The origin of basil leaves

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an annual herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Basil is native to areas in Asia and Africa and grows wild as a perennial on some pacific islands, where it has been grown for 5000 years.

There are more than 50 species of basil. These differ in growth habit, physiological appearance, and chemical and aromatic composition. Basil was probably first cultivated in India.

The generic name, Ocimum, originates from the ancient Greek word okimon, which means smell. The specific epithet, basilicum, is Latin for basilikon, which means kingly/royal in Greek.

The history of basil is steeped in legend and mystery. Many believe it was Alexander the Great (356–323 BCE) who brought it to Greece. It was grown in medieval gardens and is mentioned in many classic herbals, including those of Culpeper, Gerard, Parkinson and Dioscorides.

Basil is thought to have been brought to England from India in the 1500s, eventually arriving in the USA in the early 1600s.
The origin of basil leaves

Ancient culture of basil herbs

Basil is one of the most popular and widely grown herbs in the world. It is often associated with Italian cuisine. Italians call it the ‘love herb’ for its spicy aroma and refreshing fragrance.

Basil was used in many ancient cultures more than five thousand years ago. It was grown in the Middle East, India and the Mediterranean region.

The ancient Greeks avoided basil, stating that it ‘exists only to drive men insane’ and ‘she goat that browses on everything avoids basil along’. The name ‘basil’ is derived from the Greek work basilikon, meaning ‘royal’, a world indicative of the ancient culture’s high respect for this herb.

In India, basil played a big role in religious ceremonies and social life. It was also a cherished sign of hospitality and it was considered sacred to Vishnu and his incarnation as Krishna.

In Italy suitors sometimes wear a leaf of basil in their hair to show their marital intentions.

The basil was utilized as a botanical for embalming bodies in ancient Egypt. While in China, the medicinal use of basil can be traced back more than 3,000 years.
Ancient culture of basil herbs

History of basil (Ocimum spp.)

In India it is regarded as a sacred herb and is used for decorating temples. The people there worship basil more highly than kings. It is sacred herb dedicated to the gods Vishnu and Krishna.

The cultivation of basil spread from its native India through Asia to Egypt at least 4000 years ago and from there to Rome and southern Europe.

Legend has it that basil was found growing around Jesus’ tomb after the resurrection. It was used in Greek Orthodox chci8rches in the preparation of Holy Water.

It was widely used in ancient Rome and Greece. Its name derives from the Basilisk, a mythical serpent-like creature whose venom was so potent it could kill just by looking.

The Greek called it the ‘devil plant’ but they also considered it a powerful love charm. A sign of mourning in ancient Greece and a sign of love in ancient Rome, today in Crete basil signifies ‘love washed with tears’ and in some parts of Italy it remains a lover’s emblem.

It does not appear to have reached Britain until the 16th century and was then carried by early settlers to North America.
History of basil (Ocimum spp.)