How do I love
basil? Let me count the ways? I could talk about how I love it in a fresh pesto
sauce with some extra virgin olive oil, toasted pine nuts, and parmesan cheese
and tossed with pasta. I could talk about how I love basil when mixed with
freshly sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella and then sprinkled with olive oil
or a balsamic vinaigrette. The list of ways that I enjoy basil could be never
ending, but outside of the more common Italian sweet basil and the spicier Thai
basil, until recently I was not aware that there were over 60 different types
of basil.
Basil has been highly regarded in a number of faith traditions throughout time. The Greek name for Basil means “King”[1] While there is no direct mention of basil in Judeo-Christian writings, it has been reported that it is one of the plants that was found at the site of Christ’s crucifixion[2] There are those who have argued it is also associated “with St Basil, whose feast day is celebrated in Greece on January 1 by having basil blessed at church.”[3]
Basil is particularly sacred in Hindu traditions. “It is thought to be the manifestation of the goddess, Tulasi, and to have grown from her ashes.”[4] Basil, from the Hindi tradition has become a “symbol of love, external life, purification, and protection.”[5] Basil today is used in so many ways other then cooking. Simply “inhaling basil can refresh the mind and restores mental alertness, and may also sharpen your sense of smell.”[6]
Ingestion of the herb, when used with food, can also bring about personal growth. It has been reported to help open one’s heart and mind, strengthen one’s immune system, strengthen faith, compassion, and clarity, protect against negative thoughts and maintain marital bliss.[7] Interestingly, a depletion of basil in one’s life has been discussed as leading to marital stress and a separation of sexuality and spirituality. “The soul in need of Basil tends to polarise and separate the experiences of spirituality and sexuality, believing that these cannot be integrated. This affliction is most evident in relationships, where there is a compulsive need to seek sexual liaisons outside the main partnership.”[8]
Thinking about all the positive benefits of including basil in my life and in my relationship gives me just one more reason to love basil. This may be what I give as a wedding gift to friends from now on, a bouquet of basil to promote marital bliss.
[1] http://whatscookingamerica.net/basil.htm
[2] http://www.herbsociety.org/factsheets/Basil%20Guide.pdf
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/singles/basil-essential-oil
[7] http://www.thedance.com/herbs/basil.htm
[8] Flower Essence information quoted from Patricia Kaminski and Richard Katz, Flower Essence Repertory, The Flower Essence Society, Nevada City, CA. ISBN 0-9631306-1-7