Basil

Uses:
                 • Basil helps steady the mind and protects against insanity.
                 • It brings happiness, peace, love, and money.
                 • Use Basil in spells to attract love, and in preparation for Astral Projection or to bring luck in physical travels.
                 • Carrying a leaf in your pocket or wallet will attract money.
                 • Soak Basil in water for 3 days, and then sprinkle it over the threshold of your place of business to attract customers and deter thieves.
                 • Dust the upper half of your body with powdered Basil, especially over the heart, to keep your lover’s eyes only on you.
                 • Keep a bit of Basil in each room to protect the home and family.
                 • To protect you when leaving the house, rub a leaf over your forehead.
                 • Can be used in peacemaking spells.
                 • Two Basil leaves placed on a live coal will give you an indicator about the state of your relationship: if they burn to ash quickly, your marriage will be harmonious, but if they crackle and hiss, your marriage will be disruptive.
If you suspect that your lover has been unfaithful, place a basil leaf on their hand. If it wilts right away, chances are good that they have been unfaithful.
                 • A gift of a potted Basil plant guarantees good fortune.
                 • Mixed in a bath with love herbs (Red Clover, Rose Buds, Catnip, Gentian, Damiana, Lavender, Cubebs, and Juniper Berries) to promote affection in the family.
                 • Mix with Rosemary and Rue for a cleansing and protective bath.

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Basil is okay for dogs and cats to ingest. It has antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties.

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After a meal, Basil tea is said to help aid in digestion and prevent flatulence. It’s used for many stomach complaints (cramping, digestive ailments, and many other things).

It is a mild sedative, and is useful for nervous headaches, and anxiety.

The oils of Basil have antibiotic and anti-fungal properties.



Harvesting and Storing:
              • Harvest by pinching off the leaves as needed once the plant is strong enough.
              • Leave at least two shoots intact when taking a large harvest.
              • Hang upside down or lay flat on drying racks to dry.
              • To maintain better flavor, chop fresh basil and freeze into ice cubes to drop into sauces.
              • If you freeze whole leaves, rub them in olive oil beforehand.
              • Mixing chopped Basil with butter and freezing it is fantastic for fish.
              • Basil leaves can also be packed into jars with olive oil.

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Sun Exposure: Full Sun.
Soil Type: Well-Drained

Vulnerable to slugs, whiteflies, and spider mites.

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“Basil” comes from the Greek, meaning “King.”

African folklore claims that basil protects against scorpions, while Greek lore said that scorpions would breed in the presence of basil.

European lore claims that it belongs to Satan and you must curse the ground as you plant it in order for it to grow properly. This is where the French idiom, ''semer le basilic'' "to sow the basil" came from, it refers to ranting.

Basil was used in English folk magic, like so many other things, to ward off harmful spells as well as to keep away pests.

It is a symbol of love in Italy. A pot of basil placed on a balcony meant that the woman who lived there was ready to receive suitors.