As well as using Basil for cooking it has some very powerful health benefits.

Studies have shown that basil "contains a wide range of essential oils, rich in phenolic compounds, and a wide array of other natural products including polyphenols such as flavonoids and anthocyanins."

According to research conducted at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, basil contains (E)-beta-caryophyllene (BCP), which can be useful in treating things like arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Several varieties of fresh basil leaves have been shown to be as strong as anti-inflammatory medication when it comes to easing the swelling and pain of arthritis.

Studies have shown that two varieties of the aromatic herb (Ocimum americanum and Ocimum tenuiflorum) have strong anti-inflammatory powers that can reduce joint swelling and joint pain by up to 73% — in as little as 24 hours.

The basil used in the study was concentrated extracts from two types of the herb (Ocimum americanum and Ocimum tenuiflorum), taken orally.

However, ingesting a few fresh leaves of basil on a daily basis — either added to hot water to make raw basil tea or sprinkled in soups, salads and other foods — can also have a mild anti-inflammatory effect.

Just make sure you use Asian varieties of basil, because the European and American “sweet basil” contains less of the anti-inflammatory agent eugenol.

Basil is also rich in vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium.

Basil is easy to use in cooking as it pairs, beautifully with so many fresh vegetables and you can simply toss it into fresh salads, make a pesto and even make your own basil infused oil, and lets not forget making basil tea!