Basil Latin Name: Ocimum basilicum Other names: Alabahaca, American Dittany, Common Basil, Herb of Kings, St Josephswort,

Sweet Basil, Witches Herb Element: Fire Planets: Mars Goddess/Gods: Aradia, Ares, Erzulie, Jupiter, Krishna, Loki, Mars, Obatala, Ogoun, St. Joseph, Seth, Vishnu Gender : Masculine Magickal Uses: Clairvoyance, commanding, divination, exorcism, harmony, honesty, love, protection, psychic development, purification, wealth Medicinal Properties: Antispasmodic, antidepressant, antiseptic, stimulant, tonic, febrifuge, diaphoretic, nervine, antibacterial, expectorant, appetizer, carminative, galactagogue, stomachic. Medicinal Part : leaf Legends, Myths and Stories From its native India, basil was introduced into Europe in ancient times. Views and traditions associated with the herb have been mixed. Some cultures associated basil with hatred and misfortune; others regarded it as a love token. Dioscorides said that it should never be taken internally, while Pliny recommended smelling it in vinegar for fainting fits. In Ayurvedic medicine, basil is known as tulsi and the juice is widely used. In India, basil is perhaps the most sacred plant, next to the lotus. The scent of basil, they say, is conducive to meditation, and the plant is often used in magic. Also a popular culinary herb. In China this herb is known as Luole. Haitian merchants often sprinkle their stores with a composition made of this fragrant herb soaked in water. According to creed this chases bad luck and attracts buyers. The herb is much used as a love charm in voo-doo practice.