Basil puple

To prepare delicious salad dressings avoid chopping the basil. Split the leaves into two or three pieces to preserve their flavor. The dried leaves are used in cooking and for making potpourris.

Basil energizes the nervous system: Essential oil is frequently used in aromatherapy to combat depression. In massage, this same oil relaxes tired and contracted muscles. The infusion of freshly picked leaves helps digestion, especially when the disorders are nervous. A leaf can be chewed to calm a passing indigestion. Basil tea has a reputation for calming nausea. The flowers of basil taken in infusion, have a soothing action. WARNING... ! No medicinal use during pregnancy. This can cause irritation on some skins. References: The Secret World of Herbs and Plants. Editions ATLAS.