BASIL

BASIL

(Ocimum basilicum)      Top Pick

Other Names

Common Basil, St. Josephwort, Sweet Basil.

Description

Basil is an annual plant native to the tropics and sub-tropics.   It is also widely cultivated.    Basil is found in many forms, colors, and fragrances.   The leaves are large and puckered similar to a clove.   The green or purple foliage produces white or pink flowers.   The entire plant has a licorice aroma to it.

Classification

Dry

Taste

Sweet, Pungent

Balance Yin/Yang

Very warm

Humor

Fire  é   Water   ê   Air   ê

Uses/Applications

Basil is excellent for a wide variety of stomach troubles, including vomiting, constipation, and stomach cramps.   It relieves gas, assists in normal bowel function, and aids digestion.   As an anti-spasmodic it has been used in the treatment of whooping cough.   It is also used for headaches and acne.

Leaves

Basil leaves are good for rubbing on insect bites.   They can also be taken as a warming and uplifting tonic for nervous exhaustion or any cold condition.

Infusion

Combine with a little Motherwort and drink immediately after child birth to prevent retaining the placenta.

An excellent acne remedy.   Apply with a q-tip.

Inhalation

For head colds, pour boiling water onto the leaves and inhale the steam.

Juice

Mix with a decoction of cinnamon and cloves for chills.

Syrup

Combine the juice with an equal amount of honey for coughs.

Tincture

Use for nervous conditions.

Wash

Use for ringworm or itchy skin.

Essential Oil

Chest Rub

For asthma or bronchitis.

Massage Oil

Use the diluted oil for nervous weakness and also as an insect repellent.

Oil

Put the oil in your bath for nervous exhaustion, mental fatigue or uneasiness.

Combinations

For nervous conditions combine with Wood Betony, Skullcap, Elecampane, or Hyssop. 

For after childbirth combine with Motherwort. 

For chills combine with Cinnamon and Cloves. 

For headache combine with Ginger and Licorice.

Constituents

Volatile Oil, Tannins, Camphor.

Action

Anti-Spasmodic, Appetizer, Carminative, Stomachic, Anti-Depressant, Anti-Septic, Tonic, Carminative, Expectorant.

Food Values

Vitamins A, B6, and E, Selenium, Zinc

Part Used

Aerial Parts.

Collection

As the flowers begin to bloom, cut the stalks 6 inches from the ground.   After you cut the stalks tie them in bundles and hang to dry in an airy room for about 2 weeks.   Then strip the leaves and flower parts from the stem.    Be careful not to crush the leaves.

Preparation

Chest Rub

Dilute 5 drops of Basil Oil in 10 ml. Almond or Sunflower Oil.

Fresh Leaves

For headache, boil Basil, Ginger, and Licorice in water.   Drink the tea three times per day for acute gastroenteritis, or abdominal pain. 

For PMS cook 3 fresh Basil leaves with Ginger, Green   Onion, and some fish.   Take as needed.

Infusion

Steep 1 Tsp. of dried herb in ½ cup water.   Take 1 to 1 ½ cups per day, a mouthful at a time.   When taken for a cough sweeten with honey.   For treatment of acne apply an infusion to affected area.

Oil

Add 10 drops to the bath.

Wash

Combine the juice with an equal amount of honey.

Growing Directions

Basil grows easily from seeds that are planted after the soil has warmed to 10^o  C.    Sow the seeds in early spring about 1/8 inch deep.   They will take about a week to germinate.   Thin mature plants to 12 inches apart.   Basil grows best in well-drained soil and full sunlight.   Keep evenly moist.   Pinch the flowers to increase the yield.   If plants begin to rapidly turn yellow apply nitrogen immediately.    Wilted leaves indicate a need for water.   Basil is susceptible to Root Rot, and Rust.   Major pests   of Basil are the Mexican Brown Beetle, Corn Earworm, and Spider Mites.

History

Basil has been a favorite in the kitchen for thousands of years.   Throughout time Basil has had a contradictory reputation.    The Greeks and Romans believed it symbolized hostility and insanity.   People from India believed it was a sacred herb.   Haitians believed it had protective powers.   Its medicinal history is just as controversial.   Dioscorides and Galen both warned against internal use of Basil, stating it caused insanity and intestinal worms.   One thousand years later Pliny and the Chinese defended it as a great healer.   By the 17^th  century it was widely used in Europe to treat colds, warts, and worms.

Additional Information

1.   Research conducted in India has reported Basil kills bacteria when applied to the skin.   This is why the oil has been successful in treating acne.

2.   Animal studies show Basil stimulates the immune system by increasing production of antibiotics up to 22%.

Cautions

1.   Do not use Essential Oil externally or internally if you are pregnant.

2.   Do not give to children under the age of 2.

3.   For the elderly start with low doses and slowly increase.

Magick Information

Gender:

 Masculine

Planet:

 Mars

Element:

 Fire

Deity:

 Erzulie, Vishnu

Powers:

 Love, Protection, Wealth

Magickal Uses:

 Use Basil in love divination’s, or rub it on your skin as a natural love perfume.   Carry it in your pocket to bring wealth.   Sprinkle it on the floor to remove evil.