I've known that for some time, but I did not even think of using it. Now I know why Maricel Laxa mixes basil leaves in their everyday water..
Knowing that, I am now using three herbs that I sometimes combine together as a tea. These are mint, thyme and I just buy chamomile tea and infuse the mint and thyme. It does wonder to my stomach.
Thyme is a powerful antiseptic and a general tonic with curative powers. It has been used for anemia, bronchial and intestinal problems, and as an antiseptic for tooth decay. It destroys fungal infections such as athlete's foot, and skin parasites such as crabs and lice. It also kills abdominal worms. It is also good for bowel problems, bruises, catarrh (inflammation of mucous membranes of the nose and throat), coli, diarrhea, indigestion, epilepsy, fainting, fever, gastritis, external gout, headaches, heartburn, hysteria, internal infections, laryngitis, leprosy, lung congestion, mastitis, suppressed menstruation, nightmares, paralysis, promoting perspiration, rheumatism, sciatica, sinus problems, throat problems, uterine problems, warts, whooping cough.
Mint is well known for its ability to sooth the digestive tract and reduce the severity and length of stomach aches. In addition, mint teas and other herbal preparations have shown great promise at easing the discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome, and even at slowing the growth of many of the most harmful bacteria and fungi. The well-documented antifungal properties of mint are thought to play a role in the treatment of asthma and many allergy conditions as well.
And for the chamomile, I use Stash Chamomile tea.
It's benefits? It has been regarded as a medicinal cure-all. It had been considered a universal remedy by the ancient Egyptians. It may actually help relieve a wide range of health ailments, including colds and menstrual cramps. It boosts the immune system and fight infections associated with colds, relieves muscle spasms and menstrual cramps, its an all-time relaxant (just smelling it relaxes), soothes the stomach (yes it does), reduces inflammation and rheumatism.
I guess there are still a lot of other benefits that chamomile has.