The name basil is derived from Greek basileus "king",because of the royal fragrance of this herb,the Greek word basileus "king" means essentially "people's leader":bainein "go" and laos "people".

Contents

• Basil and Its Basic Botanical Info.
• Basil Plant Description.
• Basil:Cultivation and Havesting.
• Basil Etymology:royal fragrance and basileus,King's Herb.
• Basil:Its Origin and History.
• Main constituents and Phytochemicals of Basil.
• Uses Summary of Basil.
• Basil Applications and Preparation Tips.
• Basil and Class.
• Research Update:Ocimum basilicum.

Basil Applications and Preparation Tips.:

Fresh Basil leaves: Rub on insect bites to reduce itching and inflammation.

 Infusion: Combine with a little motherwort and drink immediately after childbirth to prevent a retained placenta.
 Tincture: Combine with wood betony and skullcap for nervous conditions, or with elecampane and hyssop for coughs and bronchitis.
 Wash: Combine the juice with an equal quantity of honey and use for ringworm and itching skin.
 Juice: Mix with a decoction of cinnamon and cloves for chills.
 Syrup: Combine the juice with an equal quantity of honey for coughs.
 Inhalation: Pour boiling water onto the leaves and inhale the steam for head colds.

 Basil Essential Oil:

 Oil: Add 5 - 10 drops to a bath for nervous exhaustion, mental fatigue, melancholy, or uneasiness.
 Chest Rub: Dilute 5 drops basil oil in 10 ml almond or sunflower oil for asthma and bronchitis.
 Massage Oil: Use the diluted oil for nervous weakness; can also be applied as an insect repellent.


 Preparation, uses, and tips:

 Basil is a wonderful addition to many foods. It is especially popular in the cuisines of Chile, France, Italy, Lebanon, and Thailand, and pairs well with summer vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplant, corn, and baby potatoes. Basil is also a delicious addition to green and pasta salads, herb breads, and pizza.

 Cosmetic uses of Basil:

 Basil is respected for its ability to calm the skin and make it smooth. Its extract is rich in vitamins of the group B and amino-acids (glutamine, asparagines, analin, lizin). It has a positive influence on the protein metabolism in the skin and helps to keep it moisturized.

 Buying and storing tips:

 When buying fresh basil, choose evenly colored leaves that show no sign of wilting.

 Refrigerate fresh basil, wrapped in barely damp paper towels and then in a plastic bag, for up to four days. For slightly longer storage, you can place a bunch of basil in the refrigerator for up to a week. Set it in a glass of water, stems down, and put a plastic bag over the leaves, changing the water every two days.

 To preserve fresh basil, wash and thoroughly dry the leaves. Then alternate layers of leaves and layers of coarse salt, using a container that can be tightly sealed. Preserved basil keeps indefinitely on the shelf.
 Dried basil can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to six months.
 Fresh basil has a more defined flavor and a more fragrant aroma than dried basil.
 Note: Basil does not freeze very well.

Reference:

• 1.The name basil is derived from Greek basileus "king",because of the royal fragrance of this herb,the Greek word basileus "king" means essentially "people's leader":bainein "go" and laos "people".

This article written and edited via herbalist of MDidea Extracts Professional. They run a range of online descriptions about this herb,including general information related and summarized updating discoveries from findings of professional scientisits this field related.Describe style aimed to form a useful detecting literature space where the intertwined threshold and related questions raise out and visualize themselves.

♣ last edit date:30th,Nov.2010.