Basil is widely used in cooking as a seasoning. However, in the East, tea is brewed from basil, and alcoholic beverages are flavored. In the food industry, basil is used as a raw material for the manufacture of vanillin. All this leads us to the fact that basil is an excellent base for making homemade flavored drinks.

Basil compote tastes good. Soft bitterness and sweet aftertaste should be slightly diluted with lemon to diversify and enrich the taste of the drink.

It is better to cook compote from purple basil. Green is also suitable, but purple is purely visually beautiful, especially since you can “play” with colors, making pink from blue compote, of various shades.

To prepare basil compote, the ratio of ingredients is determined "by eye".

Well let's say:

  • For 3 liters of water;
  • 200 gr. sugar, or honey;
  • 1 bunch of basil (about 150 grams);
  • 1 lemon, if you want to change the color of the compote.

Rinse the basil under running water. Strip the leaves from the stem and tear them with your hands.

Put the basil in a saucepan, add sugar, add water and put the saucepan on the fire. As soon as the water boils, remove the pan from the stove, cover with a lid and let the compote brew.

Strain the compote. You will see that it is bright blue. And here you can already fantasize and try by adding lemon and watch how the compote turns from blue to pink.

Recipe for harvesting basil compote for the winter

Prepare bottles and put clean, dry basil leaves in them.

Make syrup from water and sugar.

For 3 liters of water, take no more than 300 grams of sugar. Basil also adds sweetness to the drink, so this amount is enough.

Pour the hot syrup over the basil leaves and, if desired, add lemon juice. Do not add chopped lemon with peel to the compote. Basil is already bitter, and lemon peel will only increase this bitterness.

Close jars with lids and wrap until completely cool.

Basil compote may not spoil for a long time, but it is best not to leave it for more than 12 months.

Also, you can freeze multi-colored compote in ice molds and it will be a fragrant decoration for tea or a cocktail at any time of the year.

How to cook compote from basil, look at the video:

Basil is a fragrant herb that looks like green leaves. Most often, the product is used as an addition to second courses and is used in the process of preparing sauces. In addition to aesthetic qualities, basil has many advantages. It is used in cooking, cosmetology and medicine in order to get rid of many ailments. On this basis, many are interested in the benefits and harms of the plant.

The action of the basil

Positive qualities are reflected in the properties of basil, which apply to the entire body. So, the product has the following actions:

  • raises blood pressure, fighting hypotension;
  • enhances the protective functions of the body;
  • responsible for proper digestion;
  • helps to lose weight;
  • kills microbes and bacteria;
  • has anthelmintic properties;
  • fights bleeding gums;
  • has a beneficial effect on reproductive function;
  • prevents diseases of the male reproductive system;
  • removes excess bile from the body;
  • eliminates swelling of internal organs, limbs;
  • fights malignant cells;
  • regenerates tissues;
  • used in cosmetic masks for face, hair;
  • compensates for the lack of vitamins in the off-season;
  • removes mucus from the respiratory tract;
  • reduces fever;
  • fights purulent acne and inflammation on the skin.

The benefits of basil

  1. Infusions are prepared from seeds and dried basil leaves. The drink eliminates the likelihood of cancer cells, blocking the access of blood to neoplasms.
  2. The incoming vitamin-mineral complex fills the body with the necessary enzymes. This quality is appreciated during the transitions from one season to another, when the body lacks vitamins.
  3. A drink made from green or dried leaves increases blood pressure, eliminates headaches and frequent migraines, muscle cramps during the menstrual cycle.
  4. The use of basil during illness relieves the respiratory tract of sputum. Basil reduces body temperature, kills bacteria, increases the body's defenses. With systematic use, the risk of developing pneumonia and bronchitis is reduced.
  5. For students and school-age children, doctors recommend using a decoction of dried raw materials with the addition of honey or sugar. Such a drink will enhance concentration, memory and overall brain activity.
  6. The plant fights diseases of the oral cavity. If your gums bleed, rinse your mouth with basil decoction twice or thrice a day until the problem disappears. Such actions will prevent caries and whiten teeth.
  7. Basil is indicated for people with impaired digestion. Green leaves remove even the oldest stagnation from the intestines. As a result, the microflora of the internal organ is normalized, weight loss begins.
  8. Essential oil is prepared from basil seeds, which is often used in cosmetology. Add 2-3 drops to face or hair masks to improve the condition of your hair and skin.
  9. Adding essential oil of basil to the bath will get rid of excessive sweating, small pimples, ulcers, small scars. For headaches, rub the leaves of the plant and apply to the temples, massage.

  1. For the kidneys. Basil decoction and green leaves remove excess water because they have a diuretic effect. The composition also eliminates urea, preventing the formation of stones and sand in the organ cavity. With an existing ailment, basil relieves pain in the kidneys. Green leaves have a positive effect on the work of the entire genitourinary system.
  2. For the nervous system. The value of the plant is due to the incoming essential oils. They have a positive effect on the central nervous system, relieving the effects of stress. Basil eliminates anxiety, irritability, excessive fatigue (chronic). A decoction of dried raw materials stabilizes sleep, fights migraines, and calms a person.
  3. For the respiratory tract. Essential oils and vitamins, which are concentrated in basil, perfectly eliminate diseases of the respiratory system. It is useful to eat leaves for bronchitis, pneumonia. The product has anti-inflammatory properties, as a result of which it eliminates the infection. Basil enhances the effect of medicines in respiratory diseases. It is useful to do inhalations with oil, lotions, compresses.
  4. For the whole organism. The restorative effect has a beneficial effect on the work of the entire human body. Basil is recommended for people who have recently undergone major abdominal surgery. Also, the product allows you to recover faster after an illness. It is necessary to use spice for the prevention of vascular diseases, the growth of nails and hair. The plant slows down the premature aging of tissues, accelerates all metabolic processes and helps to lose weight. Regular intake reduces blood sugar spikes. Basil gruel treats dermatitis and other dermatological problems.
  5. For heart. The use of spices is recommended for people with pain in the heart muscle, as well as deviations in the work of this organ. Basil has a serious prevention of heart attack and stroke, ischemia, bradycardia. It is useful to eat greens for men 45+, they are at risk. Incoming iron prevents the development of anemia (anemia) in adults and children.

The benefits of basil for men

  1. The direct effect of basil on blood circulation has been proven, it improves. From this it should be concluded that the plant has a beneficial effect on the male body, in particular, enhances potency.
  2. Basil is in demand among athletes. The product is rich in natural protein, which helps the body to recover in a short time after serious training.
  3. The plant has an excellent diuretic effect. Therefore, basil is recommended for women and men. The composition perfectly cleanses the human genitourinary system.

  1. Due to the unique taste and lack of calories, basil helps those who lose weight diversify their usual dishes. If you want to lose extra pounds, nutritionists recommend using plant seeds for such purposes.
  2. It is worth knowing that such raw materials must be purchased in stores in the department with food additives. Do not try to buy seeds in the stalls for the garden. Industrial raw materials are chemically treated for long-term storage, you can get poisoned.
  3. The best option would be to grow your own basil in the garden or at home. Do not console yourself with illusions, the plant is not able to fully lead you to the desired result.
  4. Basil speeds up metabolism, do not forget about diet and exercise. At the moment, there is no specific diet based on the plant. Experts do not recommend consuming basil in large quantities.

The benefits of basil for girls

  1. The systematic inclusion of basil in the daily diet will help normalize the activity of the digestive tract and all metabolic processes.
  2. This way you will be able to control your figure. The plant has a positive effect on reproductive function and improves overall health.
  3. In addition to cooking, basil has found wide application in cosmetology. The basis of masks for face and skin includes fresh leaves of the plant.
  4. Many popular infusions used as a lotion. The composition eliminates fat content, normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands. The dermis becomes even and velvety.

The benefits of basil for pregnant women

  1. Girls during gestation are recommended to use basil to strengthen the protective functions of the body. Including the plant in your regular diet helps you protect yourself from harmful infections.
  2. Basil has proven itself well as a remedy for cramps and bloating. The dried product is popular in tea form. The drink relieves headaches and anxiety. It is forbidden to abuse the product due to tonic properties.
  3. To improve health and get rid of some problems, it is enough to use basil 2 times a week, 1 sprig. It is undesirable for people with high blood pressure to include it in the diet.

  1. Given all the above qualities of basil, we can say with confidence that the plant brings undoubted benefits. There is still a significant "but" - the product contains mercury.
  2. It is forbidden to use basil in any form for more than 3 weeks in a row. Take a break between courses, then continue treatment or diet. The use of basil by women is allowed only after receiving an individual consultation of a specialist.
  3. Also, use basil-based tea with caution during lactation. As a result, the quality of milk is improved. It is forbidden to take the plant to individuals after a heart attack or stroke.
  4. Consumption is not recommended for diabetes mellitus, thrombophlebitis, hypertension and problems with the gastrointestinal tract. The impact of essential oils does not have the best effect on the damaged pancreas and stomach.

Basil has a positive effect on the activity of the whole organism. Greens are recommended for use in case of abnormalities in the functioning of the kidneys, heart muscle, thyroid gland, and respiratory tract. The gruel of the plant treats dermatological ailments, tightens acne scars. Oil tidies up hair, nails and skin. To avoid negative consequences, exclude contraindications before taking.

Video: useful properties of basil

This unusual drink has a very bright and original taste, which was appreciated by many people. Learning how to cook it is quite simple, but before spending time and effort on this, it would be wiser to learn about the benefits and harms of basil compote, and only then decide whether you want to see it on your table.

What is useful basil compote?

This plant contains a lot of essential oils, they determine the beneficial properties of basil compote. In the list of basil oils you will find camphor, linalool and eugenol, each of these substances has unique qualities, so a drink with them has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and even soothing properties. Experts recommend using such a compote for colds and, as well as for the fastest way to get rid of throat infections.

The drink also contains tannins, which help get rid of many ailments. If you want to forget about stomatitis or inflammation of the gums forever, you can include this compote in your menu. It will also be useful for people who suffer from diarrhea and increased gas formation in the intestines, the drink will help normalize the digestive system and negative symptoms, if they do not disappear completely, then they will certainly become less pronounced.

Basil compote with mint is considered an excellent remedy for insomnia. It should be drunk 1-2 hours before going to bed, preferably not cold, but slightly warmed up. The drink will positively affect the nervous system, help you relax after a hard day, and reduce the negative effects of stress. To achieve a sustainable effect, try drinking it for a couple of weeks. By the way, mint will also help normalize digestive processes, drinks with it are recommended for people who suffer from regular stomach upsets. It is better for people with a stomach or duodenal ulcer to consult a doctor in advance, who will tell you whether it is possible to use such a compote or it is better to refrain from it.

If we talk about the dangers of basil, then, like any plant, it can provoke the onset of an allergy, so when trying it for the first time, do not drink more than half a glass of compote. Do not abuse it and those who suffer from constipation, tannins can only worsen the situation. All other people can safely include this compote in their menu, there will be no harm to health, but the drink will definitely bring benefits.

Basil, the benefits and harms of which is the goal of our article, is used by lovers of herbs as an additional ingredient in cooking. In addition to culinary use, basil is used as a medicine. Essential oils of spices are often used in perfumery. How useful is basil for a person? You will find the answer to this question in our article.

The benefits of basil for the body and contraindications for use

The health benefits and harms of basil lie in its chemical composition. The composition of the basil includes essential oils, which, in addition to being beneficial in some cases, can harm the body. This spice is useful for the body only in fresh or dried form. As you know, withered lose their beneficial properties and trace elements. To get the most benefit from the plant, it is best to use freshly cut basil.

Medicinal properties of basil:

  1. It is an analgesic for spasmodic pain in the abdomen.
  2. Helps to increase immunity.
  3. Basil is recommended for pneumonia and various forms of bronchitis.
  4. Decreased blood pressure.
  5. Eliminates bleeding gums.
  6. Has antifungal properties.
  7. Effectively fights against diseases of the throat.
  8. Basil is used for chronic insomnia.

Contraindications:

  1. Basil is strictly prohibited in any form for poor blood clotting, epilepsy and coronary heart disease.
  2. Despite the many useful properties of the spice, doctors do not recommend using basil during pregnancy. The essential oils of the plant can provoke uterine tone, which is fraught with premature birth.
  3. When breastfeeding, it is allowed to use only dried basil tea. This drink helps increase lactation.

Basil, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which we discussed above, must be taken with caution.

Since this spice contains a small amount of mercury, many experts do not recommend consuming basil in large quantities.

Folk recipes

In order for a decoction of basil to bring exceptional benefits to the body, it is necessary to properly prepare it. Consider some of the most effective recipes:

Before drinking, you can add one teaspoon of flower honey, this will give the drink a unique taste.

The use of basil in cooking

Many people wonder where basil is added? This spice is widely used in cooking, especially in foreign countries. Consider a few recipes with the addition of basil:


The benefits and harms of basil, which are due to the unique composition, are widely used in various directions. In moderation, the spice does not pose a danger to human health, with the exception of contraindications.

Video about the beneficial properties of basil

The well-known spicy herb can be used not only as a seasoning, but also for flavoring alcoholic beverages, brewing tea. At home, they also make delicious and healthy basil compote. It can be brewed from seasonings of any color, although purple makes the drink more beautiful in appearance.


Basil compote for the winter

The recipe for basil compote is quite simple. To prepare 10 liters of compote you will need:

  • Sugar - 1 kg.
  • Basil - 500 g (3 large bunches).
  • Lemon - 3 pcs.
  • Water - 10 liters.

Proportions do not have to be strictly observed. You can put less sugar, because the seasoning itself gives sweetness.


The cooking technology is as follows:

  1. First, sugar syrup is boiled in a large saucepan.
  2. The washed and dry leaves of the plant are laid out in jars and poured with sugar syrup.
  3. To give the compote an original taste, juice squeezed from lemons is added. You should not cut the whole fruit with a peel, as the drink will be bitter.
  4. Banks are rolled up with lids and wrapped to keep the heat as long as possible.

Basil compote is stored for quite a long time, but it is better to drink it within one year from the moment of seaming.

You can use any kind of basil that you can get, but it is better to use both types: green and purple.


Fragrant seasoning can be added to ordinary fruit juices and compotes. It goes well with other fruits. For example, apple juice is made from apples with basil at home. For 3 liters of water you will need:

  • Red apples - 4-5 pcs.
  • Basil purple - 150 g.
  • Citric acid - 2/3 teaspoon.
  • Sugar sand - 200 g.


Cooking steps:

  1. Fresh grass is placed in boiling water and boiled for 10 minutes, after which it is taken out.
  2. Apples are washed, cut into large slices, laid out in jars and poured with boiling water.
  3. The liquid is infused for about 15 minutes, then drained and brought to a boil again.
  4. Sugar and citric acid are added to boiling water, boiled for 5 minutes and apples are poured again.
  5. After that, the jars are rolled up with lids and wrapped in a warm blanket.

Basil and lemon compote not only has a pleasant taste, but also has beneficial properties. It strengthens the immune system, speeds up recovery from colds and flu, calms the nerves, normalizes sleep, destroys microbes, removes inflammation, eliminates increased gas formation and diarrhea.


True, there are still some restrictions on the use of the drink. Compote should be drunk with caution or completely abandoned:

  • For chronic constipation.
  • Seasoning allergies.
  • Pregnancy.

Watch a video on how to make basil compote here:

Tonic basil drink with lemon and honey

Using lemon and honey, you can make an excellent replacement for lemonade - a refreshing drink that tones well and quenches thirst in the heat. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and is drunk hot or cold.

For homemade lemonade you will need:

  • Basil purple - 1 bunch.
  • Half a lemon.
  • Honey - 0.25 cups.


The drink is prepared according to the following recipe:

  1. The grass is washed, the leaves are separated from the stems. If there is no fresh plant, dry leaves are also suitable, which must be immediately thrown into boiling water.
  2. Lemon is poured over with boiling water and cut into two halves. One part is then cut into circles.
  3. Bring water to a boil and add lemon and basil.
  4. All together simmer over low heat for no more than 3 minutes.
  5. The drink is removed from the heat, cooled to 35 ° C, then honey is added, stirred, and then filtered through a strainer. The color of the liquid becomes beautiful and bright.

In summer, such a drink can be drunk chilled along with pieces of ice and lemon mugs, and in winter it is better to drink it warm.