The plants in this world are a gift from your Higher Power. Love, Pray, water and nourish the plants.
Ocimum minimum is a charming plant in the pots on my patio in Black Rock CT As it blows in the wind, I glance at the other plants in the gardens. When I water the pots it is fragrant of lemon and spice. It is one of the varieties of basil, dwarf basil to be exact. All of the types of basil are popular flavoring herb. I haven't found any medicinal use as I study this herb. The basils are some of the most delightful of all seasoning herbs. I prefer Rosemary and Thyme. It has been said that the Romans thought one should curse and use profanity when sowing the basil to insure its germination. There is a French phrase meaning 'using abuse' -"semer le basile". Pliny, whom I read in Latin class says it is an aphrodisiac and was given to horses at the mating season. In my heritage land of Italy, women are said to wear basil because of its supposed efficacy in engendering sympathy. Perhaps this is why the Itaians are so sensitive and sympathetic to certain things. Bacon said, "It is strange which is reported that basil too much exposed to the sun doth turn into wild thyme"
In general, Basil (Ocimum basilicum) of the family Lamiaceae (mints), is a tender low-growing herb. Remember Lemon Balm, peppermint and spearmint are also in the Mint Family. As most of us know, Basil is a culinary herb prominently featured in Italian cuisine, and also plays a major role in the Southeast Asian cuisines of Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. The plant tastes somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent, sweet smell. Besides the dwarf basil, there hare many varieties of basil. That which is used in Italian food is typically called sweet basil, as opposed to Thai basil, lemon basil and holy basil, which are used in Asia. While most common varieties of basil are treated as annuals, some are perennial in warm, tropical climates, including African Blue and Holy Thai basil.I thought basil was native to Italy. Of course I did, I am Italian. It is not! Basil is originally native to Iran, India and other tropical regions of Asia.
Until tomorrow…