𝓣𝖍𝖊 𝓑𝖆𝐤𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝓖𝖗𝖎𝖒𝖔𝖎𝖗𝖊 𝖔𝖋 𝓟𝖎

𝓑𝖆𝖘𝖎𝖑

･*˚⁺‧☽ Ocimum basilicum ☾‧⁺˚*‧

This popular lovely little herb is part of the mint family, as are; sage, lavender, rosemary, and thyme. Although, there many different varieties of basil. The most commonly used out of them all is sweet basil. In Ayurvedic practices, Holy Basil - Tulsi, is used, primarily in teas or tinctures. Which may assist with anxiety, depression, headaches, as well as to improve focus and memory.

Basil is the type of plant that grows annually in warm, sunny climates. Though, they are sensitive to the cold such as most plants are.
When it comes time to harvest, the leaves and flowers are both harvestable throughout the year. However, don't simply pluck them off.
Rather, cut towards the bottom and leave a couple of leaves on the plant.

When using basil, it is best to use it in its fresh form. The benefits you can reap may not be as potent when the herb has been dried and processed. Benefits such as the antioxidants and vitamins found in this herb. The antioxidants (eugenol, anthocyanins, betacarotene) assist in reducing oxidative stress by combating the free radicals in the body that can cause cell damage and increase the risk of; cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes.

Basil, among other things, is also a nervine that can uplifts one's mood. Which makes it a kind herb to use to against; stress, anxiety, and low moods. It also has warming and drying capabilities. In herbalism, this means that it can relax the blood vessels - thinning the blood (warming). And it can also aid in respiratory conditions - such as excess mucus (drying).

Basil is high in vitamin K - which assists with blood's clotting abilities. So, take care to avoid taking blood thinning meds when consuming.
Also, avoid holy basil if pregnant or trying to conceive, as it may negatively affect sperm.

Now magickally, basil is associated with the god - Ares, the astrological signs; Scorpio, Areis, and Pisces, the planet Mars, and fire and masculine energies. The type of spells that this herb is usually used in are ones revolving around; luck, wealth, protection, purification, prosperity, abundance, divination, success, peace, courage, strength, happiness, love, lust, and travel. Basil's energy is great to use directed to diffuse conflict, as it promotes understanding, sympathy, and peace between parties involved.

Some ways you can incorporate the magick of basil into your daily life would be to keep a leaf inside your wallet to attract abundance. You can also plant basil outside to ward off and protect your space from any negative unwanted energies. You can also keep a basil plant inside to attract prosperity. And to bring love into your life, give a basil plant or cook a meal with basil in it to the individual who has your affections.

Finally, I will leave you with an interesting tid-bit of info that I came across my research. As a sacred offering to the dead, basil was placed in the hands of those who passed on to allow them to have access and safe passage into the spirit realm. In Egypt, it was known as a "mourning herb."

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☾·̩̩̥͙•̩̩͙✩• For the curious, interested, and open.
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