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.

1) Soak 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 flavour 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.

As a mosquito repellant

Mosquitoes carry disease, such as West Nile Virus, and other insects can also give poisonous or annoying bites. Natural repellents, such as basil, can work better and are much safer. Follow these steps to use basil as an insect repellent:

• Grow your own basil in the backyard, on your porch or patio or on an inside window sill. Basil will repel mosquitoes when you're near it, and it's a great cooking herb.
• Buy basil in the produce section of your grocery store if you don't want to grow it yourself. Purchase some each time you want to make a fresh batch of repellent.
• Pack a bunch of basil leaves into a four oz. cup of water. Let them steep for awhile.
• Strain the liquid and add four oz. of vodka. Put it into a squirt bottle for use.
• Purchase basil in an essential oil from a health food store if you don't want to use fresh basil. Add 2 1/2 tsps. to one cup of 190 proof grain alcohol, which can be purchased in liquor stores. Transfer to a small spray bottle and shake before using.

Tips & Warnings

Test your homemade insect repellent on your skin before spraying it all over. Apply a small dab and wait overnight to check for adverse reaction.