A Healing Herb - Basil
Basil is known for its robust aromatic flavour and multiple nutritional and anti-inflammatory health benefits
Hi, I’m Sue and I write about the beauty and ingenuity of Nature, and how we can deepen our connection for our optimum health and wellbeing. Discover more Nature-inspired content on Spiral Leaf and my video Nature Channel.
A Healing Herb Guide
Basil is the seventh herb to feature in my Healing Herb Guide.
Basil is an annual herbaceous plant and member of the Mint family. This beautifully aromatic herb has square stems with leaves that grow on opposite sides. The leaves are rounded, slightly cupped and curve to form at point at the tip.
Sweet Basil has a fragrant, sweet smell with a peppery taste that comes with a hint of Mint. Larger leaves have a more pronounced flavour and a mild spiciness. The taste and potency of Basil will depend on the variety, some of which have undertones of citrus or other spices.
There are 60 different types of Basil, each with its own distinctive flavour. The most widely used variety is Genovese Basil. Others include Sweet Basil, Osmin Purple Basil, CInnamon Basil, Lemon Basil, Thai Sweet Basil, Greek Basil, Dark Opal Basil, Christmas Basil, Cardinal Basil, Globe Basil, Holy Basil, African Blue Basil, French Basil, Napoletano Basil, Lime Basil and Green Ruffles Basil.
Basil is an absolute essential in Italian cooking and is used in other types of cuisine including Thai, Indonesian and Vietnamese. It is known for being the main ingredient in traditional pesto and is also a favourite seasoning in tomato-based pasta sauces. As well as being so flavoursome, Basil brings many heath benefits too.
I hope you enjoy discovering the life-giving and healing benefits of Basil - a wonderful addition to any diet with many different recipes for your general good health, relaxation and wellbeing.
Folklore
Basil is an ancient medicinal plant found in apothecary cupboards worldwide as well as in almost every herbal Materia Medica published now and throughout history. Native to India and Asia, also known as Tulsi or Holy Basil, it is a sacred plant in the Hindu tradition.
Basil was associated with love and death, and is still referred to as the plant of love washed with tears. In Mediterranean ritual, Basil is placed the hands of the dead to protect them on their journey to the otherworld.
In Greece today, Basil is used in certain religious rituals as a symbol of fertility.
In Greek mythology, Basil was used to ward off the look and bite of Basilisk, the King of Serpents. This could be due to Basil being considered a medicinal cure for venomous bites, although it has not been documented as an actual cure for Snake bite.
The Greeks and Romans believed the most potent Basil could only be grown if one sowed the seed while ranting and swearing. This is confirmed by the French as Semer le Baslic (sowing basil) means to rant. The Victorian language of flowers has two meaning for Basil where Common Basil signifies ill-feelings and Sweet Basil conveys the sender's best wishes.
Nutrition
Basil is a herbal antibiotic, antiseptic, carminative and appetiser being of particular benefit to the stomach during digestion. Basil provides immediate relief from gas, stomach cramps and nausea. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Basil is highly antibacterial and antiviral making it effective against bacterial infections, intestinal parasites, colds, flu, mono, shingles and herpes. It provides a rich source of magnesium which relaxes muscles and blood vessels and supports cardiovascular health.
The essential oil of Basil contains eugenol which helps to decrease swelling in joints and tissues, providing relief from arthritis and fibromyalgia. Basil’s fungicidal properties help to heal wounds, skin rashes, warts and insect bites using a homemade compress (see below).
Consider making fresh Basil a staple in your diet by adding regularly to salads, homemade pesto, guacamole, green smoothies and even fruits like Strawberries and Bananas, the health properties are not to be missed.
Source: Medical Medium - Basil
Remedies
Basil Anti-Fungal Compress
A simple compress made from fresh Basil leaves can be used to heal wounds, skin rashes, warts and insect bites.
Crush fresh Basil leaves in a small amount of Organic Raw Virgin Coconut Oil.
Apply to the skin and wrap with a fresh bandage daily.
Basil Purification Spray
A simple spray that can be used to clean objects and surfaces in the home and work environment.
Add a roughly cut Lemon with a handful of fresh Basil to a pan of water.
Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes.
When cool, add to a spray bottle to use on general objects and surfaces.
Basil All-Purpose Home Cleaner
Basil contains essential oils with strong antimicrobial properties, making it effective against bacteria and fungi. It can also be used as an insect repellent. The citric acid in Lemons is antibacterial and antiseptic which means it can kill bacteria, remove mould and mildew and even, if done properly, remove rust. The oils in the peel (or rinds) of the Lemon help to cut through grease and staining, leaving objects and surfaces clean and shining. Vinegar makes an excellent replacement for all purpose surface cleaners as it naturally disinfects and polishes. You will need:
2 large jars with lids
Rinds of 4-6 Lemons
8-10 sprigs of Basil
2 litres distilled White Vinegar
Place the Lemon rinds and Basil into the jars, then add Vinegar to fill the jars.
Close the jars and shake well. Store out of direct sunlight.
Allow to infuse for at least 2 weeks and up to 4 weeks before using. The longer it infuses the better!
Strain and place into a spray bottle to use.
The strained mixture will last for about 6 months.
Recipes
Mediterranean Power Snack Sensation
This Mediterranean style snack packs a punch when it comes to flavour and healthy goodness. It's the perfect topping for crackers, bread or toast and can be used as a side salad. The delicious flavour will take your mind to a warm terrace overlooking the sea in the heat of the hot Mediterranean sun. Easy to make, tasty to enjoy and fabulous to share!
Zesty Basil Vinaigrette
For this recipe, all you need to do is put the following ingredients into a blender and blend.
1 large Shallot, 1 large clove of Garlic, juice of a whole Lime, 2 tbsp White Wine Vinegar, ½ cup Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 2 cups of fresh Basil leaves, ½ tsp Celtic Salt, Ground Black Pepper (to taste) and ½ tsp of Red Pepper Flakes (optional).
To retain a fresh bright green colour, blanch your Basil leaves before blending. (see below)
COMING SOON!
Blanching Basil
Basil, whether in homemade pesto or other sauces, can quickly turn into a dingy green colour and lose it's vibrant green colour when blended.
This happens because of oxidation which occurs when it is exposed to the air. To retain the vibrant green Basil colour in vinaigrettes, pestos and other sauces, blanch your Basil leaves first as this kills off the decomposing enzymes that take away the green colour.
Prepare a pot of boiling water and a bowl filled with ice and water.
Place the Basil leaves into the boiling water for 5 to 10 seconds, then quickly transfer to the ice bath with a slotted spoon or a pair of tongs.
Before use, remove excess moisture gently using some paper towels.
I hope you are enjoying this ongoing series of posts about the healing powers and health benefits of herbs that can be grown in any sized garden - and in pots too!
Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey of herbal delights and discovery. I hope you enjoy adding Basil to your herbal teas and recipes.
Much love
Sue Xx
Other Herbs to explore …
A Healing Herb - Lemon Verbena
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Oh I love Basil, love smelling the fresh leaves. Thank you, Sue 💙🙏💫
This is REALLY informative and timely, Sue. I shall be taking some Basil to my mum's next weekend as an extra Mother's Day gift... and stocking up in the meantime! Thank you.