Basil Fresh From The Garden

Basil was introduced to Europe from its Native India in ancient times.

It is sweet, pungent, and slightly bitter.

Basil leaves are good in salads and add zest to any tomato dish.

I like to use fresh from the garden basil leaves in the summer , and resort to using my own home made dried basil as fall and winter set in. My favorite use for dried basil is on baked salmon.

Basil has a rich, slightly spicy flavor with mild hints of mint and cloves.

It is a must have for me when using fresh tomatoes and tomato sauce.

And of course it is the key ingredient when making Pesto Sauce.

Just like all members of the mint family, the tiny little flowers of the basil have a distinctive lower lip, However, you will have to look close to see it. From a distance, all you will see is a white or a pale pink spike that is made up of lots of flowers. And from pretty far away, you will most likely catch a whiff of a fantastic pesto~like aroma.

To grow your own Basil from seeds, It is recommended that the seeds be started six to eight weeks before transplanting them outdoors. However, seeds or purchased garden ready plants, can be planted directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Plant in full sun or partial shade.

Where Should I plant it ? Basil will thrive in pots, flower borders, and in an herb or vegetable garden. Ornamental forms are available and are attractive in decorative containers and flower boxes.

What does it look like ? The bushy plants have one half to two inch long green or purple leaves, depending on the variety. The basil plants produce new shoots from the leaf axils. Small flowers appear on long spikes during mid summer.

How do I grow it ? Transplant your already started plant or sow seeds outdoors in early summer, after the danger of frost has passed. In mid summer you should pinch flowers to encourage new tender and edible shoots.

Genovese ; ( Sweet Basil ) The most popular basil to use in Pesto. It is actually the most popular for culinary use.

Cinnamon Basil : ( Saigon Basil ) has a fragrant sweet basil aroma. It is popular in the Vietnamese cuisine. it contains a chemical called cinnamate, cinnamon contains the same chemical which is how it gets its flavor.

Purple Ruffles Basil ; The purple ruffle basil has won many awards for it beauty and flavor. The beautiful leaves are often use as a decoration or in pesto.

Lemon Basil: A very popular herb that is used in Arabic, Indonesian, Lao And Thai Cuisines.

Italian Sweet Basil : Basil is a basic to any herb garden. There is an incredible variety of basils and all are used extensively. But if this is really your first go at growing herbs, try Italian sweet basil because you can clip it constantly through the summer. Keep it cut regularly and never let the small white flower heads form.

Leaves

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

Infusion : Combine with a little motherwort and drink immediately after childbirth to prevent 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 amount 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 amount of hone for coughs.

Inhalation : Pour boiling water onto the leaves and inhale the steam for head colds.

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.

CAUTION: Do not use the essential oil externally or internally in pregnancy.

Source ; The Complete Medicinal Herbal..A practical guide to the healing properties of herbs.

DISCLAIMER: I have not used any of these remedies personally therefore I do not stand by the healing abilities..It is always wise to check with a medical Doctor , before trying any of new remedies. Always be aware of allergies as well.