Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum L. The low-growing bush basil (Ocimum minimum) is a separate species, but it is probably a variant of sweet basil. Much of the herb grown today is a hybrid, a cross between Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum americanum. There are many cultivars of basil that have their own denomination. Other Common Names: Basil, common basil, garden basil, St. Joseph's wort, basilicon, joy of the mountain, basilikum (German), basilic (French), lo-le (Chinese), basilika (Swedish)…

Discover if basil belongs in a gout diet and does it help lower uric acid levels or does it raise them. Click now to learn more!

Basil is the "king of herbs", a plant that has been used in both food and for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Of the many varieties you can choose for your garden, bush basil plants are compact and showier than sweet basil. Learn more about them here.

Sweet basil is the tastiest and most popular garden herb around! Come learn the basics of how to care for sweet basil plants. #gardencare #garden #care #yards

A relative of mint, basil thrives in hot, dry climates. Though it is predominantly associated with Mediterranean cuisines, the herb is native to India and used the world over in fresh and cooked preparations. There are more than 40 culinary basil varieties ranging in flavor from delicately herbaceous to downright emphatic—these 8 are our favorites. Try experimenting with them to take your pestos, sauces, and salads in different directions.

When I married my Italian husband, I had to learn to make a marinara sauce. I stood next to my father-in-law at the stove and watched him make the family favorite. I took that information, put my spin on it and created my own version. Adjust it to your own personal taste and discover a new family tradition.

Wondering how to use basil for spells? These magical properties of basil will help anyone who is practicing witchcraft expend their book of shadows!

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Medicinal uses for sweet basil. Basil is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial herb that is easy to use and gives amazing health benefits! Fresh and dried basil uses.

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