The Pagan Heart
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January 2005 Issue
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Herbs Under Scrutiny: Humble Basil
By Mary Q. Contrari
Greetings, gentle people. Mary Q. Contrari here, for a look into the rich history of our precious soil dwelling friends. I enjoy nothing better than strolling out to my herb garden, in the evening, to connect with the earth! But in order to fully appreciate the gifts that we gather from the great outdoors, we need to know their history. What were they used for? Who used them? What stories might there be, that will teach us about our little friends? That is what I am here for. I would like to talk to you about the basil plant. Such a beautifully shaped leaf, but at the same time, there really doesn't seem to be anything extraordinary about it. Until you learn of the rich history behind the herb! To quote Elizabethan poet Michael Drayton, "With Basil then I will begin/Whose scent is wondrous pleasing". Basil originated in India, where it is considered one of the two most sacred plants, Lotus being the other. Many believe it possesses spiritual powers. It was held in such high regards, that it was used in court to swear on. {Parkinson said that the scent of basil was "fit for a king's house". What a powerful statement!} In Italy, basil signified love. Traditionally, a young woman who placed a pot of basil on the balcony of her room was ready to receive a suitor. What a lovely thought! Mary Q. Contrari wonders if SHE might put a pot of basil on her front porch tonight, to see what may happen! Some of the more unpleasant aspects of our gentle life are alleviated by this wonderful little soil dweller, as well. In 1 A.D., there lived a Roman naturalist, named Pliny, who reported that basil relieved flatulence - since proven true. In Africa, basil has been used to rid people of worms. In the East, it was used as a cough medicine! Imagine that - ridding your suffering body of worms, far- er, flatulence, and the cough, with just one little plant! In Ancient Egypt, basil was used in embalming, and in some places in Mexico, it was carried in the pocket to bring wealth and keep your lover faithful. History also shows Basil used to calm stomach cramps, stopped vomiting and constipation, and also as a sedative! Chrysippus (pre-206 B.C.E.) said that "Ocimum only exists to drive men mad". Ocimum being, of course, another name for basil. On another interesting note, basil is believed to be a manifestation of Tulasi, a Hindu goddess. According to legend, she was tricked into cheating on her husband, when the god Vishnu seduced her, in the guise of her beloved. In her grief, Tulasi killed herself. Vishnu declared that Tulasi would forevermore be worshipped for her unfaithfulness, by women, and would keep them from becoming widows. Basil is thought to have grown from her ashes. Therefore, basil, which also goes by the name tulsi in an obvious nod to the goddess, became a Hindu symbol of love, purification, eternal life and protection. Charles Godfrey Leland wrote (in his book "Sweet Basil") "I pray your Highness mark this curious herb: Touch it but lightly, stroke it softly, Sir, And it gives forth an odor sweet and rare; But crush it harshly and you'll make a scent Most disagreeable." How true. The sweet scent of basil often fills my kitchen. Ah, there is nothing more wonderful than putting on my sun bonnet and gardening gloves, and walking out to my herb garden to enjoy the bounty of the land. It reminds me of days past, sitting beside my grandmother's knee, and preparing cuttings from her precious basil plants to share with her dear lady friends. The feel of the soil on my skin - well, it just takes me back. Oh, my gentle people! Let's give our soil dwelling friends another chance! They have so much to teach us, if only we open ourselves up to receive their instruction. Be well, my friends.
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2004-2007