Like other basil varieties, cinnamon basil is rich in a variety of important nutrient categories including:
Vitamins: Sweet basil varieties like cinnamon basil are rich in vitamins A, C and K.
Minerals: Basil contains important minerals like magnesium, potassium and calcium.
Linalool: Linalool is a terpene found in many herbs and spices and that has an array of health benefits.
You can use cinnamon basil to treat or prevent potentially serious health conditions like:
Inflammation: Cinnamon basil is prized for its anti-inflammatory properties, which is one of the benefits that make it a valuable traditional medicine. The linalool and other anti-inflammatory compounds in cinnamon basil make it beneficial for treating symptoms of arthritis and other conditions characterized by inflammation.
Stress: Cinnamon basil tea is often consumed to help counter stress and to promote sleep.
Poor digestion: Like other basil varieties, consuming cinnamon basil can be highly beneficial for digestion. The cinnamate it contains can be useful for treating both constipation and diarrhea.
Common uses
The unique flavor of cinnamon basil makes it particularly versatile. Common uses include as a tea herb. You can also use it in desserts and add to fresh fruit the way you might add chopped mint; it serves as both a flavoring and a garnish.
Like other types of basil, you can use cinnamon basil to flavor meat dishes and savory sauces. In Thailand, cinnamon basil is called bai maengluk and is used as an aromatic herb. You can add cinnamon basil to a simple syrup that you can use in cocktails. Because of its pungent bark flavor, cinnamon basil is great as a substitute for intense basil varieties like Thai basil.