Basil
Also known as : St. Joseph’s Wort, Alahaca, American Dittany, Sweet Basil, Witches Herb, Njilika, Balanoi, Felsien
Properties : anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, adaptogen (reduces the impact of stress),diaphoretic (makes you sweat), stimulant, carminative (relieves bloating), and expectorant (eases airways), antispasmodic, Antidepressant,
Uses : Coughs, Wounds, excess wind, Stress Relief, Nervous Disorders, mental clarity, Asthma, Bronchitis, constipation, nausea, vomiting, Cramps, Gout, stress related headaches/Migraines, insect bites/Stings,
Magic : Love, Exorcism (used in traditional exorcism incense), Wealth (Carry in a pouch to attract wealth), Protection, Used to increase mental concentration prior to casting, divination or traveling, rituals
Planet : Mars
Element : Fire
Folklore : Popular for over 4000 years, Hindus see basil as sacred to all gods, In Crete it was considered an emblem for the devil and was placed on most window-ledges as a charm against his influence. In Italian men would wear a sprig of basil to indicate that they intended to propose. Hippocrates considered Basil beneficial for the heart and prescribed it for treatment of constipation and vomiting. In Greece people bring basil to church to be blessed by the priest, the plant is then brought back home to bring health and prosperity to the home (Church magic?)
