Most people think of Basil only as a culinary herb. It can be used for so much more than cooking. From aiding in digestion to easing the pain of insect bites, basil is a great addition to your herbal medicine cabinet.
Basil is an annual plant, which means it must be planted every year and will die completely in the fall. Some people have luck growing it indoors, I am not one of those people. I plant it in the ground here in Georgia and it does just fine. Make sure you give it plenty of water and trim the flowers as they emerge. This helps the leaves to keep producing. I however, leave half of the flowers for the sake of the bees. Save the bees!
When using medicinally:
Completely safe, no known side effects.
Basil tea for Headache & Stress (Rosemary Gladstar)
You can use fresh or dried herbs for this tea blend
Combine herbs and mix well. Use 1 tsp if dried 2 if fresh per 1 cup of boiling water. Let boiling water infuse over herbs for 10-15 minutes, then strain.
I think this goes great with a hot bath with lavender essential oil.
When using medicinally:
Completely safe, no known side effects.
- Crush a few leaves and place on an insect bite or sting. The juice helps relieve pain and itch.
- Chewing on basil leaves can relieve cold and flu symptoms. It helps break up mucus.
- Boil some leaves with water to use as a sore throat gargle.
- Helps relieve stress and depression.
- Aides in digestion, reduces gas and nausea.
Basil tea for Headache & Stress (Rosemary Gladstar)
You can use fresh or dried herbs for this tea blend
- 1 part basil leaf
- 1 part lemon balm leaf (my favorite)
- 1/4 part chamomile and/or lavender flower
Combine herbs and mix well. Use 1 tsp if dried 2 if fresh per 1 cup of boiling water. Let boiling water infuse over herbs for 10-15 minutes, then strain.
I think this goes great with a hot bath with lavender essential oil.