Hi all !
Today we 'll get to know with :
BASIL(Ocimum basilicum)
General info
Its name come from the Hellenic word "Βασιλεύς"(King).
Basil's origin is considered India and from there , 4000 years ago it appeared in Egypt , Hellas and in rest of Europe.
It is considered the most famous herb for Happiness .
Its height is between 30-120cm . Its leaves are 3-10cm long and 1-6cm wide. Its flowers are small and white.
Basil doesn't like cold, therefore it can be grown in internal spaces too but it needs Sun.
It can be replanted by its own sticks.
Stories about it
-Beautiful Indie Tulse(basil in indie ), was transformed into the herb in order to get rid of God Visnou(forgive any spelling). Basil is considered till today a sacred herb in India.
-Alexander the Great , returning from India , brought with him the herb . The ancient Hellenes didn't like it because of its tense smell and because scorpions like to have nests in its roots. therefore it was considered as a sighn of death for them !
-In ancient Egypt , they used it in embalming along with myrrh and incense.
-In Europe it is put in the hands of the dead to ensure a good journey for them.
Healing effects/Properties
-Its tea helps in digestion and is softening the bowels pain .
-Its extract helps in mouth diseases such as Herpes in lips or Stomatitis.
-It is recommended in migraines, headaches and pregnancy dizziness.
-Its essential oil , reliefs from cough , flu and cold symptoms.
-Helps in depression , weakness and stess.
-Its essential oil is a tonic for the nerve system and helps in concentration and memory.
-Consuming its leaves with olive oil in salad , helps in constipation.
-Its drink helps in belly spasms, stomach nervous.
-Its essential oil has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and therefore it helps in some cancer cases.
Other uses
-In cooking it is used in grill meat and fish , in salads, boiled cooks and especially in sauces based in tomato.
-It is considered as an insect impeller.
-It is used in pastry.
-It is used in Drugs industry
-It is used in aromatherapy
-It is used in beverage industry
-Use it in your closet with other herbs like Lavender to protect your clothes from moth.
-If you put some leaves in water, it won't get mold.
-it is used in Ayurveda.
How to use
-For infusion , in 1 cup boiled water , throw I small spoon of the herb and leave it for 10'(drink 3times per day max).
-As a herb tea(drink) , boil in 1 cup of water , 1 small spoon of the herb for 3-4'(drink 3times per day max) .
-As a salad , use some fresh sticks of the herb with olive oil.
Caution
Its extract according to researchs is very toxic for mosquitos but it's not sure yet if it is also toxic for humans.
Thanks for stopping by and reading .
Till next post ,take care !
