Basil

Basil

I thought instead of talking about yet another flower, I would talk about something most people have in their kitchens in some form, be it ground, dried, fresh, or potted.  Basil is a staple in many cuisines, and also has many interesting magical and medicinal uses. 

Basil has a lot of flavor, and can be considered both sweet and savory depending on how it is prepared or what it is added to.  It isn't traditionally a desert spice, like cinnamon and nutmeg, but I don't see why you shouldn't experiment the next time you make muffins. Basil is especially tasty in sauces, rubs, marinades, and breads.

DISCLAIMER

As with any holistic medicinal practice, if you want to use basil for anything you should first be absolutely sure you won't have a bad reaction.  You should never ingest anything when pregnant or breastfeeding without express permission from your doctor.  The same goes if you have any chronic illness.  If you ever want to use basil essential oil, always dilute it before applying it to any skin.  It is very very strong.  Mineral oil is a good dilution agent.  Always test it on a small area of skin (I test on my underarm) before using it anywhere else.

Some information about basil:

Holistically it can be used to:

-Lower blood pressure - Cooking with basil and garlic isn't just delicious, its good for you!

-Lower blood sugar levels - I take basil capsules when I can't afford cinnamon.  Most vitamin stores should have them.

-Lower tension and stress - Basil tea, though powerfully flavorful, melts away the tension!

-Lower cholesterol - People who eat lots of foods using fresh basil have a better chance of maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

-Alleviate depression - Growing a basil plant in your home or office will help alleviate a droopy mood.

It is also a good detoxification plant.  It can be used to treat congestion and head colds by pouring boiling water over the leaves and leaning (a safe distance) over them and breathing in the vapors. It has anti-inflammatory properties, making it excellent to combat hay fever or asthma as well.  Planting it near doors and windows will keep flies and some other pests away, but be careful.  From my own experience, earwigs seem to love to live in it, so check regularly for them or any strange larvae on the plants. Always wash well before using in anything.

Basil can be used magically as well. Here are some of its magical uses:

-Attract money/wealth - Rub fresh basil behind your ears to attract opportunities.

-Protect your home from evil spirits or mischief makers

-Purify a sacred space

-Aid in psychic attributes like clairvoyance, precognition, and telepathy. - Placed under the pillow at night!

-Encourages prophetic dreams. 

-Love magic

-Exorcism of a person.

-Cleansing negative energy from a space or person. - Prepare a meal using basil for a friend suffering from negativity or possible possession. 

Basil is a good plant to add to money incense, or burn it in your home for 24 hours, a few hours in each room, to protect it and to keep away annoying or negative people who mean you harm. 

Basil Money Spell

What you need:

A green candle

A lighter

A fireproof bowl

A bowl of warm basil infused water (make it like you would make tea, but don't use a tea ball or bag)

A charcoal disk

Dried, ground basil

You should perform this in a well ventilated area, or outside.  The smoke from basil is often considered rather acrid.

Light the candle and concentrate on it.  Clear your mind and focus on what it is you want, and how you wish to get it.  Remember, just asking for money to fall in your lap won't help.  You have to make a game plan, how you plan on attaining this money.  You are asking the greater powers to provide you with a path to wealth, not to give you money you haven't earned.

Put the charcoal disk in the fireproof bowl and light it. Sprinkle the ground dried basil on the disk and begin washing your hands in the water.  As you wash your hands, repeat:

Money go, money come

I will work to make some

Bring me money, though harm none.

Repeat it as many times as you wish.  When you are done, snuff the candles and let the charcoal burn out somewhere safe.

Simple Garlic Basil Pesto:

Ingredients

§  3 cups chopped fresh basil

§  1 cup extra virgin olive oil

§  1/2 cup pine nuts

§  1/8 cup Brazil nuts

§  2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

§  2 tablespoons minced garlic

§  1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Directions

1.     Place the basil in a blender. Pour in about 1 tablespoon of the oil, and blend basil into a paste. Gradually add pine nuts, Brazil nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, chili powder, and remaining oil. Continue to blend until smooth.

Some links where I got some of the information, along with more information on basil:

http://www.natures-health-foods.com/basil-remedy.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5504594/holistic_properties_of_basil.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/378935/magical_properties_of_herbs_spices.html?cat=68

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Simple-Garlic-and-Basil-Pesto/Detail.aspx