Nature has provided abundantly to men for their nutrition and comfort. It also takes care of men’s health. This is through various kinds of herbs, plants and natural products that have medicinal properties.

Basil (Umwenya in Kinyarwanda) is one such plant and grows abundantly in Rwanda. It has many medicinal properties which makes it a very useful plant for the overall health of a person. It is very useful for common colds, where one has sneezing or running of nose. It also helps in giving relief from cough. It reduces cough and clears the associated troublesome expectoration, thus providing immense relief.

In case of people suffering from recurrent cold and cough due to allergy, basil helps in minimizing the problem and keeping the person comfortable. One just needs to chew few basil leaves everyday or use them as decoction. It is also very useful for curing sore throats. People suffering from chronic bronchitis get relief in their symptoms by using basil leaves daily.

Decoctions of basil help in bringing down high temperature in case of children. It helps in numerous childhood ailments like cough, cold, diarrheal diseases, etc.

The body’s immunity is strengthened by basil thus increasing its ability to fight diseases.

Blood cholesterol is reduced by regular use of basil, thus minimizing chances of heart diseases. Its daily use strengthens the functioning of the heart and kidneys and also offers complete removal of kidney stones after about 6 months.

Basil leaves also have anti-stress properties. Drinking tea with basil leaves relaxes the mind. They also aid in digestion. Use of basil decoction or tea after food helps in the digestion process.

Chewing basil leaves helps in curing ailments of mouth like ulcers or infections. The herb can be dried and used in a powder or paste form to brush the teeth. In this way it helps in strengthening teeth, massaging the gums and also helps in curing tooth infections. It also helps in counteracting bad breath.

Local application of these leaves is helpful in skin diseases like ring worm infections, louse infestations, etc. Overnight application of paste of basil leaves helps in clearing louse from the hair.

It is said to be preventive as well as curative for insect bites and stings. A paste of fresh juice of leaves or roots aids in curing bite of insects.

Thus there are multiple benefits of basil. The leaves can be chewed directly. They can be boiled with water or tea. A decoction of basil leaves can be prepared with ginger and or honey to enhance the flavor and medicinal properties.

Mild ailments can be treated very effectively with basil leaves and prevented from becoming severe. Of course for severe problems, one needs to consult a doctor and take the necessary medicines.

If somebody uses basil regularly, he or she will remain healthy and not succumb to diseases readily. I personally use tea with basil leaves in case of having sore throat, cold, etc. problems and find them to very effective. The benefits are many and harm none. It offers a very cheap and easy solution to many health related problems

Dr Pande is a specialist in internal medicine at Ruhengeri Hospital

E-mail-rachna212002@yahoo.co.uk