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Basil
- Ociumum
basilicum
A
tender annual herb which grows wild all over the
Mediterranean, the Basil has a number of varieties
varying in height and leaf colour. The most commonly
used is the French Basil (ocimum basilicum), which
has very dark green ovate leaves, with a slightly
greyish-green underside, growing up to 60 cms on
an erect and rather square stem, bearing whorls
of greenish, or pinky-white two-lipped flowers.
Sacred to Krishna and Vishnu, the Basil is considered
capable of opening the heart and mind
and is second only to the lotus in the hierarchy
of sacred plants. Indeed, folk lore long tells the
tradition of keeping a pot of Basil in the home
for its purifying and protective influences, and
it is particularly useful in the kitchen for deterring
flies and pests. Basil takes its name from the Greek
word for king : basilieum - and was
an ingredient of an oil used for anointing kings,
and in folklore has been referred to as the
king of herbs.
By the 16th century Basil was being made into a
powder and used like snuff to clear the head.
The anti-spasmodic qualities of Basil make it effective
against headaches, migraines, and for relieving
insomnia from stress or tension. In India, Basil
is used as a tea with honey to promote clarity or
the mind.
In the West, Basil is more commonly used for digestive
upsets, and for clearing intestinal parasites. Fresh
basil leaves can be applied topically to clear fungal
infections of the skin, and the oil is often added
to chest rubs for clearing coughs and congestion
- it is also a good nerve tonic and anti-depressant,
strengthens the mind, has a clarifying effect on
the brain and helps with mental fatigue.
As a mouthwash Basil is effective on mouth ulcers
and gum infections, and as a massage oil is excellent
for tired, overworked, tight muscles! The oil is
also good for insect bites (including wasp stings)
and, like the plant itself, makes an effective insect
repellent. It has also been reported to help with
scanty periods, cramps, sinusitis and earache, and
rheumatism.
!
The essential oil should not be used during pregnancy
- and can irritate sensitive skin ! |
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