Description: Common or Sweet Basil is a hairy, labiate plant, growing about 2-3 feet high.  The leaves can be harvested every 2-3 weeks & the plant will bush out.  The leaves & flowering tops are gathered as the plant flowers.

There are about 150 varieties, differing in the size, shape, odour and color of the leaves.  The Common Basil has very dark green leaves, the curled-leaved has short spikes of flowers, the narrow-leaved smells like Fennel, another has a scent of citron and another a tarragon scent, one species has leaves of three colors, and another 'studded' leaves.

Today, basil is cultivated in many Asian and Mediterranean countries; main exporters (for the European market) are France, Italy, Morocco and Egypt. There is also significant basil production in California.

Main constituents:  Volatile oils (up to 28 percent methyl cinnamate)

Properties:  Antispasmodic, Antidepressant, Carminative, Febrifuge, Expectorant.

Uses:  Externally-Soothes itching, Antiseptic.

Internally-The tea made from the leaves of the basil plant is used for nausea, gas pains, and dysentery. Tea made with basil and peppercorns is a folk remedy to reduce fever.

Basil is antispasmodic, appetizer, carminative, & prevents vomiting. Basil is vary useful for ailments affecting stomach and the related organs.  It is also used for stomach cramps, gastric & intestinal catarrh, constipation, and enteritis. It had been sometimes used for whooping cough as an antispasmodic.

Safety Considerations:  DO NOT USE THE ESSENTIAL OIL either externally or internally during pregnancy.

Do not use medicinally during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.  Normal cooking amounts are not harmful.

May cause hypoglycemia.  Diabetics use caution.

Generally Recognized as Safe in the US.

Use at moderate levels.

Magical:

Folk Names:  Albahaca (Spanish), American Dittany, Our Herb, Witches Herb, Njilika

Gender:  Masculine

Planet:  Mars

Powers:  Love, Exorcism, Wealth, Flying, Protection

Uses:  Brings sympathetic connection between two people & helps to soothe tempers between lovers.  Rub on the skin as a love perfume, use as love incense & add to sachets; brings wealth when carried.  Where basil is, no evil lives.  Basil keeps away goats. Witches were said to have drunk a half a cup of basil juice before flying into the air.  Given as a gift, it gives good luck.

For money and success, soak in water for 3 days, then sprinkle about a place of business.

Basil has been used to ensure a safe journey to the afterlife in Egypt, India, Greece, Persia, & Malaysia.  It is still used at the altars of Greek Orthodox churches.

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