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Basil is widely known and used for its culinary attributes but not for its medicinal uses. While there are numerous types of the basil plant, we tend to use sweet basil and bush basil for cooking because of its palatable taste.
Basil originated in India. It was considered a sacred herb. It was also known in Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It was said that its name was derived from a mythical serpent creature – the basilisk. This creature was known to have killed with a look.
Sweet Basil grows to 2 1/2 feet in height while Bush Basil grows to one foot in height. Both need full sunlight and a light to sandy, well-drained soil. It should be planted in late spring and harvested in early fall. When planted next to tomato plants, it wards of the white fly, which plagues the tomatoes.
Basil is a versatile herb that may be used in an abundant variety of foods. It is excellent in tomato-based dishes, spinach, and all types of squash. It is great in soup but don’t add it until the last thirty minutes of cooking. It can also be used in cream cheese for sandwiches, dips, and pasta dishes. Basil is the main ingredient in pesto. This herb is very important in Thai, Laotian, and Vietnamese cooking.
In ancient times, Basil was used as an antidote for poison. It is also an herbal remedy for diseases related to the brain, heart, lungs, bladder, and kidneys. It is also mixed with borage to make a tea that is used to heighten vitality. Dried leaves are used in a snuff as a remedy for colds.
An infusion of lemon-scented basil was used by the Hindus to ease the symptoms of diabetes.
The leaves of the hairy basil have been used for their anti-asthmatic properties.
While the leaves have been widely used, it is not well known that the seeds have been used as both a laxative and for the treatment of diarrhea.
Basil has also been used in cosmetics as a toning body rub when mixed with coarse sea salt and vegetable oil. When Basil is used in conjunction with wine, it can be used to close enlarged pores when applied directly to the skin.
No matter what you use basil for, it will compliment most dishes.
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