Basil comes in a variety of colors and flavors, so plant several for variety. It is prominently featured in varied cuisines throughout the world including Italian, Thai, Vietnamese and Laotian.
While flavoring drinks with most delicious of herbs, sweet basil will provide a tonic for the nervous system, an antiseptic for colds and flu, and a relaxing remedy for the digestive system.
Sweet basil leaves have a spicy clove flavor said to promote digestion, which makes basil a good after dinner tea.
Sweet basil helps calm the nerves, relieve tension, clear and stimulate the mind and lift the spirits.
Taking in hot soups and teas, basil can clear phlegm in the nose and chest, relieve fevers, colds and coughs and assist the body’s fight against infection.
In Iran, the sweet basil seeds are used to make fragrant syrup, the basis of a refreshing sherbet drink.
In Iraq basil is added to the ubiquitous yoghurt drink ‘abdug’, which is generally flavored with mint in other parts of the Middle East.
Sweet basil tea
