Guest guest Posted August 10, 2006 Report Share Posted August 10, 2006 Basil Botanical Name: Ocymum basilicum, Ocymum minimum (Bush Basil) Plant Family: Labiatae Common Names: Common Basil, St. Josephwort, Sweet Basil Origin: Native to India History: The meaning of the name is uncertain: some say it is from the Greek 'basileus' meaning 'a king'; others that it comes from 'basilisk' 'a mythical creature'. In India Basil is sacred to both Krishna and Vishnu. Culpepper calls it 'a herb of Mars and under the Scorpion'. It is a very masculine herb. Tradition: Basil aids in attracting and keeping love brings wealth if you carry a basil leaf in your pocket is used for purification baths is used in wealth and prosperity rituals is sprinkled over your mate while they sleep to ensure fidelity in your marriage (powdered basil) protects from evil and negativity was called the 'herb of poverty' giving protection to those who were poor and in want when placed on the breast during sleep it is the passport to paradise (Hindu) There were some conflicting legends: In Italy it stood for 'love' and was called 'Kiss Me Nicholas' In Greece it meant 'hate' In Judeism sprigs of Basil were held 'to give strength when fasting' Medicinal Parts Used: The whole herb Contains: aromatic volatile camphoraceous oil Action: antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions] appetizer [an agent that excites the appetite] aromatic [a substance having an agreeable odor and stimulating qualities] carminative [an agent for easing griping pains, colic and expelling gas from the intestines] galactagogue [an agent that encourages or increases the secretion of mil stomachic [an agent that strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach] Medicinal Parts Used: The whole herb Contains: aromatic volatile camphoraceous oil Action: antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions] aromatic [a substance having an agreeable odor and stimulating qualities], carminative [an agent for easing griping pains, colic and expelling gas from the intestines] galactagogue [an agent that encourages or increases the secretion of milk] refrigerant [an agent that lowers abnormal body heat, relieves thirst and gives a feeling of coolness] stomachic [an agent that strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach] vermifuge [an agent to expel parasitic worms, especially of the intestines] Basil is used: Brain and Nervous System Conditions clears the head and brain headache (rubbed on the temples) mild nervous disorders Female Conditions cleanses the womb expels the afterbirth after childbirth Gastrointestinal Conditions constipation enteritis gastric catarrh intestinal catarrh stomach cramps vomiting Respiratory Tract Conditions colds whooping cough Other draws out poisons Other Uses: culinary herb in salads and cooking The coward believes he will live forever If he holds back in the battle, But in old age he shall have no peaceThough spears have spared his limbs Stanza 16 of the Havamal (the Sayings of Har) from the Poetic Edda Everything Natural http://health./ Everything Magick EverythingMagick/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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