Description :
Basil is a herbaceous one-year ornamental plant, with elliptical leaves and oval leaves and white flowers formed on the tops of the shoots. The plant is found throughout Greece as a cultivator in the gardens and pots of the houses for its ornamental value.It blooms from spring to summer depending on the season of sowing. It probably comes from India from where it traveled 4,000 years ago to Egypt, ancient Greece, and finally to Europe. The basil comes from India where it was a sacred plant dedicated to Krishna and Vishnu. The word basil comes from the Greek word king. Since antiquity, however, it has moved to Europe where it has become very popular in the Mediterranean
In Greece it was brought by Alexander the Great when, from his campaign in India among others, he brought the king’s plant. When he saw it in India was impressed and his army brought it to Europe. Ancient Greeks did not appreciate the plant as they believed that the scorpions preferred nesting beneath its pots and that its intense smell was a kind of curse. They therefore considered it a sign of death.
On the contrary, the Romans considered it as an erotic filter , a sign of love and amulet. The Egyptians used it along with other plants in the embalming, and the Galatians used it in purification ceremonies along with spring water. Possibly from there it keeps its roots and the Christian custom of sanctification with the basil.
It is certain, however, that the Greeks knew it well before the campaign of Alexander the Great. The Greek folk tradition connects the plant with St. Helen: when she went to Palestine seeking the cross of Christ, she saw a bush that was bushing. He considered it a divine sign. She dug under his root and found the cross, the most holy symbol of the Christian world!
Traditional Medicine
Apart from its flavor and taste, the basil contains folic acid and vitamin C, calcium, potassium and magnesium.
In addition, it has some healing properties known since antiquity, among other things that it improves blood circulation and relieves migraines
For migraines: In a teaspoon of soybean oil, put 1 drop of lavender, mint and basil essential oil.Massage the temples.
For stress: In a teaspoon of soy oil, put 1 drop of marjoram essential oil and 2 basil. Massage with the mixture in the body.
For bowel and stomach convulsions: In a sugar cube, instil 1 drop of basil essential oil and eat or put it in your tea or coffee.
For unpleasant breath: Do gargles with a basil infusion or if you have eaten garlic, chew two leaves.
To calm and stimulate memory: Make an infusion by putting 25g. basil leaves in 1/2 liter hot water and leave for 10 minutes with closed lid. When it cools down, drink 3-4 cups a day.
Preparation :
Boil 1 tsp of dried herb in a pan with water for 2-3 minutes. Leave it for a while, strain and drink.
Precautions:
Generally, there are no contraindications to the use of the herb.
