How to Use Basil

Herbalists treasure basil for its versatility and use as a spice, medicine and cleanser. Follow these steps and discover how to use this fragrant plant.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Steep 1 tsp of dried basil in 1 cup of boiling water to make a healing basil tea. Herbalists suggest basil tea as a remedy for digestive problems such as constipation. The tea is also slightly sedative.

2. Add basil to mild-tasting vegetables to give them some spice. Try it sprinkled on potatoes, eggplant, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini or any vegetable needing some extra kick. Sprigs of fresh basil also add taste to salads.

3. Put basil in a sachet or use freshly dried leaves in potpourri. The smell is not overwhelming, but adds sweetness to the air. Lemon basil will give rooms a lemony scent.

4. Plant basil in your flower garden to add contrast to bright flowers and add smell to your garden. This will also give you a supply of fresh basil for other uses.

5. Make your hair shine with a basil and rosemary rinse. Add a sprig of basil and a sprig of rosemary to 1 cup of boiling water and let the mixture steep. Rinse your hair with the mixture after shampooing for shiny hair and a sweet smell.

Tips & Warnings

• Use fresh basil from the garden or grocery store when possible for greater flavor and smell. If you must purchase the herb, dried basil is a cheaper alternative.
• Harvest basil at the first sight of flower shoots for maximum potency. Basil plants have the highest concentration of oil in them just before they flower.