Basil: Powerhouse of Flavor, Nutrition and Healing

Posted by Julian Pollock
May 25th, 2009
Filed in Fruits, Veggies and Herbs
Tags: basil, healthy living, herb garden, herbs, kitchen spices

Organic sweet basil – seeds available at Parkseed

Basil has been cultivated in India and Asia for over 5,000 years. Revered for its flavor and healing qualities, it is a traditional herb in Mediterranean, Italian and Thai dishes. Its name comes from the Greek word for king, and it reflects the reverence attributed to the herb, then considered to be sacred and noble. In India, basil was considered a symbol of hospitality. In Italy, basil was an icon of love.

Basil in the Garden

Basil is an annual herb in most climates, with over 40 known varieties. The most common variety grown is Sweet Basil. The varieties can grow to 2-1/2 feet high and wide with leaf colors ranging from light to deep green and others purple. Summer blooms are white or lavender.

Basil can be planted in an herb or flower garden. They can be featured as borders plants, in raised beds or even in hanging baskets. Basil does well in containers both outdoors and indoors.

Growing Basil

Basil is very easy to grow – it needs well-drained, rich soil and does best in sunny locations. Soil that has been mixed with organic compost or manure about a month before planting will help ensure vital, fragrant herbs. Moisture is important, so mulching is recommended to maintain moisture and discourage weeds.

Seeds can be germinated in pots indoors or placed directly into the garden. Basil is quite sensitive to frost injury, so make sure to plant only after the last frost. Once the seedlings have 2 pairs of leaves, they can be transplanted to their permanent site twelve inches apart outdoors. Indoors, basil should be grown in spots that get 6-8 hours of sunlight a day.

As a companion plant, basil will help protect tomato plants by repelling fruit flies, aphids and spider mites. It also protects against the tomato hornworm (the opal basil is best for this.) Many gardeners also report their tomatoes having a delicious basil taste when the herb is grown in proximity.

Harvesting

Pruning frequently, every 2 – 3 weeks, will encourage a bushy plant to maximize its production. It’s best to harvest on a sunny morning before the afternoon heat. Snip the tops, leaving enough foliage for continued healthy growth.

Basil can be dried by tying together small bundles and hanging them upside down in a dark, well-ventilated space. It can also be dried by spreading the leaves on screens outside in the shade on a warm day. Covering the leaves with cheesecloth will prevent them from blowing away. After the leaves are dry, store the basil in a sealed, dark container.

Basil can also be preserved by freezing. Freeze the leaves in ice cubes for nearly fresh flavor when used in cooking.

Medicinal Uses of Basil

Like most other mints, basil is often recommended for digestive complaints. It is useful to enhance digestion and dispel gas when drunk in a tea after a meal. To prepare the tea, pour 1 cup of hot (not boiling) water over about 1 teaspoon of dried herb and steep for 6 – 7 minutes. Strain and drink, adding honey if desired to sweeten.

A basil infusion (tea) is recommended for treating vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea and constipation. Having slight sedative properties, it can be useful for headaches and anxiety especially in combination with other sedating herbs like chamomile and catnip.

Basil is an expectorant, making it good for treating upper respiratory symptoms of colds, flu, asthma and bronchitis. As an anti-inflammatory food, basil can provide healing and relief of symptoms of ailments like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel complaints.

Bruised or crushed basil leaves will ease the pain of insect bites and stings and can be used on skin infections. Sprigs of basil burned on the barbecue will repel mosquitoes and a pot of basil in a windowsill will discourage flies.

Along with its medicinal value, basil is nutritionally rich in anti-aging antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Delicious, nutritious and an effective natural treatment for many common ailments, basil is a must for your outdoor or indoor organic herb garden.

This is part of a series of articles presented in conjunction with Julian Pollock of Organic Family Circle. The series explores the value and encourage the home growing of simple organic herbs for health and culinary pleasures.

Read the Entire Series

• Organic Herb Gardens: From Garden to Kitchen to Medicine Cabinet
• Growing Herbs for Fresh Organic Salads
• Basil: Powerhouse of Flavor, Nutrition and Healing
• Catnip: The Humble Prize in Your Organic Garden
• Chamomile and Lavender: Fragrance and Health in Your Organic Herb Garden
• Spotlight on Cilantro – A Spice and Medicinal Remedy All In One