History of Basil

Basil, also known as St. Josephs Wort and sweet basil, is one of the most popular herbs used in cooking. It is a low growing herb with tender, light green large leaves. The leaves grow with a silky look to them, while the flowers on the basil leaves grow to be very large and with a wonderful pure white color to them. Basil, which is native to Asia, and more specifically India, has more history then you could imagine. It has been around for thousands of years and over the years the plant has been linked with closely with folklore and mythology. It has been linked in many ways, but not more so than the link between household and love.

The word basil is a Greek word that means king. In Greek history, basil had great respect from the culture. It is believed to have grown in the same spot that Helen and St. Constantine found the Holy Cross. This is the reason that it is now being used in the preparation of the holy water in Greek Orthodox Churches. Pots of basil are kept around the alter for their religious healing that the Greeks believe will take place. Basil was also used by the Greek and English royalty for their baths, and medicine. Hence why the word basil is still referred to as "the king of herbs" from world-renowned chefs.

In India where it grew originally, it was held in great admiration and was actually used in courtrooms to have the Indians swear their oaths upon. In Italy however, basil symbolizes love. When an Italian suitor wanted to show his love he would place a sprig of basil in his hair to win his hearts desire. It is the same in Mexico where people would keep basil in their pockets in hopes that the man or woman that they loved would return their love forever.

In Romanina, they followed much of the same legend, where the man would give basil to his love and they would officially be engaged. In ancient Rome basil has also long been revered. They called it Basilescus, which refers to the Basilisk, the fire-breathing dragon. As legend says, if you took basil every day then it would ward off attacks from the beast. For many cultures and lands, basil was so much more than an herb to eat, it was a way of life.

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