Basil is one of the most common herbs used in the kitchen. This leafy green herb has quite a history and contains not only great health benefits, but basil has great magical properties as well.
Basil’s History
Basil is a part of the mint family. There are more than 60 species, sweet basil being the most common. The Greeks used this herb when they were in mourning. They thought highly of this herb and gave it the name sileus phuton which translates to kingly herb. Even today basil is sometimes called “the king of herbs.” The Greeks believed many herbs contained many magical properties and basil is no different. It was often used in tonics and royal medicines. (sounds fancy).
In other points in history, this plant did not get such a good rep. It was once known as the “devils’ plant.” During medieval times many believed basil was poisonous and other believed it could bring out poison from a poisonous bite or sting. It was also believed that basil attracts scorpions, so this could be why it was believed to extract poison from the body.
There is some superstition that the name basil actually came from the mythical beast the basilisk. This beast has the ability to kill you with its gaze. (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets anyone?).
In India, basil is considered to be sacred. This very popular herb can be found hanging in almost if not all Hindu houses for protection over the spirit of the family.
The Romans saw basil as a symbol of hatred. Over time, Italy soon saw basil as a symbol of love. Young women would wear basil leaves in their hair to show her availability.
Basil Health Properties
Basil is a nutritious herb and full of health benefits. Using basil in your cooking will add not only great flavor in your cooking but also give you lots of nutrients. This herb is packed full of vitamin K, which is great for bone strength and help with the body’s ability to clot blood. You can get basil as a plant, dried, or frozen and consume it in its leafy form while cooking, but you can also get basil in the form of powder, essential oils, and as an extract. When getting basil is powder, extract or oil form, this is generally used for medicinal usage.
Jammed full of antioxidants, basil may help protect against cell damage. Cells tend to die off when we get over stressed. The loss and damage done to our cells leaves our bodies defenseless against illness, diseases, and even cancers.
Do you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure? Basil can help regulate your high cholesterol or blood pressure levels. Using basil helped to treat these cardiovascular diseases for centuries. It can also be used to help improve blood sugar levels.
Let’s talk mental health. Today, mental health seems to be an issue many of us struggle with. Life is busy and can get overwhelming so quickly. Making sure we stay in a good mental place should be a top priority for everyone. Basil is believed to help reduce anxiety and stress and can help improve your mood. I know when I have basil on my pizza or in my spaghetti, I’m in a great mood after.
Be sure to check with your medical provider before using this herb for medicinal purposes. Avoid supplements and focus on incorporating it into your food.
Basil Magical Properties
This herb is very useful in practical magic. Just like having many health benefits, basil is also full of magical properties. One of basil’s main magical properties is love. As I mentioned previously in the history of basil, in Italy, woman wore basil in their hair to show others her availability. Basil is used in a lot in love spell practices. Do you want your crush to notice you? Try rubbing a fresh basil leaf on your skin as a natural love perfume.
Another one of basil’s magical properties is believed to bring in wealth to one who carries around basil in their pocket. Which hey, why not? Sometimes we need that little extra manifestation to help us get by. A money bowl is another great way, and you can add basil to your bowl.
More of basil’s magical properties include:
- Purification (ritual bath)
- Luck
- Beauty
- Sooth tempers
- Protection against evil
- Attract positive energies
- Drive away spirits from the home
- Cursing enemies
- Success
- Divination
- Astral travel (aids in)
- Exorcism
- Happiness
- Reconciliation
- Brings in blessings
- Tranquility
Basil has so many magical properties and it SUPER EASY to grow, making it one of the best plants to grow at home. All you need is a sunny location, and you can grow basil in your home year-round. You can buy seeds, or you can find plants already started at your local grocery store or your local greenhouse.
Basil Correspondences
Names: St. Joseph’s Wort, Witches Herb, Kingly Herb
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Chakra: Heart
Deities: Vishnu, Erzulie
Magical Properties: Luck, Money, Protection, Love, Success
What herb would you like me to cover next? Leave a comment and let me know.
Hey people!!!!!
Good mood and good luck to everyone!!!!!