Herbal Wisdom

You hear a strange noise outside. You open the door and standing there is a bat-winged, cock-headed, fire-breathing basilisk! It's stare, or breath alone, can kill. What do you do? You grab a piece of basil and away it flees! (Or at least that's what they used to say in ancient Rome).

One superstition from Belgium said that if you crush basil between two bricks, the basil would magically transform into scorpions. Another European story claimed a man smelled so much basil, scorpions bred in his head. Talk about your headache!

Interestingly, by reducing the root to a paste, today basil is used by some as an antidote to scorpion and snake bites!

I was surprised to learn that this plant originated in India! The Hindi name for basil is Tulsi. It is considered sacred to the gods Krishna and Vishnu. The spice routes brought it to the Mediterranean and Asia where the plant quickly went native. Indeed today, when we think of basil, we think of Italian and Thai cuisine.

The name basil derives from the Greek word Basileus, which means "king." This was said to be because of its "royal" fragrance. In traditional Greek weddings, brides are still crowned with sweet basil.

Throughout folklore and still today, basil has been used in love charms, protection spells, and to bring happiness, peace, and harmony. Feel friction in the air between you and the one you love? Wear basil to help avoid a clash.

One of the primary uses for basil is to attract good luck and wealth. Here are some instructions on making a prosperity candle.

Prosperity Candle

• Wax, granules or block
• saucepan and a metal can
• Basil
• mold
• Cotton wick optional,
• basil, pine or patchouli essential oil
• Piece of green crayon or wax dye.

Melt the wax in a can, set inside a larger pan with simmering water. Do not let any water get into your wax. Cut a piece of wick longer than your mold. (See package for diameter of wick needed.) Dip it into the melted wax and allow it to stiffen. Attach the wick to the bottom of the mold with a small piece of putty, modeling clay, hot glue or a wick tab. To keep your wick centered, place a pencil over the top of your container and loop the wick over it.

Add the basil while asking your higher power(s) to please grant you prosperity, "if it be for the greater good." Add the piece of crayon or dye (note: the color will dry lighter.) Add a drop or two of essential oil. Gently stir.

Pour into the mold.

Use this candle under a waxing or full moon while meditating on prosperity. Don't forget to notice and be grateful for all the little signs of prosperity in your life!

* Molds can be seashells, film canisters, tempered glass jars, tuna cans even paper cups. Lightly spray with a non-stick cooking spray.

Basil's rich spicy scent is said to refresh the mind, relieve headaches and elevate moods. It comes as no surprise that it also stimulates the appetite!

Drinking basil tea may help dispel flatulence, aid digestion, and help to relieve anxiety, insomnia and exhaustion. Research has also shown that extracts of the plant inhibit organisms which cause dysentery.

Basil is an annual that grows in zones 4-10. It grows about 1-2' high (30-60 cm), and is actually part of the mint family.

There are over 40 known varieties of basil. Sweet Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) is the most commonly known. Some basil has tiny leaves, like Bush Basil. Others have leaves large enough to use as a food wrap, like Basilico Mostruoso. There are even 'flavored' basils, such as Anise, Lemon and Cinnamon Basil.

The foliage of basil comes in several colors and textures, from light or dark green to purple to goldish yellow. These decorative basil work beautifully in the flower garden or in pots. Flowers appear in summer and are white or lavender.

Basil is a very easy plant to grow. To get the earliest crop possible, you can start basil indoors, in bright light, about 6 weeks before your last frost.

Transplant or plant seeds outdoors, in direct sunlight, well after frost. It prefers a rich and moist soil. Do not over fertilize. Planting basil next to tomato plants results in larger, healthier tomatoes.

Once your plant has about 6 leaves, start pinching off the top 2. This will help the plant branch. Pick leaves at least once a week and up to one half of the plant's leaves at a time. The plant will keep producing more! Be sure to pinch off the flowering top every time it appears.

Cooking with basil induces feelings of love, passion, mental clarity and harmony into your life. Use in tomato dishes, pesto, pizza, eggs, and vegetables. It is wonderful in salad dressings and even baked into bread. Try tossing tomatoes with fresh (soft) mozzarella and torn pieces of basil. Add a little Italian dressing for a delicious treat!

When cooking with basil, be sure to add it at the last minute. Basil's delicate aroma is quickly destroyed by heat.

Pesto

Serves 4 One of the true pleasures of summer, fresh pesto is very easy to make.

• 2 to 4 cloves garlic
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 ½ cup basil leaves
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese
• 3 Tablespoons pine nuts
• 3 Tablespoons butter

Wash and dry basil leaves. Peel garlic and chop in a food processor. Add basil, pine nuts, olive oil and a pinch of salt. Process until creamy. Stir in Parmesan cheese. If using on hot pasta, stir in butter, then toss with 1 pound of cooked pasta.

To freeze. Prepare as above, leaving out the cheese and butter. They may be added before serving.

Easy Thai Curry with Basil

Serves 4

• 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 cans coconut milk
• 1 Tablespoon red curry paste (or more to taste)
• ¼ to ½ cup fresh basil (Thai 'kra pao' basil or sweet basil may be used)
• 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
• Optional ~ 3 to 6 Tablespoons fish paste
• 2 cups any combination of the following, cut into 1" pieces or sliced; tofu, cooked chicken or beef, bell pepper, zucchini or other vegetables.
• Optional ~ cilantro to garnish

Sauté onion in oil until translucent. Add curry and coconut milk. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients (excluding cilantro) and simmer for 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Garnish with cilantro if desired. Serve with jasmine, basmati or white rice.

Cold temperatures easily damage Basil so harvest before your first frost.

The best method of keeping basil's fresh taste is to freeze it. (See the pesto recipe.) One method is to process basil with enough olive oil to make a thick paste. Freeze this mixture in ice cube trays. When frozen put into freezer bags. Pull out a cube or two as needed. Basil can also be dried, preserved in vinegar, oil or salt.

Enjoy basil's rich spicy aroma all year round!

Warning: Do not use basil essential oil internally. Disclaimer: Please consult with a qualified health care professional before using any herbs for medicinal use.

By Victoria Betson