Scent leaf: beyond the kitchen

The scent leaf Ocimum gratissimum  is not just a kitchen-friendly herb used in numerous culinary creations. The plant  which hails from Africa and grows in  other tropical regions, also has reputed health benefits.

In Nigeria, The Yorubas call it Efirin, the Igbos call it Nchanwu, the Ibibios call it Ntong and the Hausas, Daidoya.

Here are some amazing benefits of the scent leaf Ocimum gratissimum

• Scent leaves can be used to treat stomach ache, diarrhoea, chronic dysentery and vomiting.
• Scent leave aids digestion
• When left to dry and burnt, this leaves could serve as a mosquito repellent.
• Scent leaves seeds can be infused for treating urinary infections, gonorrhoea infection, vaginal douches for vaginitis.
• Scent leaves are high in calcium,phophurus , iron, potassium, carbon and vitamin A.
• The essential oil of this leaf contains eugenol, thus having antibacterial properties.
• Mashed scent leaves are also used in treating skin diseases such as ring worms.
• Scent leaves can also be used in treating aches and reliefs from colon pains.
• Scent leaves can also be used in the prevention and treatment of malaria, cough, catarrh and fever.
• Scent leave has immense health benefits such as easy bowel evacuation and weight management.