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Practical use of herbs, art, nature, candles and creativity to bring magick into everyday life.
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Knowing and using practical herbs for healing, cooking and magick.
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Basil
For Health: One of the very best healing uses for basil is to rub the leaves on insect bites to relieve itching and inflammation. Also since basil is in the mint family it is not surprising that a tea from the leaves is said to be a wonderful after dinner aid to indigestion. The essential oil of basil is used for nervous exhaustion, mental fatigue and melancholy. A few drops in the bath will elevate your spirits and you'll feel like you just might make it!
Cooking: The most common use for basil is in the kitchen. Tomato sauce and pesto have made basil famous. But it's mildly peppery
flavor with traces of mint and clove can be added to just about anything. Fresh is the best but frozen and dried are also great. Throw the
leaves in salads, add them to mild vegetables, or try basil vinegars to name just a few ways to try this versatile herb. Fresh basil is best stored in oil.
History: Basil is actually a native herb of India, which seems odd because generally it is not used in Indian cuisine. It is now cultivated all over the world including France, Egypt, Italy, Greece, and many gardens in the US. The French call basil herbe royale. Italians still associate it with being a sign of love. It is said that the name is a derivative of basileus Greek for King.
If you haven't already found the wonderful qualities of this versatile herb, give it a try! Or find a new use or recipe for it...I'm sure it won't disappoint you!
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