BASIL
Basil is a delicious culinary herb, originally native to Iran, India and tropical regions in Asia, which has been cultivated for thousands of years and in many varieties. It can be eaten raw, used fresh in cooked recipes, added to drinks and desserts, and used for medicinal purposes.
A popular addition to Italian recipes, Basil offers a list of healing benefits to the mind/body system. Commonly used in Ayurvedic treatments, this wonderful herb has a beneficial effect on the heart and kidneys, strengthening both organs with regular use. Basil leaves can be a helpful treatment for many skin ailments including insect bites, minor abrasions, ringworm, and mouth ulcers. Macerating the leaves and applying the fresh juice to the affected area can relieve symptoms with regular use. Chewing fresh leaves has been known to have a healing affect on the teeth and gums, provides protection against stress, and purifies the blood.
Thai basil is an excellent addition to fresh salads, offering a sharp warm element to the palate and an overall refreshing aroma. Eat a pocket pita stuffed with fresh basil leaves for a quick mental lift and anxiety relief. In cooked foods, add leaves toward the end of cooking as heat destroys the flavor of basil. Dried basil does not have the same flavor and benefits of the fresh herb, so using it fresh is best.
It is very easy to grow your own Basil. Purchase seeds from your local garden center and plant in the ground or a planter/pot. I used potting soil and organic Basil seeds for my plants. These photos show the plants after a few weeks of growth that are ready to be transferred to the garden or permanent container. Transplant the seedlings about 6-12 inches apart to give them enough space to spread. Once they are about 6 inches tall you can pinch off the top leaves to encourage leaf growth. When harvesting basil, you can cut single leaves or cut a whole stem right above a pair of leaves.
Enjoy!
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