As Nigerians commonly call it, Scent leaf is one of the oldest herbs known to humanity. It’s traditionally called Masepu by Cameroonians, Nunum by Ghanaians, and Omujaaja by Ugandans. It’s also locally called Efirin by the Yoruba, Nchuawun by the Igbo, Ntong by the Efik, and Daidoya by the Hausa people in Nigeria

African basil (also known as Ocimum gratissimum) has a lot of nutrients and amazing health benefits. Most of us will recognize this aromatic herb in some of our favorite sauces and soups. In addition to the flavor the herb provides in meals, it also enhances the properties of the food. From boosting fertility to getting rid of bad breath, benefits of scent leaf are quite a lot.

Here are some you may not have known.

Benefits of African Basil.

1. Remedy for Cough and Sore throat: Squeeze the scent leaf to get the juice. Take the extracted juice in a cup, and add hot water, leave the mixture to brew for a few minutes, and drink. Taking this helps reduce the cough. Gargling the mix also helps with a sore throat.
2. Improves Heart Health: Scent leaf helps prevent many heart diseases. It contains magnesium, which helps reduce cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation. It also relieves heartburn.
3. Oral hygiene: Scent leaf is known for killing harmful bacteria from the mouth and getting rid of bad breath. It can also prevent tooth decay. Chewing scent leaves, and taking the tea helps improve oral health.
4. Calms the Nerves: Scent leaf may help manage Depression and Anxiety. It helps the body release the hormone responsible for inducing happiness and energy. It’s also a great anti-stress agent.
5. Mosquito repellent: Burning dried scent leaves is a powerful mosquito repellent.
6. Diabetes management: scent leaf stabilizes blood sugar level and protects the pancreas from damage
7. Boosts fertility and improves Women Reproductive Health: scent leaf is capable of inducing the hormone estrogen in women. It stimulates egg maturation and delays menopause. It also treats Premature Ejaculation in men and boosts sperm count.
8. Promotes healthy gut: The anti-inflammatory properties in scent leaf help restore the body’s natural pH levels and feed the healthy bacteria in the stomach. It also improves digestion, can help relieve bloating, water retention, acid reflux, diarrhea, and is a remedy for gastroenteritis. Drinking scent leaf tea and including it in your diet helps with all this.
9. Promotes healthy Eyes and Ears: Due to the high vitamin A content in scent leaves, many eye issues like conjunctivitis and night blindness can be treated and prevented. It’s also known to relieve earaches.
10. Manages seizures and convulsions: The juice extracted from scent leaf has antispasmodic properties utilized in the management and treatment of seizures and convulsions.
11. Skincare: Scent leaf is a fantastic cleanser for oily skin; it unclogs pores and prevents acne and other skin issues. It’s also filled with antifungal and antibacterial properties, which helps it get rid of Ringworm. For Ringworm, squeeze the leaf and rub the juice daily on the affected skin.
12. Cures Fever and Malaria: scent leaf has an active antipyretic property, which makes it useful for reducing fever. Taking tea made from scent leaf and bitter leaf is excellent for malaria.
13. Food Preservative: Due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, scent leaf oil extract can also be used as a preservative.

CAUTION!! Pregnant women should not take scent leaves; it may result in miscarriage.