BASIL

Ocimum basilicum: Labiatae

PLANET: Mars

ELEMENT: Fire

TASTE: pungent	VIPAKA: pungent
WARMTH: warm	DOSHAS: V- P= (+ in excess) K-

MERIDIANS: kidney, lung

ACTIONS: diaphoretic, antipyretic, antispasmodic, carminative, antidepressant, nervine, galactogogue, antiseptic, vermifuge, fungicide, removes excess Kapha from lungs and sinuses, removes excess Vata from colon, increases Prana.

INDICATIONS: colds, flu, fever, sinusitis, nervous tension, depression, stomach and menstrual cramps, vomiting, indigestion, constipation, enteritis, whooping cough, headaches, acne, arthritis, rheumatism, adrenal insufficiency

PRECAUTIONS: do not use in pregnancy. Can cause buildup of toxic substances (including mercury) if used long-term; estragole is a known hepatocarcinogen in animals. High Pita.

CONSTITUENTS: essential oil (see below), estragole , linalon, lineol and camphor, caffeic acid, vitamins A and C, protein, mercury

PREPARATION AND USE:
-infuse 1 tsp dried leaves in 1 cup boiling water and drink hot for diaphoretic effect in colds and flu or cool for nervine effect. 3-4 cups daily.
-Crush leaves and sniff to raise the spirits
-poultice of leaves for insect and scorpion stings

NUTRITIONAL USE: a favourite spice world-wide

USE IN MAGIC: Love, Exorcism, Wealth, Flying, Protection
-the scent causes sympathy between people; used to mend quarrels between lovers
-rub leaves agst the skin for a natural love perfume
-for love divination, put two leaves on burning charcoal: if they lie quietly as they burn, the relationship will be harmonious; if they crackle and spit, there will be quarrels; if they fly apart, so will the people
-a leaf laid in the hand will whither if the individual is "light of love". Sprinkle it over your lover's body to insure fidelity
-attracts money if carried, and customers if placed near the till or on the threshold
-protects from all evil if sprinkled in a room, used in exorcism incenses
-prevents inebriation
-attracts scorpions, invokes dragons and basilisks; drink to commune with these spirits
-juice imbibed prior to flying
-given as housewarming gift to bring luck to new home
-sacred to Krishna and Vishnu, used to invoke them. Next to Lotus, the most sacred plant of India
-induces courage prior to initiation or other tasks where we fear the unknown or spiritual expansion
-plant on graves and use in rituals of the Dead; Hindus buried with it, believe it the passport to paradise

USE IN PERSONAL GROWTH:
-helps one develop, reveal, and use the enthusiastic fire element within.
-supports idealism and keeps inner vision clear
-opens heart and mind, clears the aura, and gives strength to the immune system
-bestows the energy of love and devotion, strengthens faith, compassion, and clarity
-protects against negativity and contagious diseases
-in household, absorbs positive ions and energises negative ions. Liberates ozone.

"I open to the unique gifts She has given me, and I grow by using them in Her service."

THE ESSENTIAL OIL

ACTIONS: antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, galactogogue, nervine, tonic, stomachic, stimulates adrenal cortex.

INDICATIONS: Insect bites, insect repellant, gout, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, bronchitis, coughs, earache, sinusitis, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, menstrual cramps, scanty periods, colds, fever, flu, anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, migraine, nervous tension, nerve tonic

DOSE: 1-3 drops

USE IN MAGIC: Conscious mind, Happiness, Peace, Money
-clears and refreshes the mind, banishing fatigue
-elevates spirits
-use in money spells

THE FLOWER ESSENCE

PATTERNS OF IMBALANCE: Tendency to polarise sexuality and spirituality; often leads to clandestine behaviour or marital stress.

"The soul in need of Basil tends to polarise and separate the experiences of spirituality and sexuality, believing that these cannot be integrated. This affliction is most evident in relationships, where there is a compulsive need to seek sexual liaisons outside the main partnership. Quite often sexual activity is associated with that which is secret or sinful. There is also a very strong attraction to pornography and other forms of illicit or illegal sexuality. The soul feels great tension between the polarities of spiritual purity and physical sexuality. In the unconscious struggle to reconcile these forces, the soul often capitulates to or becomes enmeshed in debasing and dehumanising sexual activity. Once these polarities are brought together as a conscious unity, the soul no longer feels compelled to separate them into opposing and destructive activities. Basil flower essence helps the soul to experience the world and the Self as truly sacred and whole."

Flower Essence information quoted from Patricia Kaminski and Richard Katz, Flower Essence Repertory, The Flower Essence Society, Nevada City, CA. ISBN 0-9631306-1-7