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BASIL
Ocimum basilicum
Other names: Ocimum basilicum, St.
Joseph's Wort, Sweet basil.
Habitat: Once native to India and
Persia only, and still a sacred herb to the Hindus, basil is an annual plant much used now
in Mediterranean cookery. It grows up to 2 feet in height, and its one drawback is that it
must be raised from seed or seedling each year. It likes a rich moist soil with plenty of
sun. You can buy various types of basil besides the "sweet" variety, the other
most popular being "bush" basil. All posses the same properties, however. The
herb grows with a square stem in section; smooth, slightly toothed, oval leaves, which
give off a strong clove fragrance when crushed; and white, pink or red whorls of flowers
which nestle in the axils of the elaves (where the leaf joins the stem).
Properties: Basil contains an
aromatic and volitile camphor-bearing oil which gives it its marvelous clove-like
fragrance and accounts for its use in cooking, potpourris and perfumery. A delicious tea
can also be prepared from the leaves which is though to allay mild nervous tension
headaches and nausea.
Basil Tea: Infuse 1 teaspoon dried
herb in 1 covered cup boiling water. strain, and flavor with honey if desired. Upto 1 or 2
cups a day may be taken.
Copyright 1996, 1998 by
Lori Herron, R.N.and Alternative Nature
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