Famous legends about Basil

Many famous legends are associated with holy basil making it an ‘as-mystic’ herb as it is beneficial. the extent of these stories on this particular herb simply goes on to further prove that it enjoyed a position of prestige and importance in the medicinal world. While we still do not know, why so much folklore came to be associated with this specific herb, we bring you a few of the best spun tales.

Various legends abound regarding the beheading of John the Baptist. As per one popular story, Salom is known to have hid the head of John the Baptist in a pot of basil leaves to prevent the smell of decomposition.

In a tale similar as the above, Elizabeth the heroine of Bocace is also known to have buried her lover’s head in a pot of basil, and have watered it with her tears every day.

Many stories are popular in India where Tulasi or holy basil is considered to represent Lord Vishnu and his wife Lakshmi. The plant is considered to be the deity of women, who worship it everyday.

As per one Indian tale, Tulsi was actually the incarnation of a beautiful princess who fell in love with Lord Krishna. However she was cursed by Krishna’s consort Radha, and thus took the form of this plant.

In another Indian legend, Krishna was once weighed in gold. Even though plenty of gold was placed in the scale, it could not match the weight of Krishna. It was only when a leaf of Tulsi was placed along with the gold that the weight of Krishna could be matched.

As opposed to India which considers basil to be holy, many places also consider this to be evil or a symbol of Satan. This was prominent in Old Europe. Many Greeks and Romans of ancient times believed that basil would grow well if you scream wild curses and shouted loudly while sowing the seeds. This is where the French term semer le baslic (sowing basil) evolved from and it means to rave and rant about something.

Another folklore of Old Europe goes that if a leaf of basil is left under a pot it would convert into a scorpion overnight. Some believed that smelling basil leaves could cause scorpions to grow in the brain.

In ancient Rome, the term Basil is noted to have evolved from Basilescus, or the Basilisk, which referred to a fire-breathing dragon.

Even for Greeks the word Basil meant royal or kingly. In fact in Greece, it was believed that only the king should plant this herb and use only a golden sickle to harvest it.

In other cultures, placing a pot of basil on the balcony was a sure sign that the lady was ready to receive a suitor.

Much more folklore, legends and myths surround this herb than given here. All in all, it is interesting to note that different cultures have responded to it differently. Either they have loved it, hated it or feared it. This can only be possible, if a herb has medical potential, and needless to say, Holy Basil has that power.

Is basil scientifically proven?

Traditional forms of medicine, do have scientific basis and holy basil is one important herb where this is noted to hold true. For all those who seek scientific fact and reason over grandmother’s wisdom, we bring more insight on this magical herb. Known by many names and cultivated in many parts of the world, this herb’s healing properties and medicinal strengths make it a must have in many Hindu homes. Here is more information on its constituents and how they help in the healing process.

Properties

Holy basil comprises of various essential oils of carvacol, eugenol, linalool, caryophilline and methyleugenol. Other triterpenes like ursolic acid and flavonoids are also noted to be present.

Adaptogens

Tulasi has high levels of adaptogen, an agent that helps the human body to combat stress more effectively. As per herbalists, adaptogens are those herbs that work to increase the ability of human body to combat stress and adapt to changing conditions.

Rich anti-oxidant

An anti-oxidant slows down excess oxidation in the body and helps to protect body cells from harm caused by free radicals. This is done by binding together harmful free radicals and thus reducing their destructive powers. In this manner, antioxidants help to reduce disease and protect body and health from general degradation. Basil is rich in anti-oxidants and helps to strengthen the immune system while slowing down the ageing process.

Amino-modulator and immuno-modulator

This property of Tulasi helps to balance and improve the immune responses of the body. This helps the body to effectively fight antigens (disease causing agents) and maintain health.

Natural COX-2 inhibitor

COX-2 is an enzyme responsible for pain and inflammation. COX-2 inhibitors are thus a form of Non Steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that work directly against the COX-2 enzyme. Basil works as a natural pain killer without any side effects and inhibits the activity of COX-2.

Oleanolic acid

The presence of oleanolic acid in Tulasi also lends strong anti-HIV properties.

Ursolic acid

The presence of ursolic acid, gives it strong anti-cancer properties. Often also used in cosmetics, Ursolic acid inhibits cancer cells by inhibiting the STAT-3 activation pathway. Various bio-active derivatives such as anti-tumor agents can be derived from this component too.

Carvacrol

Carvacrol is noted to be a strong anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-viral. As it can inhibit the growth of various bacterial strains, has low toxicity, pleasant taste and smell, it is a good food additive. Its other property is also noted to numb pain receptors. The presence of carvacrol in essential oils is also noted to lend in biostatic/biocidal properties against many bacteria, yeast and fungi.

Extensive research on Basil has proven that its many constituents are useful for the human body and play a role in the healing process. Besides helping to cure coughs, colds and fevers, Basil is also good as an antidepressant, antiviral, antibacterial, carminative, diuretic, expectorant and galactogogue (promoting the flow of mother’s milk). Also it is noted to be helpful in improving general health. Much more research is constantly being undertaken to utilize its beneficial properties.