* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
Basil, also known as common basil, St. Joseph wort, and sweet basil, is found wild in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is the focus of a centuries-old controversy: Some attribute evil powers to it, and others hold it as an object of sacred worship. Its name, which rhymes with "dazzle", derives from basileus, the Greek word for "king", and it is highly esteemed in the East, where it is planted outside Hindu temples. In Crete, however, basil is considered an ill omen and an agent of the devil. The herb's usefulness is generally associated with the stomach and related organs. Basil is believed to relieve stomach cramps, enteritis, constipation, vomiting, and gastrointestinal catarrh. It is also thought to promote lactation in nursing mothers.
Plant Facts and Growing Tips
Plant: Annual. Basil's shiny green leaves are 1 to 2 inches long, and small white flowers grow in spikes at the ends of the stems. Size and color of the leaf differ by variety.
Height: Usually 1 to 2 feet, but size differs by variety.
Soil: Moderately rich, moist, well composted, well drained.
Exposure: Full sun or semi-shade.
Propagation: From seeds sown in late spring, during the first or second lunar phase, at a minimum temperature of 60°F (15°C). Germination is quick at higher temperatures. Seedlings may "damp off" if planted too thickly, so sow seeds thinly. A light covering of clean sand sprinkled over the soil will absorb excess moisture. If you're starting seeds indoors, use a fungicidal powder dissolved in the water you use to saturate the planting mixture.
Care: Don't transplant seedlings started indoors to the garden until both the days and the nights are warm. Mature plants should be 12 inches apart. Pinch them back frequently to promote bushy growth. Also, pinch off flower buds to keep the plant from becoming tough. Basil should not be fertilized, as its flavor is likely to be affected. It's a popular choice for planting near patios because its scent repels flies and mosquitoes.
Part Used for Tea: Leaves.
Taste: Spicy, clovelike flavor; flavors differ somewhat by variety.
How to Brew
By Infusion: Use 1 teaspoon dried herb (or 3 teaspoons fresh, crushed herb). Cover with 1 cup boiling water. Strain, and flavor with honey, if desired.
Headache Relaxer
Here is is a good tea for a stress headache, especially if you're trying to sleep:
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers
1 teaspoon dried mint leaves
Mix herbs. Infuse 1 teaspoon of mixture in 1 cup boiling water. Steep 5 to 8 minutes, or to taste.
User Group Forum
Share your questions and information with the ZooScape community!
Be the first to post!
Directions
Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 tea bag for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the pot, cover and let steep for 2-4 minutes. Pour into your cup; add milk and sugar to taste.
Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 5 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea itself. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into the serving pitcher straining the tea bags. Add ice and top-up with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
Additional Information
TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.
TerraVita is packed in childproof, tamper-proof pharmaceutical-grade recyclable containers.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to Simona Heather at 905-494-1785.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
