Herbal Spices
Friday, November 20th, 2009
Basil Spice – Keeping You Unclogged!
Happy Saturday!
Today we want to talk a very powerful and common household herb called Basil. Most people have heard of and do have Basil in their spice cabinet but did you know that Basil can help with digestion and constipation? We sell more organic Basil cooking spice than most stores around and wish to share its little known secrets with you. If you want to try our fresh basil leaf then please navigate to our main stores at the www.FloridaHerbHouse.com.
Did you know?
In India Basil seeds were used to help with diarrhea, mucous discharges, constipation, and as a general demulcent (soothes mucous membranes). The leaves were used for digestion support and skin disorders. In traditional Thai herbalism, the plant is used for coughs, skin disorders, and intestinal problems. The seed is used as a bulk-forming laxative and diuretic.
How much basil is usually taken?
A tea can be made by steeping 1 teaspoon of basil leaves in one cup of water for ten minutes. Three cups of this tea can be drunk per day. Capsules of basil can be taken in the amount of 2.5 grams per day. The volatile oil can be taken internally in the amount of 2 to 5 drops three times per day.
Are there any side effects or interactions with basil?
Although concerns have been raised about the possible cancer-causing effects of estragole, a component found in variable amounts in basil volatile oil, small amounts of basil would not seem to pose a significant threat. However, because some herbal books suggest that estragole may be potentially carcinogenic and has been thought to stimulate uterine contractions, some herbal experts feel it may be best for pregnant or breast-feeding women to avoid use of the herb, especially the volatile oil. People with serious kidney or liver damage should not use basil volatile oil internally, as they could theoretically have trouble eliminating it from their bodies. However, use of basil as a seasoning in food is unlikely to be of concern. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with basil.
Growing Your Own Basil:
Basil is a simple plant to grow, its only major requirements being full sun and frequent water. Its attractive scent and flavor has made it the most useful herb in my summer kitchen. Although most varieties are grown for their culinary uses, several varieties have compact habits or purple foliage and are useful as ornamental plants, too. Most garden centers sell transplants of basil (typically the Italian varieties bred for culinary use) in the spring. But to get the most interesting varieties, I start mine from seed indoors, four to six weeks before I plan to transplant them into the garden. I sprinkle the seeds on the surface of a soil less medium in small flats or seed-starting pans and cover them with plastic wrap. I keep the flats warm but out of direct sun. When the first seed sprouts, I remove the plastic and place the flat either in direct light or 2 to 3 inches below grow lights. Since basil seedlings cannot tolerate over watering, I don’t water them the first day after removing the plastic, and I’m careful to allow the growing medium to almost dry out between watering’s.
As the plants grow, feed them with a liquid fertilizer once a week. When the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, usually two to three weeks after germination, I transplant them into 2- or 2-1/2-inch pots. Two to three weeks later, I begin hardening off the plants, which means putting them outside during the day when temperatures are warmest to get them used to outdoor temperatures and weather. Eventually I will leave them outside overnight, but only when I’m sure there won’t be any frost. Try some fresh organic BASIL LEAF today on sale at our Florida herb store today! Have a healthy day!
Sincerely,
Stephen C. Sharp
SharpWebLabs.com – FloridaHerbHouse.com
About the Author
Born and raised in the outskirts of Boston, Ma. With a deep backround in herbal nutriton I offer advice and tips on many natural remedies using only natural herbs and Spices. See our discounted organic herbs and spices at www.SharpWeblabs.com and www.FloridaHerbHouse.com or visit our retail store in Port Orange, Florida!
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