Basil was once the least popular herb. The ancients loathed it. Basil means “be fragrant,” although different cultures loved and hated it. Romans, Americans, and Hindus adored it. Greeks hated it most, but Indians and Persians did too. Italy loves basil, and few make a classic pasta sauce without it.

Throughout the world, basil and tomato sauce are still paired together. Basil grows easily in full light and at temperatures over 50 degrees. Fresh and dry versions are popular. Basil’s taste intensifies as it simmers, a little-known truth. To extract the herb flavors, pasta sauces are simmered for a long time. Basil and oregano go together in pasta sauces. Basil flavors pasta, tomato sauce, seafood, vegetables, meats, and soups.

If you grow a herb garden, basil plants will keep flies away because they don’t like it either. Basil was also a royal herb associated with love. Basil related how ancient men proposed to their attractive maidens. If the woman accepted his basil branch, she quietly promised to love and be true to him forever.

Basil belongs in the mint family, which suggests it has various medical applications. Most people immediately equate mint with digestion and anti-gas. Herbalists use basil for stomach cramps, vomiting, constipation, migraines, and anxiety. For these uses, basil is usually brewed into a hot tea. A hot cup of basil tea may also help you sleep. If you don’t like the tea, herbal retailers sell basil pills.

Basil is still one of the most common household herbs used today, and in most areas of culinary art, it is a necessity there too. When used in its freshest form, basil is torn from the plant and then just minced up with a knife. Usually, somewhere near the basil, you will find some olive oil, garlic, and someone getting ready to prepare a fantastic tomato sauce.