Health Benefits of Basil

This fragrant and flavourful herb, a relative of peppermint, is an excellent, nutritious addition to your pasta sauce, soup, or salad.

An array of flavonoids exist in basil, which help to protect cells and chromosomes from damage.

Studies have shown that two of these flavonoids in particular, orientin and vicenin, are useful in protecting cell structures and chromosomes from damage by radiation and oxygen.

Essential oil of basil has been shown to inhibit the growth of several types of bacteria, many of which have become resistant to antibiotics. This essential oil has been found to inhibit growth of the widespread staphylococcus, enterococcus, pseudomonas, and e. coli bacteria, among others.

Adding basil to your vinaigrette will both enhance the flavour, and ensure that the fresh salad greens are safe to eat.

Eugenol, which is found in essential oil of basil, provides an anti-inflammatory effect, by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase.

Aspirin and Ibuprofen work by blocking this same enzyme.

So, basil can have healing benefits, and provide relief from the symptoms of inflammatory problems, like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions.

Basil is also a good source of vitamin A, which helps to prevent damage to the cells by free radicals. Vitamin A also prevents free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in the blood stream, preventing the cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels.

Magnesium is also present in basil. This essential mineral helps the heart and blood vessels to relax, improving blood flow.

Other nutrients found in basil include iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C.

GREEN:

ANISE OR THAI BASIL: Fringed, green foliage; pink flower spikes; spicy Anise flavour and aroma; excellent in Italian tomato recipes.

LETTUCE-LEAF BASIL: Very large leaves; forms a clump of foliage, sweet, aromatic frangrance; likes a warm, sunny situation.

"GREEN RUFFLES": Tall-growing with masses of bright green, ruffled foliage; to 60cm; regular picking encourages more foliage.

BUSH BASIL: Clump-forming habit; small, mid-green leaves; very strong aroma; sweet and spicy.

SWEET BASIL: Leggy habit; large, bright green leaves; strong fragrance; used extensively in tomato recipes with garlic.

SACRED BASIL: Perennial variety, grows to 50cm; smaller foliage; pink flower spikes, seeds freely.

"CINNAMON": Large, dark green foliage; less vigorous grower, mild cinnamon frangrance.

"GENOVESE": Italian variety; best for pesto (Basil sauce) recipes; very fragrant, bright green foliage.

PURPLE:

"PURPLE RUFFLE": Rich purple foliage; ruffled edges on leaves; mild fragrance; decorative container plant.

"AFRICAN BLUE": Pale blue-purple foliage; mild frangrance; must have warm growing conditions.

"DARK OPAL": Foliage deep purple to black; rich, sweet fragrance; susceptible to slug damage.

Basil's pungent, liine-coloured leaves lift any salad.

It tastes great with tomatoes. Basil and tomato are also a great team in the vegetable garden, as basil helps ward off tomato-munching insects.

Basil leaves are best easten fresh as soon as possible as they quickly wither and lose their aromatic oils.

Basil is good for the nervous system, where it helps relieve headaches. It is also good for digestion, especially bloating and flatulence.

An Asian variant, holy basil (Ocimum sanctum or tenuiflorum) is often used to treat colds.

What is bronchitis?

This is an infection of the bronchial tubes and typically occurs with an existing cold and a dry, shallow cough. As phlegm develops the cough becomes painful.

The chest feels tight causing shortness of breath and the phlegm turns to thick yellow mucus. Other symptoms include chills, fever, aching muscles, runny nose, and a sore throat.

Sudden bronchitis is usually caused by a virus and can be in combination with bacteria. Other causes can be attributed to weak natural resistance to colds and flu, and a poor or inadequate diet.

Infection is also more likely after becoming chilled or fatigued. Drink plenty of fluid, especially fresh pineapple and lemon juices and hot herbal tisanes.

Vapor and inhalation therapy to help with bronchitis

Inhalation therapy with essential oils may also assist in easing breathing and here you can try the following essential oils:

* Basil
* Benzoin
* Clove
* Frankincense
* Pine
* Tea Tree oil

Vaporize the room during the day and one hour before bedtime with a mixture of 600 ml warm water, 15 drops Eucalyptus oil and 5 drops of Oregano oil.

What are heart palpitations?

This is the general term to describe the sensation of an irregular heartbeat, either the missing of a beat or the speeding up of the rate of beats.

This is quite usual after exercise or during menopause but it could be the symptom of some underlying heart disorder.

Avoid tea, coffee, cola drinks, chocolates and alcohol.

During an 'attack' dip hands and arms up to the elbow in cold water for at least 10 seconds and to help you relax you could rub 2 drops of neat Lavender oil in the palm of your hands, rub together and inhale deeply.

Drink tisanes of calming plants like chamomile, orange leaves, lime, basil and melissa.

Why do I get jetlag?

The symptoms of jetlag after a long flight are fatigue, sleep disturbance, nausea and aching or swollen limbs, especially the feet.

By crossing several time zones you apparently disrupt some 50 physiological and psychological rhythms in your body.

Being enclosed in a pressurized plane for hours at a time and the height at which it flies, also contributes to the problem.

On the flight wear comfortable, loose clothes.

What to do about jetlag?

Elevate your feet to avoid swollen ankles and walk up the aisles to keep the circulation going.

During the flight you can massage your feet with a drop of Basil, Geranium or Grapefruit oil diluted with a dash of carrier oil and do foot exercises.

On arriving and you want to stay alert, put 10 drops Lavender oil in your hand, rub on the torso and shower immediately.

When you have no time to feel disorientated by the flight and jet lag, draw yourself a warmish bath and add the following oils to help revive your body and mind:

* 2 drops Peppermint essential oil
* 1 drop Rosemary essential oil
* 1 drop Bergamot essential oil
* 2 drops Neroli essential oil
* 1 drop Geranium essential oil

There are basically two types of basil - annual (A) and tender perennial (TP) (treated as annuals or pot plants in the north). All require full sun and rich soil. Most are used for culinary purposes, except where noted. All are susceptible to fusarium. Purchase plants and seeds from reliable dealers who test for the problem. Following is a list of basils, including modern cultivars. Recommendations are: Fino Verde, standard Sweet Basil, Lettuce Leaf, Spicy Globe, and as an ornamental, Holly Painted, Purple Ruffles, Dark Opal.

Sources for plants and seeds are: Richters and Well-Sweep Herb Farm.

African Blue: Ocimum 'African Blue' (TP) Large, attractive purplish-blue leaves on tall plant. Leaf veins, flower spikes and stems are purple. Sweet camphor scent. Possible hybrid between dark opal basil and one of the camphor basils. Does not grow from seed, but does reproduce readily from cuttings.

Anise (or licorice): O. b. 'Anise' (A) Strong anise fragrance. Light purple flowers.

Ararat: O.b. 'Ararat' (A) Foliage splashed with purple markings. Sweet flavor with licorice overtones.

Ball: O. 'Tufted' (A) Nice compact form with purple flowers.

Bush : O.b. minimum (A) Dwarf form, small leaves. Good in pots.

Bush, Greek: O.b. minimum (A) Improved variety of 'Bush' with tight compact growing habit. Good pot plant.

Camphor: O. kilimandescharicum (TP) Strong camphor odor. White flowers. Not a culinary variety, but used medicinally and as a commercial source of camphor.

Cinnamon: O.b. 'Cinnamomum' (A) Distinct cinnamon aroma. Sprigs placed in vases to ward off insects at the table (Mexico). Pink flowers.

Clove: O. gratissimum 'Clove' (TP) Cultivated variety (cv) of East Indian Basil. Lavender flowers.

Cuban: O.b. 'Cuban' (TP) White flowers.

Dark Opal: O.b. 'Dark Opal' (A) Dark purple leaves. Especially attractive made up as vinegar. Developed at the Univ. of Connecticutt in 1962.

Dwarf Bouquet: O.b. 'D.B.' (A) White flowers.

Dwarf Fino Verde: O.b. 'Fino Verde' (A)

Dwarf Italian: Ocimum 'D.I' (A) White flowers.

East Indian: O. gratissimum (TP) Large, greyish-green, velvety leaves with clove scent and spicy flavor. Used in India as a cold remedy.

Fino Verde: O.b. 'Piccolo F.V.' (A) Fine leaved variety excellent for all basil uses. Makes great pesto.

Genova: O. americanum 'Genoa profumatissima' (A) Also known as Perfume Basil.

Genovese: O.b. 'Genovese' (A) Well known for making pesto. Two varieties are - Special Select FT (Richter's exclusive) and Compatto FT (Richter's exclusive), a compact form.

Green Globe: O.b. minimum 'G. G.' (A) Excellent variety of the Italian globular form. Very dense 'heads' 20 to 28 inches across. Spicy flavor. Good in pots.

Green Ruffles: O.b. 'G.R.' (A)

Holly's Painted: O.b. 'H.P.' (A) Unusual variegated leaves. Pink flowers.

Holy Basil: O. sanctum (A) Used in salads and cold dishes; not used in cooking. Name often applied incorrectly to Spice Basil. Holy basil has a unique 'Juicy Fruit'-type aroma. There are green (O. tenuiflorum) and purple (O.s. purpureum 'Tulsi') varieties.

Lemon: O. americanum (A) Compact bush type. Good for tea and potpourri.

Lemon: O.b. citriodora (A) White flowers. Seeds are made into a tonic drink.

Lemon, Mrs. Burns: O.b. 'Mrs. Burns' (A) Larger and more robust than the type, up to 3 feet. White flowers.

Lemon, Sweet Dani: O.b. 'S.D.' (A) Improved lemon variety, high in essential oil and citral content. White flowers.

Lesbos: O.b. 'Lesbos' (A) Unusual combination of spice, floral and citrus aroma. Height to 40 inches. Also known as 'Aussie Sweetie'.

Lettuce Leaf: O.b. crispum (A) Similar to, but better flavor and aroma than Mammoth. White flowers. Used as a cold remedy in Japan.

Lime: O. americanum (A) Lime-scented. White flowers.

Mammoth: O. basilicum (A) Excellent variety of sweet basil with very large leaves.

Mexican Spice: O.b. 'M.S.' (A) Grown for fragrance and aroma and as an ornamental. Pink flowers.

Miniature: O.b. 'Minimum' (TP) White flowers.

Napoletano: O.b. 'N.' (A) White flowers.

Nufar F1: O.b. 'Nufar' (A) Fusarium resistant variety of Genovese type sweet basil.

Osmin Purple: O.b. 'O.P.' (A) Darkest purple of the basils. Height to 20 inches.

Puerto Rican: Ocimum 'P.R.' (A) White flowers.

Puerto Rican, Miniature: O.b.'M.P.R.' (A) White flowers.

Purple: O.b. 'Purpurascens' (A) Pink flowers.

Purple Bush: O. 'Purple Bush' (A) Dwarf, compact growth with purple-green leaves. Good in pots and for hedging.

Purple Delight: O.b. 'P.D.' (A) More robust in growth than 'Rubin'.

Purple Ruffles: O.b. 'P.R.' (A) Dark purple leaves heavily ruffled and fringed. Pink flowers.

Rubin: O.b. 'Rubin' (A) Improvement over 'Dark Opal' (very little green). Pink flowers.

Siam Queen: Ocimum sp. 'S.Q.' (A) Variety of Thai Basil. Deep purple inflorescences above dark green leaves. An anise aroma and flavor.

Spice Basil: O.a. 'S' (A) Possible hybrid between O. canum and O. basilicum. Lavender flowers.

Spicy Globe: O.b. minimum 'S. G.' (A) Uniform, dense globular form with larger leaves than the type. White flowers. Excellent in pots for the windowsill garden.

Sweet Basil: O. basilicum (A) Best known basil for culinary use. White flowers.

Sweet Fine: O.a. 'S.F.' (A) White flowers.

Sweet Salad(TM): O.basilicum (A) Medium-size leaf. Leading commercial variety. Dries without turning black.

Sweet Thai: O.b. 'S.T.' (A)

Thai: O.b. thyrsiflora (A) Variety used in Vietnamese and Thai cooking. Lavender flowers.

Thai Magic: O.b. 'T.M.' (A)

Thai Seed: O. citriodora 'Thai' (A) White flowers.

Well-Sweep Purple Miniature: O.b. 'Minimum Purpurascens Well-Sweep (A) Diminutive form of Purple Basil exclusive to Well-Sweep Herb Farm. Pink flowers.

West African: O. viride Thyme-like aroma and flavor. Called 'adefetue' by the Ewes of Ghana. Used medicinally for fever, as a tonic, for diarrhea and to repel insects. Also used as gargle, wound dressing, and for conjunctivitis.

OTHER BASILS

--- O. teniflorum Aka 'Holy Basil'. Used in Java as an aromatic stimulant.

--- O. guineense Used in cases of bilious fever.

A low-growing tender perennial usually growing to a height of about 6 inches and much smaller leaved than sweet basil. The leaves are ovate and yellow-green to purplish in color. Flowers are white appearing in whorls toward the top of the branches and smaller than those of sweet basil. There are two varieties - one with dark purple leaves and one with green. Both types are native to India. Plant has a spicy lemon odor. Its uses are the same as sweet basil.

In Malaysia and Iran it is planted on graves. In Egypt women would scatter the flowers on graves. To the ancient Greeks, basil represented hate and misfortune and it was believed the plant would not grow unless subjected to verbal abuse at the time of sowing. To the Romans it symbolized love (in Crete - 'love washed with tears'). In parts of Italy basil is still considered a token of love. In Moldavia, tradition holds that a lad will love any maiden from whom he accepts a sprig of basil.

PROPAGATION: By seed and softwood cuttings.

NEEDS: Rich soil.

HARVEST: Leaves as needed. Seeds when they ripen.

FLOWERS: July-August.

USES

MEDICINAL:

Aromatic and carminative.

Calming herb. Has been used for nervous tension and mild nervous disorders alone or combined with sage (1 part basil combined with 2 parts sage to make an infusion). Dried leaves in the form of snuff have been used for nervous headaches.

Tea has been used for nausea and vomiting. A cold infusion of the leaves has been taken just before setting out to prevent travel sickness.

Has been combined with dandelion leaves, licorice root, and parsley as a mild laxative.

Has been used for rheumatism.

Seeds were once taken internally against snakebite, placed on wounds as a vulnerary, and used to cure warts.

CULINARY:
Same uses as sweet basil. Used to flavor soups, ragouts, and sauces. In France it is used to season turtle soup.

Tender perennial shrub 5 to 10 feet with leaves downy on both sides and with a strong camphor scent.

A source of commercial camphor.

Also used as a mosquito repellent.

Has been used in Africa to lower fevers.

Also used in the liquor distillery.

A semi-woody tender perennial 3 to 8 feet in height, leaves to 4 inches and hairy on upper surface and dotted with glands beneath. It is found growing wild over most parts of Ceylon and Oceania. The caryopyllata type is strongly clove-scented. The graveolens type is strongly scented as well, but is not clove-like and has a purplish tinge inside the lower lip of the flower and is used for culinary flavoring. The suave variety is velvety-hairy on both sides of the leaves and grown around homes as a mosquito repellent.

O. viride (2 to 5 feet) is indigenous to West Africa, but cultivated in India. Its fragrant leaves smell much like lemon thyme.

PART USED: Leaves and oil.

USES

MEDICINAL:

Aromatic, stimulant, antiseptic, vermifuge, febrifuge.

Has been used internally for fever, headache, impotence, diarrhea, dysentary, postpartum problems, and worms in children.

Has been used externally for rheumatism and lumbago.

CULINARY:

Leaves used for tea.

Clove and thyme scented types used for flavorings.

O. viride is used in salads, as a flavoring, and steeped for tea (taken with milk and sugar).

OTHER:

Oil used in insect repellents.

Also: plants grown to repel insects in the immediate area.

An erect annual (1 to 2 feet) native to the West Indies with downy leaves to 2-inches in length.

PROPAGATION: By seed.

NEEDS: Dry soil.

USES

MEDICINAL:

Seed mucilage has been used as a tonic.

Has been used as a cold remedy in India.

A decoction has been used for chest problems and for dysentary.

HOMEOPATHIC:

Used for diseases of the kidney, bladder and urethra, uric acid diathesis, swelling of glands (inguinal and mammary), and renal colic.

DOSE = 6th to 30th potency.

CULINARY:

Mild young leaves used in rice and curry dishes.

Used to season seafood, meats, poultry stuffing, salads, soups, and sauces.

SEASONING RECIPE = Combine 1 oz each of nutmeg, mace and dried bay leaves; 2 oz. each of cloves, peppercorns and winter savory; 3 oz each of basil, marjoram, and thyme; 1/2 oz each of cayenne and grated lemon peel; 2 tsp of granulated garlic. Powder all and store in air tight bottle.

OTHER:

The distilled oil has a lemon to camphor odor varying at either end of the spectrum which is used to fragrance soaps and other toilet products.

Tender perennial subshrub (1 to 2½ feet) native to Asia and Australia with a mildly intoxicating clove-like fragrance. In India this plant is sacred to Krishna and Vishnu and cherished in Hindu households. It can be found planted about Hindu temples of worship and individual homes. It was believed to protect the spirit of the family and each Hindu goes to his rest with a sprig on his breast as his passport to Paradise.

Culture is the same as for Sweet Basil. Essential oil contains anticancer potential (also oils of Papaver somniferum and Cumin). Research continues.

PROPAGATION: By seed and softwood cuttings.

NEEDS: Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushiness and retard flowering. Botrytis can be a problem, also slugs, aphids, whitefly and spidermites. Pot grown in the north or treated like an annual.

HARVEST: Whole plant. Cut as flowering begins to be distilled for oil. Pick leaves during growing season and use fresh or dried. Seeds collected when ripe.

PART USED: Whole plant, leaves, stems, seeds, oil.

USES

MEDICINAL:

Pungently aromatic, warming, antiseptic, febrifuge, antispasmodic, antibacterial, digestive aid, strengthens immune system.
Has been used internally for feverish conditions (especially in children), colds, flu, sinusitis, headaches, rheumatism, arthritis, abdominal distension and cramps, poor libido, and melancholy.

Has been used externally for skin infections.

Seeds have been made into tonics and have same uses as Sweet Basil (O. basilicum).

Studies in India have shown some evidence it prevents peptic ulcers and other stress related conditions such as high blood pressure, colitis and asthma.

CULINARY:

Leaves are added to salads and cold foods, but is not used in cooking.

INSECT:

Crushed leaves and/or oil used as insect repellant.

OTHER:

Stems are cut into beads for rosaries.

CAUTION:

Contains estragole and should not be taken by pregnant women. Essential oil not to be used externally or internally by pregnant women.

CONTRAINDICATED: NOT when pregnant. NOT when nursing. NOT for prolonged use. NOT for infants or toddlers.

CONTAINS: Volatile oil (including estragol), methyl chevicol, methyl cinnamate, eucalpytol, eugenol, citral, geraniol, linalol, thymol, camphor, ocimene, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassiu, sodium, zinc, ascorbic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, folacin, vitamin B12, vitamin A, tryptophan, threonine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, cystine, phenylalanine, tryosine, valine, arginine, histidine, alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, and serine.

Mediterranean types contain mainly linalol and methly chavicol with little or no camphor. Eastern European types are distinguished by methyl cinnamate (a more pronounced cinnamon aroma). Southeast Asian types contain a high ratio of eugenol. African types contain more of camphor and methyl chavicol. Hydrolized mucilage from seeds yields uronic acid, glucose, xylose amd rhamnose.

A member of the mint family native to India, Africa and Asia, sweet basil grows to 3 feet with a square stem and small white flowers appearing in whorls in the leaf axils. Flowers have 4 stamens, are two-lipped, 1/2-inch long with the upper lip having 4 lobes. The leaves are opposite, broad, stalked, being smooth, soft and cool to the touch, and tipping in towards the central spine. They are highly aromatic and the plant is rich in volatile oil. Seeds are tiny and dark brown.

The derivation of its name is unclear. Some saying the name came from the Greek 'basileus' for king, others that it derived from the mythical creature called a basilisk which could kill with a look. Basil has acquired a long list of superstitions and lore associated with it. It was once believed if a sprig were left under a pot for a time, it would turn into a scorpion; some believing that to even smell the plant would produce a scorpion in the brain. According to Culpepper it was to be applied to venomous bites, including those of wasp and nornets as it 'draws the poison to it', apparently being of a like kind. Mizaldus stated that if placed on a dung heap it would breed 'venomous beasts'. Pliny recommended smelling it in vinegar for fainting which was a far more practical consideration.

To the French it is 'herbe royale'. In Greece, St. Basil's birthday is celebrated on January 1st, although there may be no connection to the plant in this. In Malaysia and Iran it is planted on graves. In Egypt women would scatter the flowers on graves and the ancient Egyptians burned a mix of basil and myrrh during religious rituals and also used it in embalming the dead. To the ancient Greeks, basil represented hate and misfortune and it was believed the plant would not grow unless subjected to verbal abuse at the time of sowing. To the Romans it symbolized love (in Crete - 'love washed with tears'). In parts of Italy basil is still considered a token of love. A sign of that love was when it was worn as a sprig in the hair. Traditionally, a woman would put a pot of basil on the balcony outside her room when she was ready to receive her suitor. In Moldavia tradition holds that a lad will love any maiden from whom he accepts a sprig of basil.

In Haiti it is associated with the Haitian goddess of love (Erzulie) and is said to stimulate sensuality. Store owners there would sprinkle basil water over their places of business to drive away evil spirits, thus opening the way for buyers and properity.

In New Mexico carrying a sprig in your pocket was believed to attract money into them; also a woman would dust basil powder over parts of her upper body to insure her husband did not succumb to a wandering eye.

PROPAGATION: By seed and softwood cuttings.

NEEDS: Annual. Needs full sun, good soil. Plant out around June 1st in Zone 5 and use liquid fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks. Avoid overhead watering followed by or in direct sun as can cause water spotting on leaves. Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushiness and retard flowering in order to extend the harvest season. Botrytis can be a problem, also slugs, aphids, whitefly and spidermites.

HARVEST: Leaves. Snip back top 1/3 of plant when harvesting to encourage full growth. Leaves can be fresh frozen for culinary use, but will darken to a near black color.

PART USED: Whole plant, leaves, seeds, oil.

USES

MEDICINAL:

Warm, aromatic, restorative, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, stimulates the adrenal cortex, digestive aid, stomachic, galactagogue, prevents vomiting, tonic, carminative, febrifuge, expectorant, soothes itching, possible slight sedative action.. Used as a tea, infusion, decoction, gargle, inhalant and the essential oil in a carrier oil for massage.

Has been used against bacterial infections and intestinal parasites.

Has been used internally for colds and flu, poor digestion, nausea, abdominal cramps, gastroenteritis, migraine, insomnia, melancholy and exhaustion. Has been combined with elecampane and hyssop for bronchitis and coughs.

An infusion has been used to ofset the nausea of chemotherapy.

Has been combined with wood betony and skullcap in tincture form for nervous afflictions. Tea taken lukewarm several times daily for stress.

5 to 10 drops of the essential oil has been added to bath water for nervous exhaustion, mental fatigue, melancholy or general uneasiness. Also the essential oil has been diluted in almond oil to use as a massage oil for nervous weakness. Has been combined with leaves of lemon balm and rose petals as an infusion for mild depression.

5 drops of essentail oil has been diluted in 10 ml of almond (or olive) oil for asthma and bronchitis for a chest rub.

A cup of tea has been taken for headache.

Tea has been taken with meals for indigestion.

Tea has been taken for stomach and muscle spasms.

Warm tea has been taken several times daily for scalding, burning urine.

Tea has been taken internally for infection and used externally as a wash; also inhaled (steam) for respiratory infection.

Hot tea has been taken to promote onset of delayed menses (1 tbsp fresh herb to 1 cup boiling water, steeped 10 minutes, then strained).

Infusion was taken orally and as a douche for venereal disease.

Warm tea taken slowly, a mouthful at a time has been used for whooping cough (antispasmodic properties). Also used as a gargle for the same.

For fever, 1 oz of leaves has been added to a pint of water which has been simmered for 20 minutes with 3 black peppercorns per cup. Steeped 10 minutes, then strained and drunk.

Has been used externally for acne, insect stings, snakebite and skin infections.

The juice has been combined with an equal amount of honey as a wash for ringworm and itching skin, also for coughs.

The crushed fresh leaves or a salve was applied to poison ivy rash.

The smell has been used to restore smell lost due to sinus congestion.

Boiling water poured onto the leaves and the steam inhaled has been used for head colds.

Has been combined with motherwort (or several cups basil tea alone), an infusion being prepared and drunk immediately after childbirth to prevent retension of the placenta. It was also taken as a tea several days before labor began to assist with childbirth.

Cold infusion has been taken before starting out for travel sickness. Also used for stomach cramps.

A cool tea has been taken for constipation.

Infusion has been used for gout, bad breath, kidney ailments.

Decoction has been used for fever, asthma, earache, ringworm, hiccups, nasal polyps, ulcers.

A warm tincture of basil or the juice from the leaves was used for earache.

The juice has been combined with a decoction of cinnamon and cloves for chills.

Basil and borage tea taken for a tonic effect as a mid-morning pick-me-up; fresh plants are used.

Leaves have been rubbed on insect bites to reduce itching and inflammation. Crushed leaves were also once applied externally to rheumatic parts and a cup of tea taken internally several times per day. Crushed leaves also applied to warts - leaf placed over wart, then covered with a bandage and changed daily for 5 to 7 days.

In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, it is said to be useful for the lower 'chakras' to 'ground' the person.

A poultice of the seeds has been used externally on sores for the antibacterial effect. Has been used as an antispetic in aerosol form. Seed also said to remove film and opacity from eyes.

Was burned as incense in sick rooms.

DOSE: TRADITIONAL DOSAGES FOR PROFESSIONAL NOTE ONLY

!All others buy commercial preparations and follow directions carefully!

30 to 60 grains

FRESH INFUSION = 2 tsp in 1 cup water and steeped 7-10 minutes.

DRIED HERB = 1 tsp in 1/2 c. water; steep, strain and take 1 to 2 cups daily as needed.

TINCTURE = 10 to 30 drops.

CULINARY:

Traditional herb of Italian, Mediterranean and Thai cooking.

The flavor tends to increase when cooked.

Add to melted butter sauce when grilling or broiling fish.

Use to season poultry, pork and veal.

Pound with garlic and use as a sauce.

Used for pesto, teas, seasoning. Add to tomato and eggs, mushrooms and pasta dishes, tomato sauces, vegetable dishes, soups and stuffings (especially for duck).

Fresh leaves used in salads and oil & vinegar dressings.

Sprigs served fresh in a small vase with water at the table by Italians to keep leaves from darkening.

Florets are edible and make a good garnish.

A leaf in tomato juice will improve the flavor.

Used in the north of Germany to season famous Hamburg eel soup and in the preparation of gherkin pickles.

Used to flavor wine.

In the Near East, the seeds are eaten alone or added to bread dough.

Mucilaginous coating of the seeds was once made into a tonic drink.

For RECIPES see Cooking with Herbs and Wild Foods

COSMETIC:

Used in the herb

BASIL:

More than a culinary flavouring, basil offers medicinal benefits as well. Grow plants in a moist, free-draining soil in full sun and replace yearly. Basil tea reduces gas and aids digestion, so serve after a meal.

Potted Basil can also be used as a general insect repellent near outdoor entertaining areas. Have several pots handy, and bruise a few leaves to release the pungent aroma.

Basil can be used as a companion plant to help repel insects away from other vegetables. Plant Basil near tomatoes for a mutually beneficial effect.

SEASON: Annual; harvest foliage from late spring to autumn

SPECIAL FEATURES: Fast growing; excellent container plant for a sunny balcony

BEST CONDITIONS: All zones; full sun; rich, moist and well drained soil

HEIGHT: Spread 30cm - 60cm wide; Height 15cm to 25cm

You will need:

8 mixed Basil plants
Terracotta herb pot
Potting mix
General fertiliser

1. Soak terracotta herb pot in a bucket of water for one hour. This stops it from absorbing moisture from the potting mix.

2. Fill the pot to the level of the first row of holes with a quality potting mix that contains slow release fertiliser pellets.

3. Plant the first row of Basil plants, alternatiing purple and green varieties. Make sure the roots are well into the pot.

4. Continue filling the container to the level of the next holes. Plant the remaining Basils, and top with extra potting mix.

5. Position in full sun and water daily, especially in summer. Use a liquid fertiliser fortnightly, and remove flowerheads as they appear.

TIPS:

For a longer supply, have a pot of Basil growing indoors in winter on a warm, sunny window ledge.

BUYING HINTS:

* Look for strong, healthy plants that are not weak or lanky. Smaller, more compact plants are preferable.

* Avoid overgrown plants, or ones with yellowing foliage. Where the potting soil has dried out, the plants will have suffered a setback.

SUN AND SOIL:

* Full sun. To grow successfully, Basil needs about six hours of direct sunlight per day.

* Rich, moist soil is essential for successful cultivation. Add compost to the soil to improve drainage before planting.

SPECIAL ADVICE:

* Trim back flower stalks to create compact plants. The flowers, which have a milder taste than foliage, can be used in salads.

SEASONAL TIPS:

* LATE WINTER:

Sowing Seed: Sow Basil seeds in trays indoors before the end of winter. Use a seed-raising mixture, and keep in a bright, warm position.

* SPRING:

Transplanting: Transplant young seedlings into pots or into the garden when the soil has warmed. The seedlings should have reached at least 10cm in height before being transplanted.

* SUMMER:

Watering, Harvesting and Deadheading: Water routinely in summer, and remove flowerheads as they appear. Harvest stems and leaves as needed, and use immediately.

Basil is a great favourite of slugs and snails, and plants can be devoured overnight if not protected. Create a barrier around the base of the plants using a rough textured mulch or crushed egg shells.