Basil...plain and simple

So, I was at the Farmer's Market the other day.  And as I was meandering through the veggies, I passed this incredible aroma.  If you've ever eaten Bruschetta from Macaroni Grill...you know exactly what I'm talking about.  I turned to find an entire shelf of basil plants just waiting for some lucky passerby.  How could I possible resist such a tantalizing little herb?  I didn't.

I brought the little guy home and he's currently on my windowsill behind my kitchen sink. 

First thing I discovered is this little guy needs water, lots of it.  In fact the only thing that seems to do for him right now is actually sitting in about a cm of water.  He needs more soil and root room too, but I just haven't made it into town yet for a new batch of planting soil.  So here he sits for just a few more days.

Now, I knew basil was great for cooking, but my curiosity led me to look this little guy up in a few books to see what else he might be good for.

Lo and behold!  Here is what it said: 

Basil is apparently "an antispasmodic (A substance that reduces muscular and nervous spasms or convulsions.) and general belly-ache cure-all.  It fights infections, repels insects, stops everyday headaches, and even sharpens your mental alertness.  Basil's antiviral ingredients also help your body fight cold and flu infections as well as nagging coughs.  This pungent herb will help open your pores so you can sweat and snap a fever."  Strangely enough basil also works on warts, it says.  "Just crush up a few basil leaves, place them right on the wart, and cover the area with a bandage.  Change this dressing every day, and the wart should disappear within a week or so."

"Good choice in picking this one up!," I told myself.  So when I found myself waking up with a sore throat and runny nose, my new basil plant has come in quite handy.  He makes for a very interesting tea.  :-)

And don't think he won't be showing up in some spaghetti or pastas every now and then as well!

*Interesting Facts:  The word "basil" is actually derived from two words.  One is the Greek word basileus, or "king."  The other comes from the word basilisk, a legendary reptile that could kill with just one evil glance.*

------Facts and quotes taken from Jerry Baker's Herbal Pharmacy.------