Basil is not just an herb that can enhance flavors of your favorite recipe or even your cocktail drinks. Basil can also be used in relieving jet lag. Jet lag is a type of circadian rhythm sleep disorder that is caused by travelling across different time zones. People who travel to other continents with very different time zones from home are at high risks of jet lag. There are herbal remedies (basil, chamomile, Siberian ginseng, etc) or ways that can be done to prevent jet lag or help the circadian rhythm (internal body clock) to easily adapt to the new time zone.

Basil for Jet Lag

In cases of jet lag, basil can be used to help in alleviating your jet lag symptoms and helping your body to quickly adapt to the new time zone, especially when you combine basil with rosemary, eucalyptus, and/or peppermint. If you add several drops of basil into a humidifier or vaporizer, and once you inhale its vapor, it can keep you awake. If you do not have any vaporizer or humidifier, you can add 1 to 2 drops of basil essential oil to your handkerchief, and smell your handkerchief whenever you will feel sleepy due to jet lag. Another advantage of inhaling the vapor of basil aside from keeping a person awake due to jet lag is that it can help in fighting off any germs you may have inhaled during your flight.

Other Health Benefits of Basil

Aside from alleviating symptoms of jet lag, basil has still a lot to offer. Here are some of basil’s useful health benefits:

1. Treatment for Hive – Basil contains antihistamine properties that can effectively relieve hives. When basil is combined with other herbs tarragon, chamomile, fennel, and oregano), it will be more powerful and effective in alleviating symptoms of hives. To use basil and other herbs to treat hives, you can make a decoction or tea with eat. Add 1 tbsp of each herb into a large container that can accommodate 5 cups of water. Add 5 cups of boiling water to the dried herbs and once cool, place inside the refrigerator. Chilling the tea can strengthen the infusion. You will just have to drink 2 to 3 cups of the tea each day when you are experiencing hives.
2. Treatment for Heart Problems – Basil contains properties that are effective in keeping the blood pressure low and protecting the heart. Basil contains minerals such as potassium, manganese, copper, and magnesium that can help in keeping the heart healthy.