Many varieties of basil exist because it has been around for ages. Basil is a tender annual, but can be continued indoors when the weather gets cold so you can have this yummy herb all year around if you provide it with care. Hindu’s regard Sacred Basil as one of their sacred plants. In Florida, we have great difficulty growing the ruffly sweet & ornamental basil, so I usually grow Thai basil or Bush Basil.
Start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before the last spring frost date. Once all frost danger has passed, you can transplant into the garden in an area of full sun. In most zones, you can have successive plantings through July.
Begin harvesting when plants are 8 inches tall & before they bloom. Harvest when the leaves are dry & from the main stem to improve bushiness. Pinch off flowers as they start to bloom. Basil can be dried, but tastes better if frozen (blanch leaves & freeze in ice cubes or freeze raw in oil).
Basil infusions are reported to promote digestion & may also help reduce a fever.
A kitchen witch’s dream, basil is so yummy & can be used in pastas, salads, dressings, with tomatoes, in pesto…the options are almost endless. Here’s what I did last night: Compassionate Eggplant Rollitini
Associated with the planet Mars (Tuesday) & the element of fire, she can be used magically for:
- Love
- Wealth & Success
- Protection
- Consecration & Purification (tools & sacred spaces)
- House Blessings
- Handfasting
- Exorcism
- Funerals
**Tip** Basil repels many flying insects! Try putting some on your picnic table – crush the leaves to release the fragrance.
Share what you know about this glorious herb.
Sources: Your Backyard Herb Garden, Herb Magic for Beginners, To Light a Sacred Flame, The Essential Herb Garden
~~~Remember, all information in these posts are for magick, well being, health promotion, and fun…nothing is designed to diagnose or treat a medical illness.~~~ Just a little legal stuff.
No comments:
Post a Comment