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Bringing Up Basil

Like tomatoes and potatoes, basil has been accused of possessing aphrodisiac qualities. This probably has more to do with its bold presence (rows of the plant look like a happy marching band) than its erotic potential. However, the dueling emotions of love and hate that have surrounded basil since ancient Greece remain powerful to this day. You can sense that even on the American table, where its smell is probably the fragrance most associated with the culinary revolution of the late 1970's. That revolution, which had as its ethos the rejection of all that was canned or frozen in favor of food that was boldly flavored and fresh, set the stage for basil's ascendance. Torn basil leaves began showing…

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 Sweet and Holy: The Benefits of Basil

As nutritious as they are, not all the benefits of basil come from eating these pungent leaves. In some traditional medicine practiced in South Asia such as the Indian Ayurveda tradition, holy basil (Ocimum Sanctum) is used as an herbal medicine. Globally, various traditional medicines use basil to help with everything from snakebites to colds to inflammation.

Articles of Interest

All About That Basil

It’s just plain delicious, whether it’s oozing out of a baguette or flavoring some hearty soup. But the pesto preparation that I relish the most? Swirled into plain pasta, spaghetti or perhaps orzo, with a few cherry tomatoes. Bellissima.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Leaves as a Source of Bioactive Compounds

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an annual spicy plant generally utilized as a flavouring agent for food. Basil leaves also have pharmaceutical properties due to the presence of polyphenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids.

Basil benefits: Nourishing cancer warriors

Basil, an aromatic herb cherished in Iranian, Italian, Greek, Chinese and Indian cuisines, offers a myriad of uses beyond its culinary delights. Patients with cancer often explore various supportive measures beyond conventional therapies when navigating treatment. One such avenue worth exploring is including basil in your diet.

Basil seeds are having a moment – but can you enjoy eating them?

They are the latest super-seed, and are said to help with weight loss, blood-sugar control and flu prevention. It’s just a pity they have the texture of frogspawn

Basil: A Flavorful Herb for Health and Home

The little green leaf may also have soothing effects on the mind. For centuries, basil has been used in traditional medicine to lower stress and improve feelings of calm. A study from 2022 supported this, demonstrating that Holy basil supplementation was correlated with reduced stress and improved sleep quality.

Basil: A Versatile Herb with Incredible Health Benefits

Basil: More Than Just a Herb... Basil, native to tropical regions stretching from Central Africa to Southeast Asia, has earned its place as one of the most versatile herbs in the world. As a member of the mint family, basil includes many varieties such as sweet basil, lemon basil, Thai basil, holy basil, and African blue basil. Historically, basil was even believed to counteract the venom of the mythical basilisk, showcasing its long-standing reputation as a powerful plant.

Basil: History, Health Benefits & More

Basil -- Ocimum basilicum (the scientific name for basil) is a member of the mint family. Originally native to India, Asia, and Africa, basil used to be praised as a sacred or noble herb. The word "basil" itself, comes from the ancient Greek word "basilikhon," meaning "royal." Today, basil can be grown in your kitchen or garden, as this fragrant herb is wonderful for dishes particularly in Italian & Thai Cuisine. What we find surprising, is that there are over 60 varieties of basil! That's a lot of basil!

Basil: Our Aromatic Herbal King

The pungency of basil is no joke: put a whole leaf in your mouth and chew it up to for an eye opening experience. I love basil torn up in salads, added to my favorite stir fry (toss it in at the end of cooking), or I'll make an infused salt with those final leaves before it shifts to brown. Here’s how to infuse your salt: take fresh basil and layer it in sea salt or Himalayan Salt, and then let the salt soak up the moisture for about 3 days. After that, then crumble the layers all together for a FANTASTIC uplifting basil infused salt. Use it to garnish your dishes or use it with a Margarita: all wins all the way around!

How to Not Kill Your Supermarket Herbs Days After Buying Them

Basil is a versatile herb originally from tropical regions in central Africa and Southeast Asia. There are many different types – purple, white, Sicilian, lemon Basil – but the one most commonly sold in supermarkets is the sweet basil, which has medium-sized leaves. The plant grows only once a year, between April and October. “Unlike other aromatic plants, which may recover after the winter, basil always dies,” says De Marco. Basil likes sunlight, but not too much, and needs to be watered more than other plants, near-daily when it’s hot. An easy way to spot if your basil plant is thirsty is checking if its leaves are limp. As De Marco explains, if you buy a basil plant at the supermarket, you’re actually likely buying four or five small plants that have been potted together. The most important thing you can do to help them survive is to transfer them to a larger pot so they have room to unfurl their roots and grow.

Naturopathic Kitchen: Basil

Basil is a member of the mint family, but has its own distinct taste that blends sweet and savory. This fragrant leafy green herb adds a bright flavor to many different recipes and is particularly popular in Italian cuisine. This herb comes in a number of varieties and has multiple benefits for health.

Not Your Basic Plant – The Wonderful Benefits of Basil

Basil is one of the most common and well-beloved herbs that you can find in everyone’s kitchen and even in their edible garden. This aromatic green leaf is so easy to grow, and its distinct flavor makes it a favorite garnish or seasoning for many dishes around the world. But did you know that basil is so much more than it seems? Packed in each handful of basil leaves are numerous health benefits for the mind, body, and skin. Here are some of the wonderful things that basil can do for us.

Revolutionary Recipe: Oil-Free Lemon Basil Pesto

This plant-based recipe for pesto is oil-free and high in plant-based protein. The great thing about pesto is that you can enjoy it so many ways: on zucchini noodles, in mushrooms, on sandwiches, or however you want.

Superfood Spotlight: Holy Basil

One particularly powerful adaptogen is a special herb called holy basil, sometimes also known as tulsi or sacred basil. Holy basil is an adaptogen that’s revered for its versatility of its benefits, making it a favorite tool of natural practitioners.

The Benefits of Thai Basil, and Why You Should Be Growing Thai Basil Indoors

Originating from Southeast Asia, Thai Basil is the fun, exotic cousin of the popular sweet basil everyone has come to know and love in the West. Thai Basil has a more robust flavor with a spicy kick of licorice and anise than sweet basil, which has a minty and peppery taste. The plant also has a striking look due to its purple stem and flower buds, which sometimes continue to spill out on its narrow leaves.

The Health Benefits of Holy Basil

Holy basil, also known as Ocimum sanctum L. and tulsi, is native to Southeast Asia. It has a history within Indian medicine as a treatment for many conditions, from eye diseases to ringworms. From the leaves to the seed, holy basil is considered a tonic for the body, mind, and spirit. Different parts of the plant are recommended for treating different conditions...

The Last Guide You'll Ever Need For Cooking With Basil

From the ancient world, basil moved through the Middle Ages (where some doctors thought it poisonous), then to Britain, North America, and finally the rest of the world. Today, it is a mainstay of Italian soups and sauces and a critical flavoring agent in Southeast Asian cooking, but also pops up in many other cuisines as well.

The Medicinal Uses of Basil: A Comprehensive Guide to This Flavorful Herb

Have you ever wondered why basil is a staple in kitchens around the world, especially in Italian and Southeast Asian cuisines? Beyond its delightful flavor and aroma, basil (Ocimum basilicum) has a rich history as a medicinal herb that dates back thousands of years. In fact, this aromatic plant was revered in ancient cultures not just for culinary purposes, but also for its potential health benefits. It’s fascinating how a simple herb can embody both taste and wellness!

Unlock the Healing Power of Basil: Health Benefits You Need to Know

You probably know sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum, as a key ingredient in some of your favorite dishes: from pasta sauces to fresh pesto. But did you know the health benefits of basil means this aromatic herb has been used for centuries as a powerful natural remedy?

Unlocking Basil's Health Benefits

Basil isn't just a popular herb; it's a health superstar. It has more to offer than great taste. Basil is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These can help a lot with your health. They improve digestion, boost your immune system, and make your skin and hair look better.

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5 Health Benefits of Basil

More than a pop of color for your latest culinary creation, basil leaves provide benefits that are almost endless. “Basil contains nutrients and compounds that can help stave off chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease and arthritis,” says registered dietitian Gillian Culbertson, RD, LD. “On top of that, basil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. And it may even boost your mental health, depending on the variety and form that you use.”

The 4 Unknown Health Benefits of Basil

Basil is one of my favorite herbs! It is a staple in my kitchen and grows year ‘round in my household. Not only does it offer a fresh and unique taste to many dishes, but it also comes with many health benefits. A win-win for chefs and healthy eaters alike! Here are 4 unknown health benefits of basil that may just get you to start win incorporating this tasty herb into your cooking and diet.

Life and Health Network

One of the most commonly used herbs especially in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, basil is known for its highly fragrant leaves and versatile use in salads, soups, and entrees. In addition to its powerful aroma, basil is rich in vitamin K and a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin A. A new study from the University of South Florida Health in October 2021 found that fenchol, an abundant compound in basil, may help prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia in older people.