to improve the condition of the bronchi and alveoli and prevent pneumonia and tuberculosis.

For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Basil can not only improve appetite, but also normalize the functioning of the stomach and intestines. By increasing the production of gastric juice, it stimulates digestion, restores intestinal microflora and relieves tension on the smooth muscles of the stomach. The plant is introduced into the diet for treatment:

• stomach colic and cramps;
• nausea and vomiting;
• constipation and diarrhea;
• increased gas formation;
• chronic gastritis and gastroenteritis.

General strengthening effect

Basil contains 1.5% essential oils. It also contains a lot of vitamin C and phytoncides. This composition makes the plant a good prophylactic against colds and other viral diseases. In combination with lavender and eucalyptus, the antimicrobial effect of basil increases by 25 times.

By adding basil leaves to food or seasoning fish, vegetables, or meat with it, you will strengthen your immune system. The beta-caryophyllene contained in the leaves will have an anti-inflammatory effect, so you need to add basil to your food during cold epidemics.

You will learn more about the benefits of basil in the video:

Lemon cookies with coriander

To prepare 4 servings of cookies you will need the following ingredients:

• a glass of flour;
• 130 g powdered sugar;
• 1 small lemon;
• 1 teaspoon cilantro seeds;
• 110 g butter;
• a pinch of sea salt.

Before preparing the dish, you must preheat the oven to a temperature of 190 degrees.

Cookies are prepared in several stages:

1. You need to grate the lemon zest using a fine grater.
2. Grind the cilantro in a separate container until it reaches the consistency of powder.
3. Lemon zest is added to the coriander.
4. Mix these ingredients thoroughly.
5. Then you need to combine the butter with powdered sugar. Beat the mixture thoroughly with a mixer.
6. Add a mixture of coriander, a pinch of salt and lemon zest to the resulting mass. The dish must be beaten again with a mixer.
7. You need to add flour.
8. Beat the resulting mixture with a blender.
9. From the dough you need to form small cakes.
10. Then place food paper on a baking sheet.
11. It must be greased with butter.
12. The cookies are carefully distributed over the entire surface of the baking sheet.
13. The dish is baked in the oven for 13 minutes.

It is recommended to sprinkle the finished cookies with a small amount of powdered sugar.

Fragrant and exotic basil

Botanists call basil Ocimum basilicum, and it is popularly known as the noble, royal or royal herb - all thanks to its original taste, spicy aroma, unique medicinal properties and high content of essential oils. India is considered to be the birthplace of the plant. Today, basil is cultivated in Europe, the USA, tropical areas of Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean countries. There are more than 200 types of basil in the world. They differ in the color and shape of the leaves, aroma and healing effect.

Cooks love this herb for its pleasant spicy smell and add it to dishes as a spice or fresh, and season salads with basil seeds. Cosmetologists have appreciated the healing properties of the essential oil obtained from the stems and leaves of the plant. Doctors and traditional healers did not ignore him.

In cooking, sweet basil (linalol) is most often used, in cosmetology - sweet and exotic (methyl chavicol), in medicine - sweet, exotic, methyl cinnamate, methyl eugenol.

Basil is grown in garden plots and in flower pots on the windowsill. It can also be found in flower beds in parks and gardens

This demand for basil is quite understandable:

• vitamin A in its composition, participating in protein and fat metabolism, improves the condition of the skin, hair, nails, affects the acuity of night vision, and has antioxidant properties;
• vitamin B9 (folic acid) is responsible for the breakdown and absorption of nucleic and amino acids, protein, promotes cell growth and division, prevents the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• Vitamin C increases the body's resistance to infections;
• potassium and vitamin K help strengthen the walls of blood vessels and fight varicose veins;
• iron prevents the occurrence of anemia (anemia);
• calcium is good for dental health;
• magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids help increase brain activity;
• essential oils (about 1.5% are contained in the above-ground part of the plant) soothe and relax the nervous system, disinfect, regenerate, rejuvenate and nourish the skin.

Basil has antiseptic, antispasmodic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunostimulating, antioxidant, astringent, and mild diuretic effects. It stimulates the digestive system and prevents the formation of “bad” cholesterol.

Royal grass - video

Contraindications and harm

To talk about the dangers of basil during pregnancy, a healthy woman needs to eat kilograms of it. The plant in reasonable doses will not cause problems for a pregnant woman. But it should also be noted that not all people, and especially pregnant women, have the same reaction to the essential oils contained in the plant.

For some, eating basil can cause a rash; for others, it can cause irritation of the digestive tract or upset stomach. If a woman experienced similar phenomena before pregnancy, then during pregnancy there is no need to take this spice as food.

Basil during pregnancy has its contraindications for diabetes, ischemic manifestations, thrombophlebitis, epilepsy, instability of blood pressure, especially hypertension. Pregnant women at risk of miscarriage also need to pay attention to the ability of this plant to increase the tone of the uterus. Therefore, if there is a predisposition to miscarriage, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, it is better to exclude basil from the diet.

What is basil

• Basil is a fragrant herb that we are used to using in cooking. However, due to the high content of essential oils in the plant, it is used in cosmetology and folk medicine. There are many varieties of basil. The plant can be green, purple, dark red. There are varieties with different aromas: lemon, licorice, etc.;

Not only fresh basil is used for cooking, but also dried basil. But it is worth remembering that if you use a dried plant for cooking food that needs heat treatment, then add it at the final stage, otherwise you risk getting a dish with unpleasant notes of bitterness.

The calorie content of basil is only 23 kcal per 100 grams of plant. It contains a lot of:

1. vitamin C, which is an antioxidant, strengthens blood vessels and stimulates the body's defenses;
2. beta-carotene – a substance that has a beneficial effect on the condition of the heart and blood vessels, and also prevents the development of cancer;
3. choline, which has a mild calming effect, reduces the level of harmful cholesterol in the blood and activates the functioning of brain cells.

In addition, this greenery contains: calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamins A, B, E and PP. And thanks to a significant amount of essential oils, basil has its own specific aroma.

How to use basil

1. Of course, it is best to consume basil fresh. This way, not only the special aroma is preserved, but also all the beneficial substances. To do this, just add herbs to salads;
2. Optimal combination: greens with tomato and cheese;
3. Do you want to add a special aroma to your tea? Add a few plant leaves to it;
4. Even if for some reason you cannot eat basil, do not forget about the possibility of its external use. For example, during a cold, it is recommended to inhale with its decoction or essential oil. This will be an excellent alternative to using medications;
5. And rinsing the throat and mouth with such a decoction is an excellent treatment for sore throat and any inflammatory processes (find out what else you can gargle with during this period from the article How to gargle during pregnancy?>>>);
6. Fresh plant juice has bactericidal and wound-healing properties;
7. Those who suffer from conjunctivitis are advised to wash their eyes with a decoction of fresh or dry basil.

Eat a varied and healthy diet - this is the most important thing during pregnancy.

Healthy recipes

Decoction

• 
  Dried basil – 15 grams;

• Water – 1 glass.

1. Chop the basil and add water.
2. The broth should be simmered in a water bath for about half an hour.
3. After this, it must be strained.

The cooled broth can be used for lotions and eye rinsing for conjunctivitis. You can also make a bath with a decoction - it is very effective for eczema.

Juice

Concentrated freshly squeezed basil juice can be used to heal various wounds or treat fungus. But you can also make a mouthwash from the juice :

• basil juice – 1 tablespoon;
• water - half a glass.

To prepare, simply mix juice and warm water. This solution will perfectly help with sore throat. In addition, it helps strengthen the gums and treats various inflammations of the oral cavity.

Inhalation with oil

Inhalations are recommended for upper respiratory tract infections. They greatly ease breathing, help relieve coughs and help with chronic runny nose.

Dry inhalation:

• Basil oil – 2 drops.
• Lemon oil – 3 drops.
• Rosemary oil – 4 drops.

Apply the indicated ingredients to a clean cloth. Breathe the resulting aroma several times a day.

Hot inhalation to ease breathing:

• Basil oil – 5 drops.
• Lavender oil – 5 drops.
• Lemon oil – 5 drops.

Add the indicated ingredients to a container of hot water. Tilt your head over the dishes, cover with a towel and breathe in the steam for about 10 minutes.

Tea

This tonic drink is great for any headaches. You can use both fresh and dried basil to make tea . However, before preparing, fresh leaves must be thoroughly rinsed in cold water and then dried.

To brew basil tea, you just need to pour boiling water over the leaves and let the drink brew for about half an hour. You can drink it hot or chilled like regular tea. But you shouldn’t overuse it - you should drink this tea for no longer than 3 weeks, and then you need to take a break for at least a week.

Infusion of leaves

• 
  Dry basil – 1 tablespoon.

• Water – 1 glass.

Preparing the infusion is very simple. You need to boil water and pour basil leaves into it. The medicine will infuse for about 30 minutes , and then it can be safely used for treatment. You can rinse your mouth with this infusion - it will help cure a cough, relieve toothache, and also improve the condition of the gums with periodontal disease. In addition, they can be used to wash wounds that have festered, and to apply lotions to the eyes in cases of inflammation and fatigue.

Read about how to cook and use basil, what are the harms and benefits for women, here, we talked about the preparation and use of basil here.

Our portal contains information not only about basil for women, but also for men, as well as about the essential oil from the plant.

Can pregnant women eat basil?

During pregnancy, doctors do not recommend eating basil, despite all its benefits. It can affect the contractility of the uterus, which can lead to miscarriage. In addition, the plant contains substances that accumulate in the body and have a teratogenic (causing the appearance of defects and abnormalities) effect on the fetus.

In this context, it is absolutely necessary to remember the so-called emmenagogues (“emmenagogue” is translated as “causing menstruation”). Emmenagogues include drugs and medicinal plants that provoke menstrual bleeding. Their action is most often based on provoking endometrial detachment and uterine contractions, so they can be dangerous for pregnancy. Basil is an emmenagogue, has an abortifacient and teratogenic effect.

Berezovskaya E.P., obstetrician-gynecologist, doctor-researcher, author of books, publicist

https://lib.komarovskiy.net/lekarstvennye-travy-i-beremennost.html

Contraindications and precautions during pregnancy

Eating basil during pregnancy requires strict adherence to the following rules:

• You can’t eat the spice every day;
• an absolute ban on consuming the plant is the threat of termination of pregnancy;
• basil is contraindicated for diseases of the cardiovascular system, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis of the extremities, diabetes mellitus, high levels of blood clotting, problems with blood pressure;
• if a woman has not tried basil before conception, she should not do so before giving birth (in addition to the negative effect on the body, allergic reactions may occur).

A single dose of a medicinal plant, the effect of which on the fetus is unknown or its negative effect is known, will most often not cause harm if the dose of the active substance is small. Frequent or constant use of medicinal plants can lead to pregnancy complications and even its termination. Therefore, the use of medicinal herbs and preparations made from medicinal raw materials by pregnant women should be strictly justified and careful.

Berezovskaya E.P., obstetrician-gynecologist, doctor-researcher, author of books, publicist

https://lib.komarovskiy.net/lekarstvennye-travy-i-beremennost.html

If you really want basil during pregnancy, you can eat just a little of it: as a seasoning, like greens in salads or soups, add a few leaves to tea. Ingestion of plant juice, infusions and decoctions from it, as well as essential oils should be avoided.

Danger in early and late stages

In the early stages of pregnancy, the plant in large quantities can provoke uterine hypertonicity and miscarriage, disturbances in the formation and development of the fetus, in later stages - digestive disorders, irritation of the mucous membranes, and increased blood pressure. During pregnancy, it is rarely prescribed by a doctor as a medicine, but only when a safer replacement for the medicine is impossible for some reason.

Basil essential oil is contraindicated during pregnancy (including external use) due to the high concentration of biologically active substances it contains.

Benefits of coriander for pregnant women

The composition of cilantro leaves includes the following vitamins, macro- and microelements:

1. Vitamin A (beta-carotene).
   It is necessary to maintain an optimal level of vision and is responsible for the processes of proper cell growth and differentiation. Beta-carotene is highly digestible and its overdose is manifested by yellowing of the skin, which is not dangerous even for pregnant women. 100 grams of cilantro contain 3.93 mg of beta-carotene (with a recommended daily dose for pregnant women of 1000 mcg).
2. Folic acid.
   It is impossible to imagine a healthy pregnancy without vitamin B9. It is responsible for laying the neural tube of the fetus, so its deficiency can provoke developmental defects and premature birth. Per 100 grams of fresh cilantro leaves there are 62 mcg of folic acid with a daily dose for pregnant women of 200 to 300 mcg.
3. Vitamin K (phylloquinone).
   The main task of this vitamin is to regulate the process of blood clotting, preventing bleeding. In some cases, it is given to women during difficult and protracted labor. It also has an analgesic and antibacterial effect, and is involved in protein synthesis. It is enough to eat only 50 grams of cilantro to provide the daily dose of this vitamin for pregnant women (140 mcg).
4. Potassium.
   Without potassium, most metabolic processes occurring in the body are impossible. Its salts are necessary for the optimal functioning of all soft muscles, blood vessels, endocrine glands and brain cells. Pregnant women who are experiencing swelling can try adding cilantro to their diet as the potassium it contains helps eliminate swelling.

Beneficial properties of the product during pregnancy

Basil contains phytoncides and vitamin C. Therefore, the plant should be consumed by pregnant women with weakened immune systems. Dishes with basil must be prepared during an epidemic of acute respiratory diseases. After all, even a common cold can cause considerable harm to the health of the unborn child, and the list of medications approved for use during pregnancy is significantly limited.

Basil contains iron, which reduces the likelihood of anemia in the fair sex. The plant also contains calcium. This substance is intended for the normal formation of the skeletal system of the unborn baby.

Sources

• https://opryanosti.ru/drugie-pryanosti/beremennost-i-kinza.html
• https://spuzom.com/kinza-pri-beremennosti.html
• https://puziko.online/mozno-li/ml-lekarstva/travy/bazilik.html
• https://rusfermer.net/ogorod/listovye-ovoshhi/bazilik/poleznye-svojstva-i-vred/mozhno-li-pri-beremennosti.html
• https://pregnancymethod.com/mozhno-li-bazilik-beremennym/
• https://spuzom.com/bazilik-pri-beremennosti.html
• https://uroki4mam.ru/bazilik-pri-beremennosti
• https://womensmed.ru/bolezni/problemy-beremennosti/pravda-o-bazilike-mozhet-li-lekarstvennoe-rastenie-byit-opasnyim-dlya-budushhih-mam.html

[collapse]

Possible harm

Speaking about basil - the benefits and harm to health, it is important to remember the negative effects of the plant, which cannot be excluded for the following diseases:

• varicose veins;
• thrombophlebitis;
• thrombosis;
• epilepsy;
• nervous disorders;
• low pressure;
• hematological pathologies;
• pregnancy.

If you have chronic diseases, consultation with your doctor is required. Long-term use of basil is not recommended due to the risk of poisoning. The leaves of some varieties contain mercury, which is not harmful in small quantities.

Pregnant women should know that basil increases the tone of the uterus, thereby increasing the risks of various complications, premature birth and miscarriage. Often the plant does not harm the woman, but has a negative effect on the fetus, so basil can be consumed in very small quantities, in the absence of the above contraindications and after consultation with a doctor.