Basil has been a controversial herb since ancient times. Both the origin of its name and its reason for being have been constantly disputed. The Greek basilikón means “kingly, ” while the Latin ocimum may derive from the Greek language, meaning the sense of being able to enjoy the fragrance due to the plant’s pungent aroma.
In ancient Greece, it was believed that basil represented hate and misfortune. The Greeks called it the “devil plant,” but they also considered it a powerful love charm. A sign of mourning in ancient Greece and a sign of love in ancient Rome, today in Crete, basil signifies “love washed with tears,” and in some parts of Italy, it remains a lover’s emblem.
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) was a staple of the ancient Greek kitchen garden, and many Greeks believed that it would not grow unless it was cursed and reviled when planted. Aristotle’s colleague Theophrastus disagreed, having observed the habits of herbs scientifically. Each of the kitchen herbs he studied flowered all at once, except basil, which produces a succession of flowers starting at the lower part of the plant.
He also observed that basil produces more seeds than other herbs. Pliny in the first century reported the belief still accepted by many Romans that the more basil was abused. The more abundantly it grew, and that the best time for sowing was at the Feast of Paleson. At the rising of the dog star, he added, basil turns pale. The medicinal values of basil were also disputed in antiquity.
According to Pliny, the Greek botanist-physician Chrysippus condemned it, claiming that it injured the stomach, liver, and eyes and that it even caused madness, which explained why goats would not touch it. Also, other authorities believed that pounded basil placed under a stone would breed a scorpion.
Dioscorides and Pliny rescued basil. However, Dioscorides recommends it for intestinal worms, mad dog and viper bites, dandruff, and toothache; he also includes instructions for making an ointment of basil leaves pounded in oil. Pliny refutes the more exaggerated negatives and catalogs the herb’s benefits: Is Basil good for You?
Benefits of Basil Herb?
Mixed with a little vinegar, basil cures the sting of land and sea scorpions;
Mixed with vinegar and inhaled, it is good for fainting; as a linament with rose oil and vinegar, it relieves fatigue, inflammation, and headaches.
Also, mixed with goose grease, it is particularly good for babies’ ears; it is also an aphrodisiac. Apicius’s rich gastronomy of Pliny’s time, is associated with the only known cookbooks from ancient Greece or Rome. In it is a recipe for fresh or dried peas seasoned with herbs and wine:
Cook peas and skim the broth. Add leeks, coriander, and cumin. Moreover, the pound pepper, lovage, dill, caraway, and fresh basil are moistened with liquamen. Then you must blend the herbs with additional lime and vinegar. Add to peas and taste, seasoning further if required.
Bring to a boil and serve. Liquamen may be approximated in the modern kitchen by boiling over high heat until reduced by one-third: 1 ounce of anchovies in olive oil, 1-1/2 cups of water, and 1 teaspoon of oregano. Strain twice through a tea strainer and add 1 ounce of grape juice plus 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
A pungent annual related to mint, sweet basil is the most commonly grown basil today, although there are many others in cultivation. The stem is obtusely quadrangular. Leaves are long and pointed, rich green in color, paler green beneath, opposite, stalked, and softly smooth and cool to the touch. Therefore, the white flowers are in clusters along a spike terminating each leafy branch.
It flourishes best in rich soil.
It produces an aromatic, volatile, camphoraceous oil.
Aromatic and carminative.
Also Read: Spinach: How to Grow the World’s Healthiest Foods
Reference: The Ancient Herbs by The J. Paul Getty Museum
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