Basil

Basil:

Basil that is commonly grown in American gardens is known as Ocymum minumum . It is an annual herb, meaning it must be planted each year after the rain or winter season. It does not tolerate frost. Either green leafed or occasionally purple leafed, basil is most often used in Italian style cooking and some Mediterranean as well as French cooking areas. When planted as seed in spring, it will come into full bloom by July or August. The leaves should then be harvested for drying for winter cooking or for eating directly as a fresh herb.

In Africa, basil is crushed and made into tea. This tea is given when common fevers strike the general populous and acts as a natural fever reducer. Thus, many Africans call the basil plant "Fever plant" or "Fever Leaves". Many Japanese varieties of basil are used in the same way and the tea is said to be a cure for the common cold and flu. A cousin to common American Basil is O. teniflorum. It is said in many cultures to be a stimulant roughly on the same level as caffeine or nicotine. European and early American journals note that basil relieved mild gas when used in soup or tea. The seeds, ground into a powder and drunk or used as snuff have been recorded to cure nervousness or nervous headaches.

History records Egyptian women using basil to mark places where loved ones had passed away. It is thought that this is a practice changed around a bit but originating from the Persian culture where the basil herb was used to adorn graves and burial sites. In contrast, the Greeks used basil to mark anything negative or associated with hate or poverty. Homeless, poverty stricken or the lower class of often portrayed in greek art by those who are wearing basil. Roman culture saw basil as a strong herb. They believed it would only grow if it was mistreated and ignored. But alas Italians have restored it to good graces.

Italians adore basil so much it is considered a love token. A love that is strong and has endured many tears without breaking will be represented by basil even in modern times. If you ever want to see the power of Basil in literature, read Keats "Isabella and the Pot of Basil."

Best recommendation: (Container garden) While Basil grows well as a garden plant, I suggest it be grown in a large clay pot. Plant in late March or early April indoors with grow lights or in a sunny window. Place outdoors only when there is no chance of frost and the temperatures are well beyond 60 degrees. Seedlings will die at any temperature lower than that.

For good cooking recipes using basil see www.foodtv.com

Pagan School

Webhosting provided by NVServ