Is basil possible during pregnancy

Basil is a well-known and beloved spice by many. Its various types are added to the first and second courses, salads, confectionery and drinks, used in canning. The rich chemical composition gives the plant medicinal properties. Let's see if basil can be used for pregnant women as a medicine.

Is basil possible during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman's immune system changes to prevent rejection of the fetus. During this period, the expectant mother is susceptible to various respiratory diseases.

Basil has immunomodulatory, antipyretic, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties, improves well-being and helps to cope with infection:

• with inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, cough, plant-based inhalations are used;
• rinsing with infusion disinfects the oral cavity, heals the upper respiratory tract, throat, strengthens the teeth and gums;
• insect bites, skin inflammation, eye fatigue are eliminated with the help of lotions based on basil infusion or oil.

During pregnancy, basil is useful primarily as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent for external use.

Why basil should not be pregnant in the early stages

In the form of tea and infusions, basil is not recommended to be taken during pregnancy - it enhances uterine contractions and can cause miscarriage or premature labor at a later date. The plant increases blood pressure, therefore it is contraindicated in hypertension.

Important! Due to the high content of essential oils, the spice has a negative effect on the development of the fetus.

It can be used in the form of inhalations, lotions and throat rinses. The woman is responsible for the consequences of uncontrolled consumption of the plant.

Benefits of basil

The strong spicy aroma of the plant is due to the high, up to 3%, content of essential oil, which contains camphor, cineole, ocymene, eugenol, etc.

The plant contains:

• vitamins of group B, C, PP, P, carotene;
• organic acids: citric, malic, etc .;
• phytoncides;
• glycosides;
• saponins;
• tannins;
• minerals: potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, selenium, copper, cobalt, etc .;
• unsaturated fatty acids;
• polysaccharides;
• anthocyanins in purple varieties.

Basil has a broad effect on human organs and systems:

• enhances the secretion of the digestive glands, increases appetite, fights constipation;
• helps with poisoning and dysbiosis, protects the beneficial intestinal flora;
• used for heart failure, strengthens the heart;
• increases the tone of the vascular walls, treats varicose veins in the absence of thrombophlebitis;
• relieves migraine attacks, protects nerve cells;
• improves long-term memory, increases concentration, decision-making speed and adaptation to stress (such properties were found in the sacred basil, or tulasi);
• used to treat wounds of various origins, burns, bedsores, eczema, fungal skin lesions;
• helps to cope with diseases of the throat and oral cavity;
• relieves symptoms of rheumatism, arthritis, arthrosis.

In the normal course of pregnancy, it is allowed to add a few leaves of spice to food per week, but because of the possible negative consequences, it is better to completely abandon basil during this period.

Effect on the fetus

Thanks to iron and folic acid, basil improves oxygen supply to the fetus and prevents the development of anemia. On the other hand, due to the large amount of essential oils, there is a risk of impaired child development.

If there is a possibility of termination of pregnancy, you should abandon the spice or use it only externally. At the same time, the lack of vitamins should be replenished from other sources.

What symptoms does it help

Taking medications during pregnancy is strictly limited, and here basil comes to the rescue:

• the use of inhalations, rinsing will help to cope with a cold;
• lotions based on a decoction or infusion will help heal wounds, insect bites;
• the plant will relieve swelling that occurs due to increased stress on the legs, prevent the development of anemia.

The use of basil as a medicine is permissible in late pregnancy in the absence of contraindications, the risk of premature birth and only after consulting a doctor.

How to use

There are many recipes for medicinal and tonic products with basil. Let's consider the most basic ones.

Decoction

It is used for colds for inhalation, rinsing the throat and mouth, for headaches, convulsions.

The broth is prepared as follows:

1. Pour 15 g of dry leaves with 0.5 l of boiling water.
2. Place in a water bath and heat for 15–20 minutes.
3. Cool and drain.
4. Pour into a glass dish, close the lid and place in the refrigerator.
5. Store no longer than 1 day.

Apply as a lotion, rinse, rinse the eyes.

Inside, use 100 ml 3 times a day.

Juice

Take a fresh plant, cut the roots, rinse, dry and squeeze out the juice.

Reference. To preserve the juice longer, it is frozen.

Used for colds, for the treatment of diseases of the oral cavity:

1. With a cold in 1 tbsp. warm milk add 1 tbsp. l. basil juice and drink before bed. Reception once or within 5 days.
2. When rinsing the mouth and throat: per 100 ml of water 1 tbsp. l. juice. Rinse 3 times a day until symptoms disappear, but not longer than 1 week.

The frozen juice is taken out of the freezer in portions if necessary.

Tea

Basil tea strengthens, tones, relieves migraine attacks:

1. Rinse the teapot with boiling water.
2. Put 1 tsp in it. dry basil leaves or a handful of fresh ones.
3. Pour 250 ml of boiling water, let it brew for 10-15 minutes.

Add honey, lemon, sugar to taste.

Infusion

The infusion is most conveniently prepared in a thermos. It is better to do this in the evening and leave to infuse until morning. Any berries and fruits, raspberry leaves, currants, cherries are added to the drink.

Vitamin strengthening infusion with rose hips:

1. Put 1 tbsp in a thermos. l. dry basil and 3 tbsp. l. rose hips.
2. Pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, cover and leave for 1-2 hours.

Take 100 ml 3 times a day, before meals.

Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory infusion:

1. 2 tbsp. l. Pour basil into a thermos and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water.
2. Close and leave to saturate for 1-2 hours.

Take before meals, 3 times a day, 100 ml for 1-2 days until symptoms relieve.

Reference. For pregnant women in this situation, it is better to use other medicines or plants. For example, chamomile, a mild antipyretic, strong anti-inflammatory, expectorant and disinfectant, is allowed during this period.

The reaction to the intake of herbal remedies is individual: for some, the negative symptoms of the disease will disappear quickly, while for others it takes more time. If you are allergic to basil, you cannot use it.

Consultation with a doctor is mandatory: he will determine the appropriateness and safety of using the plant for medicinal purposes.

Limitations and contraindications during pregnancy

With many positive properties of basil, a number of contraindications limit or completely exclude its use during pregnancy:

• hypertonicity of the uterus and the threat of miscarriage;
• allergic reactions;
• impaired blood clotting;
• cardiovascular diseases (thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, unstable blood pressure);
• diabetes;
• disturbances in the work of the digestive system;
• late toxicosis.

If a woman has never eaten this plant, it is undesirable to start using it during pregnancy.

Read also:

Thin-colored basil - uses and benefits

Is basil seed soaking required before planting and how to do it right

How many days after sowing basil sprouts and what should be the sprouts

Conclusion

Basil is a plant with increased biological activity. It is not used in the first trimester due to the high risk of miscarriage; in the later stages, it is imperative to consult a doctor. It is important to assess all the risks and possible negative consequences so as not to harm yourself and your baby.