Researchers think sweet basil can do a lot more than add zest to pesto and zing to tomatoes.
Colorado State University researchers found the herb can kill bacteria that cause fatal lung infections.
It also kills bacteria that causes many plant diseases, too.
Basil has a special antioxidant that kills pathogen cells that attack the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients and others with damaged immune systems.
The CSU team also found that the acid also is secreted from the roots when they're close to harmful bacteria.
The sweet basil compound could be used when cystic fibrosis patients become resistant or allergic to antibiotics.
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