Ask Arlene about Basil©

Ask Arlene about Basil©

By Arlene Wright-Correll

Basil’s Latin name is Ocimum sanctum and we grow it here at Home Farm Herbery and we have several types of basil such as Sweet Thai Basil, Christmas Basil, Cinnamon Basil, Lemon Basil, Spicy Bush Basil, Purple Ruffles Basil and Sweet Basil. However I want to talk about Basil Holy Sacred Red.

Basil Holy Sacred Red is an annual that likes to be planted in full sun and it will reach a height of 18” and be about 24” wide.  Its blooms are pink and it blooms in mid-Summer through early fall.

 Often referred to as Tulsi basil this plant is used as both a culinary herb in many Thai dishes and revered as a sacred herb in Hindu culture.

This Basil is more fragile than the Sweet Basil varieties and Holy Basil is prone to wilting easily, so keep well hydrated.

'Holy Red' Basil, also known as 'Sacred Red' is a basil plant with a long tradition of use in Ayurvedic medicine, and a well-known sacred plant of the Indian subcontinent. Among herb plants, Holy Basil has been called the “Incomparable One”, the “Queen of Herbs” and “The Elixir of Life.”

Red Basil, also known as Krishna Tulsi, is a purplish-red strain of Tulsi, identical in growth and culture to its verdant counterpart, Green Holy Basil. Both have spiritual and medicinal value and are sacred to Lord Vishnu, god of preservation. Used as a medicinal herb to prevent colds and flu, this sacred herb has the ability to cleanse the respiratory system of infection. The oil is used as an antioxidant, relieving aches and pains.

Basils are also potent natural pest repellents and wonderful companion plants, and can encourage nearby crops or repel mosquitoes and garden pests.

Holy basil, like any good adaptogen, balances your endocrine system and this herb can help more than some of the others that come highly recommended for stress and adrenal issues.  It is recommended to aid to reduce stress and depression, reduce anxiety and even treat anxiety attacks.

It can promote mental relation and help to treat convulsions.  It is an adaptogen and is used to treat cancer.  It increases strength and endurance and will help you utilize oxygen better.  It promotes protein synthesis and aids digestion. It is said to improve spiritual growth and cerebral circulation.

It will give you clarity of thought and treat your diabetes.  It treats ADHD and ADD while healing wounds faster.  It is used as a pain reducer and can help with kidney stones.  It treats high cholesterol and treats heart disorders.  It can be used for mouth infections, headaches and poisoning.

It will balance your hormones and will treat inflations, colds and sore throats. It will treat coughs, malaria, and reduce fevers. It is good for respiratory health and is used to treat asthma, allergies, bronchitis and arthritis.   It will relieve gas and stomach cramps while promoting eye health and protect vision.  

It can protect against radiation and is a powerful antioxidant. It protects the liver, reduces bad breath, treats insect bites and treats skin problems to say nothing about its uses in enhancing your food and cooking!

Can you imagine one little herb being able to contribute all that to your health no less enhancing your culinary achievements?

Put some Basil Holy Sacred Red in your life now! Home Farm Herbery has lots of Basil seeds and dried Basil.  This is a great plant to start in a small pot or container each year and Home Farm Herbery has lots of basil seeds for you. 

May the Creative Force be with you….

Arlene Wright Correll

Home Farm Herbery