The Wonders of Kaprao or Holy Basil

A garden plant common in every Thai household Kaprao, or Holy Basil, is a versatile herb appreciated both for its nutritional and medicinal properties. However, Holy Basil is variably know depending upon the region where it is found.

There are three varieties: red Holy Basil, white Holy Basil and an in-between, red-white hybrid.

As a small bush the plant shares several similarities with sweet basil. What differentiate one from the other are fragrance and the branches since Holy Basil is covered with more plant hair than sweet basil.

White Holy Basil leaves are a light green color, while red Holy Basil leaves are green but with a velvety texture; the plant's pendulous inflorescence containing tiny flowerets of velvety whitish-pink. Red Holy Basil flowerests are darker compared to those of white Holy Basil.

Holy Basil is rich on carbohydrate, fiber, phosphorus, calcium, protein, iron, beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and aromatic oil. Such versatility stems from fresh and dehydrated leaves, roots and seeds.

Traditional Thai medicines rely on both the leaves and stalks to treat indigestion, stomachache and diarrhea. In fact it is Holy Basil aromatic oil that is responsible for all of the plant's medicinal impact. Holy Basil is also used as a food supplement.

The red variety, however, is the most popular, effective for treating such symptoms as nausea, vomiting and as and antiperspirant. It increases the milk yield in young mothers, heals peptic ulcers, ringworm and chronic fever. It also eases asthma, lower sugar levels in the blood, releases gallbladder fluid and helps the digestion of fatty foods.

More about Thai Holy Basil and other Traditional Thai Herbs can be found at Thai Retreats Info