Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Description

A frost-tender annual with shiny light green leaves. For prolonged harvest of leaves, remove basil’s flower spikes as they appear.

Traditional Healing Uses: Basil tea has been used as a gentle remedy for digestive ailments: stomach cramps, gas, nausea and constipation. It has also been used to ease nervous headaches and anxiety.

Harvest: Gather and dry leaves and flowering tops just before bloom.

Preparation: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb and steep 10-15 minutes. Take 3 times a day.

Caution: Large amounts of betony may irritate the stomach.

A frost-tender annual with shiny light green leaves. For prolonged harvest of leaves, remove basil’s flower spikes as they appear.

Traditional Healing Uses: Basil tea has been used as a gentle remedy for digestive ailments: stomach cramps, gas, nausea and constipation. It has also been used to ease nervous headaches and anxiety.

Harvest: Gather and dry leaves and flowering tops just before bloom.

Preparation: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb and steep 10-15 minutes. Take 3 times a day.

Caution: Large amounts of betony may irritate the stomach.