Flora Friday - Basil
Hi Guys,
Continuing with the Elements this week, and looking at Basil with its connection to spirit.
The pic above is of the living basil in my kitchen! This is sweet basil, more commonly used in cooking than healing. Tulsi is Holy Basil - more on that below.
It is originally native to India. There are now approximately 150 varieties of basil now grown throughout the world.
A strongly aromatic herb, basil is considered to be holy in Hinduism as it is a manifestation of the Goddess Lakshmi who is the principal consort of Vishnu.
Tulsi was used in Ayurvedic medicine. Research has shown that it has many benefits, including improving your mental health. It has compounds that can help to alleviate anxiety and depression, increase your ability to think clearly, and lower the risk for age-related memory loss. (Rosemary is also beneficial for recall).
The Lord Krishna, an avatar on this Earth of Vishnu, is said to wear a garland of basil leaves and flowers around his neck.
It is also sometimes placed in the mouth of the dead to ensure that they will reach God.
Ancient Egyptians and Greeks both believed that basil would open the doors to Heaven. In fact, the word “basil” comes from the ancient Greek “basilikhon” which means “royal”.
Basil is said to bring happiness and prosperity when planted in a garden.
It is considered a plant with Mars as a ruling planet, and Scorpio as its star sign association.
It is well used in various cuisines throughout the world (mainly Thai and Italian), I made my own pesto during the summer, and it was good! Beginners luck!
Medicinal Uses:
- Helps settle stomach issues
- Improves appetite
- Natural disinfectant
- Helps draw poison from insect bites
- Insect repellent
- Helps alleviate headaches
- Relief from arthritis pain and inflammation
- Blood sugar regulation
- Reduces cholesterol
- Calcium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
- Manganese
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Zinc
- Potassium
Metaphysical Uses:
- Stimulates concentration
- Stimulates imagination
- Mental clarity
- Uplifting
- Wart removal
Comments
Post a Comment