Working with Basil | Travailler avec le basilic #HerbsMoon #LuneDeGrain

Aux Indes, son pays d'origine, le basilic est une plante connue depuis son introduction dans le bassin méditerranéen pour ses qualités aromatiques, médicinales et mellifères. Il est parfaitement logique d'inclure le basilic et le thym dans plusieurs de vos recettes, particulièrement les plats crus tels que la salade. Les huiles essentielles de basilic obtenues à partir de ses feuilles, ont démontré la capacité d'inhiber plusieurs espèces de bactéries pathogène qui sont devenues résistantes aux antibiotiques couramment utilisés. Le basilic est aussi une excellente source de magnésium, ce qui favorise la santé cardiovasculaire en incitant les muscles et les vaisseaux sanguins à se détendre, améliorant ainsi la circulation sanguine et diminuant le risque de rythme cardiaque irrégulier.Dans l'Antiquité, le basilic était considéré comme une plante aux pouvoirs magiques dont on extrayait notamment un élixir d'amour. Présent dans les tombeaux des rois égyptiens et dans les jardins des empereurs romains, son nom grec, basilikon, signifie " plante royale ". Dans certaines régions d'Afrique, le basilic est utilisé pour conjurer le mauvais sort. 

Kitchen Witchery 

It makes good sense to include basil and thyme in more of your recipes, particularly for foods that are not cooked such as salad. Adding fresh thyme and/or basil to your next vinaigrette will not only enhance the flavour of your fresh greens, but will help ensure that the fresh produce you consume is safe to eat. 

Essential oils of basil, obtained from its leaves, has demonstrated the ability to inhibit several species of pathogenic bacteria that have become resistant to commonly used antibiotic drugs. 

The enzyme-inhibiting effect of the eugenol in basil qualifies basil as an "anti-inflammatory" food that can provide important healing benefits along with symptomatic relief for individuals with inflammatory health problems. (Eugenol is a colorless or pale yellow liquid compound present in oil of cloves and other essential oils and used in perfumery. It is also an analgesic and protective). 

Kitchen Witchery (Nutrients Essential) 

Want to enrich the taste and cardiovascular health benefits of your pasta sauce? Add a good helping of basil. Basil is a very good source of vitamin A (through its concentration of carotenoids such as beta-carotene). Called "pro-vitamin A," since it can be converted into vitamin A, beta-carotene is a more powerful anti-oxidant than vitamin A and not only protects epithelial cells (the cells that form the lining of numerous body structures including the blood vessels) from free radical damage, but also helps prevent free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in the blood stream. Only after it has been oxidized does cholesterol build up in blood vessel walls, initiating the development of atherosclerosis, whose end result can be a heart attack or stroke.

Basil is also a good source of magnesium, which promotes cardiovascular health by prompting muscles and blood vessels to relax, thus improving blood flow and lessening the risk of irregular heart rhythms or a spasming of the heart muscle or a blood vessel.

In addition to the health benefits and nutrients described above, basil also emerged from our food ranking system as an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese, a very good source of copper and vitamin C, and a good source of calcium, iron, folate and omega-3 fatty acids.

Basil in Magick

Ruled by the element fire, this powerful herb is linked to money, success, and love. The large green leaves are thought to represent banknotes, which is why the herb is often used in spells to increase finances.

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Learning about herbs is beneficial for both cooking and medicine making. Those who are naturally drawn to herbal magic have an affinity with Nature. They innerstand the power of plants, herbs, and flowers, and their place in the world. You do not control nature; you learn to work with it. The power to take control of your health is available to you. You got this. ||| Aile Reve | Herbs Moon Celebration 

Sources: 

Le Grimoire des Herbes Magiques

The Epicentre, Encyclopedia of Spices

The Beginner's Guide to Wicca by Kisten Riddle

The World's Healthiest Foods