Introduction

There seems to be several lingering questions about the value of medicinal plants in our society. Throughout recent history and due to the monopoly on conventional medicine, these types of plants and their uses have been subjects of social and political controversy. Much of the time, these plants fail to be seen as medicine due to the major societal disconnect with nature itself. This blog is intended to answer questions, provide historical context, and offer solutions to viewing these plants in a positive light.  Each post will focus on a specific plant or property of that plant and will be explored within cultural, nutritional, environmental, and economic dimensions.

Medicinal plants are inherently special: a healthy and healing property of the Earth's ecosystem services. Through this perspective, this blog can provide insight into the value of the plants and the potentials of human use.


                                 

Basil Around the World

 

Basil is such a basic herb -- or at least that is what we have grown up thinking. It is the foundation for pesto and the key to making dazzling bruschetta, but its true value is in its medicinal properties.

The name of the plant -- "basil" -- is derived from the Greek word basilikohn, meaning royal. One serving of basil provides 60% of the daily need for Vitamin K (potassium) and facilitates a healthy calcium bond within human bones. It contains other essential nutrients such as iron, potassium, fiber, and manganese. All of these help support anti-bacterial processes, cardiovascular health, and anti-inflammatory calming. Many naturopaths suggest using basil to treat conditions such as influenza, diabetes, bronchitis, headaches, fever, stress, stomach ache, and the common cold. Basil acts as a super-plant, and this knowledge makes it all the more delicious.

                                                                                   

Basil grows around the world, exemplifying its ability to easily process and adapt to various climates. There are several different variations within the species, such as Thai Basil, Sweet Basil, and Holy Basil. In India, the Tulsi basil is known as a gift of hospitality, while in Italy the Sweet Basil is valued as a symbol of love. Holy Basil is advertised throughout health food stores as the healthiest herb around, relieving stress meanwhile healing heart and immune systems. With the ability to revitalize entire body systems and communities, basil is sadly undervalued and deserves more of our attention and communication.

This special herb is always a good medicine to have on hand as well as a beautiful addition to either the garden or a sunny kitchen counter.  It is one of the many examples of plants acting as a positive contributor to the ecosystem in multiple forms. The flowers of the basil attract bees and other insects, allowing for the spread of pollen and encouraging their livelihood, while the roots secure the soil in its place and the leaves provide for a liveable community and habitat. The basil plant is a wonder in the world of medicinal plants, and could quite possibly be one solution to the spread of happiness and calm throughout the world.

References:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266425.php

http://www.naturalstandard.com/news/news201101044.asp