Herbs in Witchcraft: Basil

As spring approaches, fresh herbs are in season. The Herbs in Witchcraft series of focusing on basil this month. Did someone say money spell? Let's get into it.

Basil is a common kitchen herb and most commonly associated with Italian cuisine, though it originated in southern Asia. It's fragrant, broad green leaves make for a beautiful garnish. But this herb has healing and metaphysical properties that go way beyond pizza and spaghetti.

Healing Properties of Basil

Amongst herbalists, basil is known for its mood lifting properties. Working with this plant indoors in the winter can help brighten your mood in the dark days. Some also believe it has mild sedative properties which can ease depression, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. Try soaking a cloth in cooled basil tea and pressing it to your forehead to relieve brain fog.

Basil can help aid digestion, which I'm taking to mean that I can eat more pasta. In Chinese medicine it's still used to treat stomach cramps. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. The essential oil has antimicrobial properties and can also help with mental burnout and fatigue. It has a stronger anise scent than fresh basil, though. I'm not a fan, personally.

A tea made from dried leaves is said to relieve suppressed menstruation. This herb is also used to increase milk production for nursing mothers. The juice from the leaves is believed to relieve insect bites and stings.

Be sure to consult a health professional before using any herbs medicinally.

Magical Properties

Basil is comonly associated with prosperity and money. The bright green leaves just scream abundance. It's also a popular herb for banishing. This herb can be used to call in success, peace, protection, happiness, purification, tranquility, and love.

In the Vodou tradition, this herb belongs to Maitresse Ezili Freda Dahomey, the spirit of luxury. Tulsi basil belongs to the Hindu goddess of good fortune, Lakshmi.

Basil's correspondences are

• Gender - masculine/projective
• Element - air
• Planet - Mars
• Chakras - root, heart
• Astrology - Scorpio

Witchcraft Uses

Create an infusion and add it to your bath, calling on whatever property you need from the plant.

Add the essential oil to a floor wash to protect your home.

Keep a potted plant near the cash register of your business to draw in more money. This herb can be used in a variety of better business spells.

Surround yourself with fresh basil plants to increase fertility and bring joy and tranquility to your home and family.

Basil Recipes for the Kitchen Witch

Being a common kitchen herb, there are tons of ways to use it in cooking. And now that you know its energetic properties, you can call on it as needed to add power to your recipes and kitchen spells. Here are a few recipes to get you started.

• Strawberry Lemon & Basil Infused Water - a beautiful way to stay hydrated
• Roasted Tomato & Mozzarella Salad - with fresh basil vinaigrette
• Whipped Feta on Toast - add strawberries, basil chiffonade, and balsamic glaze
• Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells - garnish with chopped fresh basil
• Italian Grilled Cheese - made with your favorite pesto

I love having fresh basil on hand to add to recipes and to bring peace and harmony to my home. What's your favorite way to use this herb in your craft? Let me know in the comments.

Sources

• The Modern Guide to Witchcraft by Skye Alexander
• Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells by Judika Illes
• Practical Magic for Beginners by Maggie Haseman
• Commonwealth Herbs
• Richard Whelan