Is Scent Leaf a Herb or a Vegetable?

It’s a union. That’s what Mrs. F, a trader who sells vegetables in Egbeda market, implied when I asked her if scent leaves are vegetables or herbs. “Na vegetables but e dey work well well for treating different sicknesses.” Expanding on some scent leaves benefits, she added, “You fit use the water for person wey get headache or fever or malaria.”

This is done by squeezing the leaves to extract the liquid content, which is then consumed as is. This practice is widespread in many Nigerian cities, where scent leaf performs dual purposes—herbal and culinary.

Scent leaves frequently appear in many Nigerian dishes, local or national, given their unique flavor and their medicinal potency, a by-product of their design as herbs. In this article, we’ll look at how scent leaves are grown, the benefits of eating scent leaves, and how to prepare a proper pot of Nigerian scent leaf soup.

How are Scent Leaves Grown?

Scent leaves, with the botanical name Ocimum gratissimum, are a type of basil, a culinary herb used in making food worldwide. Because they’re frequent in Africa, they’re generally known as African basil. These leaves also take up local names, such as efirin in Yoruba, daidoya in Hausa, nchanwu in Ibo, and nunum in Akan, a principal Ghanaian language.

There are two tested ways to grow scent leaves:

Seed Method

The seeds of scent leaves are tiny and so require care when handling. At the nursery stage, they can be planted either indoors or outdoors.

To plant indoors, fill a plastic container or pot with loamy or sandy loam soil. You can make some holes in the soil before filling the holes with the scent leaf seeds or scatter the seeds over the soil. Sprinkle some water over the seeds and leave for up to 3 days. By the third day, you should spot seedlings sprouting from the soil. Transfer the container to your home garden or place it in the direction of sunlight.

You can also plant scent leaves directly in your home garden. The planting process is similar to the indoor process. However, you should consider marking the planting spots with a garden sign so you can track the growth for the first few days. Experienced gardeners note that it takes at most two weeks for seedlings to bud.

Cutting Method

Given the sensitive nature of scent leaf seeds, home gardeners may record nonperformance of seeds or weak seedlings that wither after budding. The cutting method comes in handy to prevent this.

To plant scent leaves this way, obtain a few cuttings (the slender stems) from mature scent leaf plants. Dig up some holes in your garden and insert the cuttings upright into the holes. Once inserted, fill the holes with residual soil and water. Observe for seven to twelve days and note signs of growth. Keep watering the cuttings as leaves bud, and watch them grow into strong scent leaf plants.

The Health Benefits of Scent Leaves

Scent leaves are rich in essential oils and bioactive compounds, which impart numerous medicinal benefits. Eugenol, a compound with antioxidant properties, is responsible for the characteristic aroma of scent leaves. Scent leaves also contain camphor, which has a cooling sensation, cineole for its fresh scents and antimicrobial properties, and flavonoids that moderate inflammation.

In the human body, scent leaves:

Promote Digestive Health

Scent leaves are known for their ability to support the digestive system. They stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, aiding the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. The herb is also effective in relieving issues such as bloating, constipation, and indigestion. Its antimicrobial properties help combat harmful bacteria in the gut, making it a natural remedy for diarrhea and stomach upsets. Regular intake of scent leaves, whether in soups or teas, can contribute to a healthier digestive tract.

Distribute Antimicrobial Properties

One of the most significant benefits of scent leaves lies in their ability to fight harmful microorganisms. Rich in compounds like eugenol, thymol, and camphor, scent leaves have been used to treat bacterial and fungal infections.

These antimicrobial properties make it a valuable ingredient for preventing foodborne illnesses and boosting overall hygiene when used in cooking. They can also curb the growth of bacteria that causes bad breath and mouth odor.

Are a Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Agent

Inflammation is a key player in the occurrence of many chronic diseases, including arthritis and heart disease. Scent leaves contain eugenol, a compound that has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, present in other organic substances like cloves.

Scent leaves can soothe inflamed tissues and reduce pain triggered by inflammation. This effect extends to the respiratory system, where it can relief symptoms of asthma and other inflammatory conditions of the airways.

Enhance Respiratory Health

Scent leaves are a natural remedy for respiratory conditions, thanks to their antispasmodic and soothing properties. Drinking tea made from the leaves can help clear mucus and relieve congestion, making it effective for colds and coughs. For centuries, it has been used in traditional medicine to provide relief from chest tightness and other respiratory ailments.

Boosts Immune System

Containing vitamins like vitamin A and C, scent leaves contribute significantly to strengthening the body’s natural defenses. The herb’s antimicrobial properties also play a role in preventing infections and promoting overall health. Consuming scent leaves regularly can enhance the immune system’s ability to fight off pathogens, keeping illnesses at bay. It is particularly useful in maintaining health during seasonal changes when infections are more common.

Promote Skin Healing

Scent leaves have a longstanding reputation in traditional medicine for their ability to improve skin health and accelerate wound healing. The antimicrobial compounds in the leaves help treat minor skin infections and acne, while their anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritation and redness.

When crushed into a paste and applied to wounds, these herbal leaves can speed up the healing process by reducing the risk of infection and encouraging tissue repair.

Supports Blood Sugar Regulation

While research isn’t solid yet, there are strong arguments that scent leaf helps in managing diabetes. The herb may improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels, which is particularly beneficial for those dealing with type 2 diabetes. Adding scent leaves to meals is a good way to monitor glucose spikes after eating.

Making Scent Leaf Soup

Scent leaf soup is a low-budget soup for all Nigerians regardless of income type. First, the ingredients:

• Scent leaves: A generous bunch (fresh, washed, and shredded).
• Stockfish: Pre-soaked or boiled to soften.
• Crayfish: 2–3 tablespoons, blended or ground.
• Uziza or bitter leaves: A handful, washed and shredded.
• Palm oil: 3–4 tablespoons.
• Salt: To taste.

You can vary the condiments to suit your taste or cooking preference. To cook the soup:

• Soak the stockfish in warm water to soften it. Once softened, cook the stockfish in a medium-sized pot with enough water to cover it. Allow it to simmer for 10–15 minutes until tender.
• Once the stockfish is tender, add the palm oil to the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes until the oil blends well with the broth.
• Sprinkle ground crayfish into the simmering pot. Stir well to distribute its flavor evenly.
• Add either uziza or bitter leaves and allow to cook for 5 minutes. This softens the leaves and releases their flavor into the soup.
• Add the washed and shredded scent leaves to the pot as the final green addition. Allow to cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Add salt to taste. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and let the soup simmer for another 2 minutes. 
• Remove the pot from the heat and serve the scent leaf soup hot.

You can pair the soup with any fufu or any swallow of choice or serve it with a bowl of steaming rice. Scent leaf soup offers an escape if you don’t fancy drinking scent leaf water. You can still partake of the benefits of scent leaf without facing headlong the sour taste of scent leaf water.

Get fresh bunches of scent leaves on PricePally for a healthy diet.