Basil

🌿 What is Basil?
Basil is a fragrant herb with a naturally sweet and slightly peppery flavor. Common in Italian, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asian cooking, it’s rich in vitamins A and K, antioxidants, and aromatic essential oils.

🤔 Why Might a Sensitivity to Basil Occur?
Sensitivity to basil may result from:

• Essential Oils: Compounds like eugenol and linalool may irritate sensitive systems.

• Histamines: Basil may release histamines, affecting those with histamine sensitivity.

• Salicylates: Naturally occurring compounds in basil that may trigger reactions in some individuals.

🛠️ What can I do about it?

• Avoid basil and basil-containing products for 8 weeks.

• Gradually reintroduce basil to assess how your system responds.

• Keep a symptom diary before and after reintroduction to observe changes over time.

💊 Supportive General Supplements

Consider:

• Digestive Enzymes: Support processing of essential oils and salicylates.

• Probiotics: Promote overall gut balance and digestion.

• Quercetin: Supports general wellness and may help the body respond to plant compounds.

🌟 Why Might I Have a Sensitivity to Basil but Not Other Herbs?

Key differences include:

• Essential Oil Content: Basil contains more eugenol and linalool than herbs like parsley.

• Histamine Release: Basil may trigger more histamine activity compared to low-histamine herbs such as chives.

• Salicylate Levels: Basil is higher in salicylates than herbs like dill or cilantro.

🍽️ Popular Uses for Basil

• Pesto

• Pasta garnishes

• Basil-infused beverages

🍽️ Alternatives (if tolerated)

• Parsley

• Cilantro

• Dill

• Chives