Origin of the Spice and History

There is some question about the origin of basil, but most think the plant is native to India, where it was sacred, and it is thought to have been cultivated for over 5,000 years. It was believed that basil had the power to protect and was therefore planted around temples and graves. Hindus also used to link basil to the gods and use it in their divine blessings.

Throughout history, basil has been used in medicine. One example of this was the use of it in the practice of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medicinal system. It was commonly prescribed to improve digestion, treat headaches, fight the common cold and increase mental awareness and processing. The herb is still used today in aromatherapy and holistic healing.