Basil is a flavored herb used in different cuisines. It’s the ultimate taste of summer that is easy to grow and ready to pick by about late June from April.

There are different varieties of basil, some of which are less quick to flower. You can know the difference between Holy basil vs. Thai basil by looking at their leaves’ texture and smell.

Holy basil green leaves are edged and larger than Thai basil leaves. On the other hand, Thai basil leaves are a bit smaller and have a pointed shape.

Both holy basil and Thai basil have been used for medicinal purposes and in cuisine. Holy basil is rich in vitamin A and C, including minerals such as calcium, zinc, or iron.

Here is a summary of the Holy basil vs. Thai basil difference.

What are the benefits of basil?

Basil has several benefits and is a prevalent herb used in different cuisines. At some places in Southeast Asia, it’s revered due to significant health benefits.

When we talk about basil, we mainly talk about basil leaves used in various cookings. It preserves and enhances the flavor of food. Here are the top 5 benefits of basil:

1. Improves Digestion

Basil is a rich source of minerals and is an antioxidant. It helps with digestion and improves the nervous system by balancing the stomach’s acidity and restoring optimal pH levels.

The basil leaves contain eugenol that has anti-inflammatory properties and heals the digestive wall.

2. Skin Cleansing

Basil essential oil is very aromatic and used for skin cleansing. It removes the dead tissues from the face and cleans the dirt and impurities.

You can add other ingredients such as sandalwood paste and rose water mixed with the basil to apply it on your face and leave it there for a couple of minutes. It helps your skin glow and bring freshness to your appearance.

3. Makes better health 

Basil, particularly holy basil, has several medicinal properties with a long history of use for treating several ailments. The most important is it helps fight depression, stress, and aging.

People with the issue of diabetes can consume green leaves of basil safely as it improves blood sugar and cholesterol. Basil’s calming effect is quite evident. It relaxes blood vessels and thins your blood, similar to aspirin, without the risk of damaging your gut.