MY GRANDMA’S REMEDIES: BASIL

The column where Melonie Clarke shares her grandmother’s health wisdom
This week, another must for your herb garden is basil. This Italian herb isn’t just a must on pizza and pasta. Full of betacarotene and carotenoids, basil is an antioxidant and helps to protect cells from cholesterol damage and free radicals. The herb is also a good anti-in‘ ammatory and an antibacterial. High levels of iron and magnesium in basil improve blood ‘ ow while helping to promote cardiovascular health.

If you su…ffer from dry skin or acne, basil is a great natural treatment. Adding extra basil to your diet or making your own face scrub (try a mix of avocado, basil and olive oil) can help to reduce the appearance of acne and leave the skin hydrated and soft.

With autumn and winter just around the corner, the threat of a cold or the ‘flu rears its head. Basil mixed with honey and ginger can help to fight colds. Mix with water and inhale the steam or enjoy it as a herbal tea.