Folklore/Common Names:Albahaca, American Dittany, Herbe Royale, Our Herb, St. Joseph's Wort, Sweet Basil, Witch's Herb, devil plant, fever plant
Parts Used: Leaves
Historical Reference
The Latin name of Ocymum is said to be derived from the Greek, meaning 'to smell', a natural label for this aromatic herb. The common name 'Basil' was most likely also derived from the Greek basileus meaning 'king', due either to the herb's pleasant and prized aroma, or its use as a royal medicine. Interesting in that some sources say the Greeks associated Basil with adversity or hate, even depicting poverty as a ragged woman with Basil by her side. Both the Greeks and the Romans believed Basil required abuse to prosper, berating and bewailing the poor plants from growth through sowing for a better yield.
Basil was introduced to Europe from India in the mid-1500's. Grieve tells us in A Modern Herbal, "In India the Basil plant is sacred to both Krishna and Vishnu, and is cherished in every Hindu house. Probably on account of its virtues, in disinfecting, and vivifying malarious air, it first became inseparable from Hindu houses in India as the protecting spirit of the family... Every good Hindu goes to his rest with a Basil leaf on his breast. This is his passport to Paradise."
The association with death is not uncommon. At certain points in history both from Persia to Malaysia, Basil was included in burial ceremonies, and planted on the graves. Egyptians scattered flowers of Basil on the resting places of ancestors and family members as well.
Throughout history Basil has been - some say superstitiously - associated with the ridding of poisons. One reference guessed its name may have been derived from basilisk, a mythical creature that could kill with one glance. Other lore claimed it could breed scorpions if bruised or if dropped under a pot and left there, probably as one herbalist noted, because "scorpions doe much rest and abide under these pots and vessells wherein Basil is planted."
Herbalist N. Culpepper took the association a step further of course, and recommended that Basil "Being applied to the place bitten by venomous beasts, or stung by a wasp or hornet, it speedily draws the poison to it. - Every like draws its like."
Medicinally, however, ancient physicians were divided on its properties. Some declared it a cure all where others cast it as a poison by the virtue that Rue would not grow near it, and as Rue disliked poisons, Basil must be a poison (you have to love medieval logic!).
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