Basil definitely ranks up there as one of my favorite herbs. I love the sweet, fragrant aroma this herb adds to my meals. I use it all the time in my tomato sauces, pizza sauces and pestos. I also love sprinkling it over my salads and tomato appetizers. My family just loves eating my famous tomato & mozzarella sandwiches. Basil is my secret ingredient on this sandwich because without it, the sandwich would lack the awesome peppery and licorice flavor that this herb provides. I always keep lots of it on hand.
Basil is commonly called “King of Herbs.” The word basil comes from the Greek word basileus which means king or emperor. Nicholas Culpepper, the famous botanist, herbalist, astronomer and physician stated that this herb was “an herb of Mars and under the Scorpion, and therefore called Basilicon”, relating it to the basilisk, the legendary reptile considered to be the king of the serpents.
It is also considered by many to have some great natural health benefits. Here are a few interesting basil health claims:
1. Calming the Stomach. Basil is considered to have a calming effect on the stomach by helping sooth indigestion and alleviating feelings of fullness. Not a bad thing to add to your rich, Italian pasta perhaps.
2. Arthritis Relief. It is considered to have anti-inflammatory properties. This is because eugenol, an oil contained in basil, blocks enzymes in the body that cause swelling.
3. Natural Antibiotic. The leaves of this herb are considered to have antibacterial properties. The leaves have been used to clean surfaces of infectious disease and applied topically to wounds to eliminate bacterial infections.
4. Cure For The Common Cold? I’ve even heard that some believe that this herb boosts the immune system because of its antioxidant properties and by ingesting the herb it helps your body to combat viral infections like colds and the flu.
5. Minerals and Iron. Basil contains the essential minerals potassium, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Basil leaves are also an excellent source of iron.
If you use basil as much as I do, buying in bulk is a good, cost-effective way to keep your spice cabinet fully stocked with this essential herb. At MySpicer.com we stock three variations:
