Benefits of Basil

A bit of history about basil:

The Hindu's considered Basil sacred in India and the middle east. In Belgian there was an old wives tale from the 17th century that says if you crush basil leaves between two bricks the basil would turn into scorpions. Boccaccio has Lisabetta burying her lovers head into a pot of basil and crying her tears into the pot.

Some health benefits of basil:

The dried and fresh basil is antiseptic and aromatic when used in bath and after bath preperations.

Medicinally basil can be taken in drop form for chills, colds and influenza, as it acts as a stimulant for digestion purposes.

Basil also helps in cases of stomach inflammation and abdominal cramps associated with menstruation.

Basil is used in potpourri's it smells great, but it also repels flies.

Basil makes wonderful perfumes and oils, here are just a few ideas you can try at home.

Rose and Basil perfume

2 cups of rose water

1 tsp crushed cloves

1 tbsp dried basil

1 shredded bay leaf

2 cups white wine vinegar

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil, then turn it down to a simmer and as it reduces add more water, cover and let sit for 24 hours, then strain and bottle, and let sit for 4 weeks before using.

Basil and rose lotion

4 tbsp sunflower oil

5 tbsp basil infusion ( basil boiled in water and cooled)

5 tbsp rose water

1 tsp borax

6 drops essential oil of basil

warm the oil in a bain marie, then warm the rose water in another. when both are the same temp, dissolve the borax into the liquids. Remove both bowls from the heat and slowly beat

the borax solution into the oil. continue beating until the mixture combines without seperating. add the essential oil of basil stir well and bottle, shake well before use.

After bath herbal oil

4 tbsp almond oil

2 tbsp wheat germ oil

2 tbsp sesame oil

3 tbsp sunflower oil

3 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp apricot or avocado oil

1 tsp essential oil of basil

shake all ingredients together in a bottle and use when needed.

Basil recipes for dinner

Pesto sauce

large handful of fresh basil

3 garlic cloves

1/2 cup pine nuts or walnuts

3/4 cup of parmesan cheese

1 tsp salt

1/4 cup olive oil

in a food processor blend all ingredients, til they are to the consistency you like, serve over pasta, rice or on toast.

tomato and basil bruschetta

french bread sliced

1/2 cup olive oil

6 ripe tomatoes diced

handful of fresh basil leaves chopped or torn

4 cloves of garlic minced

salt to your liking

brush the bread slices with olive oil and toast on a baking sheet at 425 for about 15 mins turning once until golden, combine all other ingredients and serve on toasted bread.