Bulk Herbs: Basil Leaf, Organic
Ocimum basilicum

Format: C/S
Size: 1 oz package

Also Known as: Ocimum basilicum, Sweet Basil, Garden Basil, American Dittany, St. Joseph's wort, Witches Herb, Balanoi, Feslien, Njilika, Albahaca, "Our Herb" and Common Basil. Not to be confused with holy basil(tulsi)used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Farming Type: Organic
Origin: USA

Fresh basil leaves have a unique aroma not even approximated by any other herb, making them an essential ingredient in cuisines of countries all over the world. There are hundreds of species and their hybrids marketed as basil, but the herb most commonly used in herbal medicine is the Mediterranean or "sweet" basil (although arguably Thai basil is sweeter). Basil produces its essential oils in glands in its leaves that have to be activated by UV-B rays from the sun; the best quality basil is grown in hot, sunny climates.

Basil is used as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes, soaps, shampoos, and other body care products. Reportedly it has been used in the Far East for centuries for a variety of ailments, including head colds, a cure for warts, worms, as an appetite stimulant, carminative, and as a diuretic, among others.

While most of us are familiar with basil as a culinary herb, the applications of basil in natural health are not as well known. It was first described in a Chinese herbal around 1060 C.E, and has been used for stomach spasms and kidney ailments there ever since. The Chinese have also used it to treat snakebites and insect bites. The essential oil is antibacterial, and drops of basil oil may relieve ear infections. European scientists are investigating the use of basil oil as treatment for antibiotic resistant infections with Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas. There are some indications basil oil may help restore immune function damaged by stress. Basil oil also helps the active ingredients of other herbs more readily penetrate the skin when basil oil is added to ointments, liniments, and salves. Dried basil leaf can be added directly to food or drunk as a tea (1/2 teaspoon of dried herb steeped for 10 minutes in 1 cup of boiling water in a closed container) to relieve flatulence and fullness.

Note:: The German Commission E advised caution in the use of basil due to the content of estragole in its essential oil, a compound suspected to cause cancer. However, further testing indicated that an increase in cancer would only occur in persons who ate approximately 1,000 kilograms of basil daily, equating to over one ton of the herb. Nonetheless, the safety of the herb has not been established for pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children under six.

In Magick, Basil is ruled by Mars and Fire, which makes for a very strong combination. This is a protective herb bar none and can be used in sachets, baths and incense blends. It can also be used for love mixtures, to spice up your love life when needed. Basil has also been used in magick for prosperity, money and abundance. If you have to pick one herb to keep around, always choose basil as it fills many uses! As with all Mars ruled herbs, use with caution! This herb has a strong energy and more does not necessarily mean better. Be sure your blends are balanced when adding any type of mars herb to it!

Keywords: Love, exorcism, wealth, protection

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.