
     BASIL ==========================

     CULTIVATION:  ============  Basil is a aromatic  annual  herb up to 2 feet
     high  with glossy green toothed, pointed, oval leaves. Has spikes of small
     white or purplish flowers.

     Needs  warm  sun and protection from wind  and frost. Sow thinly in heated
     location,  after  danger of frost has  passed. Soil should be well drained
     and moist. Avoid over watering seedlings as they are prone to damping off.
     Watering  in hot sun will scorch leaves. Thin to 8 inches apart, and avoid
     transplanting.  Germination  time  is about 5  days,  and plant matures in
     about 85 days. Grows in zone 3-10.

     Pick  leaves  when young, and gather tops  as flowers open. Cut leaves for
     drying  just before plant flowers. To  freeze leaves paint both sides with
     olive  oil,  or  store  whole leaves in  olive  oil.  You can also dry the
     leaves,  but the freezing method is not recommended, as much of the flavor
     is lost in the drying process.

     CULINARY  USES:  ==============  Basil  is  an  important  culinary  herb,
     unfortunately  the dried herb is not  comparable with the flavor of leaves
     freshly picked from your garden.

     Pound  with oil or tear with fingers  rather than chop. Add at last minute
     to  cooked  dishes.  There are about 15  different  types  of basil on the
     market,  and  the  flavor varies with  the  volatile oil content. For most
     purposes use just the plain sweet basil.

     Basil  is excellent on fresh tomatoes with  a little salad oil, and in hot
     tomato  dishes. It is also indispensable for most Mediterranean dishes. It
     has a powerful enough flavor to stand up to garlic, and together they make
     the classic Pesto sauce.

     The  pungency of basil increases with cooking. The fresh leaves keep their
     flavor if preserved in oil or vinegar. Because of its strong flavor, basil
     should  be  used  sparingly.  To avoid  bitterness,  do  not cook for long
     periods of time.

     MEDICAL USES: ============= The basil seeds are regarded as refreshing and
     sedative.  It  may  be gastro-intestinal  complains,  stomach  cramps, and
     vomiting.  The  sedative  used in the  treatment  of  nervous headaches or
     anxiety.

     Researchers  have reported that basil kills  bacteria when applied to have
     used basil oil successfully to treat acne.

     It is very useful for those who suffer from travel sickness. One tea basil
     to  one  cup of boiling water, let to  stand for a few minutes, the can be
     sipped before embarking on a journey and will calm the stomach.

     BASIL  TEA  : Infuse 1 teaspoon dried herb  in 1 covert cup of boiling and
     flavor with honey if desired. Up to 2 cups per day may be taken. Basil oil
     kills  intestinal parasites. Steep a few  leaves in wine for several hours
     as a tonic.
     WARNING:  ========  Generally regarded as  safe,  for healthy nonpregnant,
     nonnursing adults.

     OTHER  USES: =========== Pulverize the leaves  to release the clover scent
     and use in potpourris.











     Oil  of basil repels houseflies and  mosquitos, one of its components also
     repels cockroaches.

     Planted beside tomatoes, will keep them disease free.

     COSMETIC USES: ============== Basil can be used for a stimulating bath.

     BASIL  DEODORANT : Make your own deodorant  by adding 5 drops of basil oil
     to 1/2 cup of water. Mix and pour into a spray bottle.

     Add  basil  oil  to  your  shampoo or  hair  rinse  to  leave  a lingering
     fragrance.
