Tuesday, 2 April 2013

A-Z Blogging Challenge -- "B"



 Well, Hello there!!! I am so pleased that you stopped by  to visit!
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  For the past many years I have had an interest...no, make that a fascination with herbs, spices and seasonings. -  How they were used by our ancestors centuries ago for a variety of ailments, and how they are used today to enhance your favorite recipe.
With this in mind I am attempting to present a different herb, spice or seasoning  for each day of the  A-Z Challenge. Please drop by often and perhaps we both will learn something new.

                                                             
Learn more about these terms 

                                "B" is for Basil




Take time for Herbs & Spices!
                                              "B"                                                   

 BASIL

Basil is a leafy herb from the mint family with licorice -cloves flavor. It is usually green , although there are purple varieties such as Opal Basil. Lemon basil, clove basil and cinnamon basil all have the flavors similar to their name.
Basil is a key ingredient in Mediterranean cooking. Matches well with cheese, chicken eggs, fish lamb, salads, soups vinegars, zucchini and tomato sauce and many more of your choice.  I                                                                              
                                                   found a   great Basil and Tomato Bruschetta  recipe from                                                                  
                                                    Food.com of the Home Cook, that just has me salivating.


Medicinal Uses:

(loghouseplants.com)
Basil contains many chemicals. These chemicals might help get rid of intestinal worms. It also is a good source of vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron.

 Used  for stomach spasms, decreased appetite, intestinal gas, kidney conditions,  fluid retention , head colds, warts, and worm infection. It is also used to treat insect and snake bites (Really?!)

Women sometimes use basil before and after childbirth to promote blood circulation and start the flow of breast milk.

 Some people use it as a gargle- I am assuming it is mixed in water!!




Sources: Food.com--   http://www.food.com/library/basil-317

Disclaimer

The material provided on this site is designed for information and educational purposes only. The materials are not intended to be a self diagnostic and/or self treatment tool. I encourage you to use this information as a tool for discussing your condition with your health practitioner.    *The medicinal usages are for informational and educational purposes only*




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20 comments:

  1. Kathy2 April 2013 at 05:33

    I would hope it's mixed with water when gargling. Can't you just picture that greeting you in the bathroom, first thing in the morning. lol
    Insect bites. Interesting! Who knew it was more than just a nice tasting herb.
    Kathy at Oak Lawn Images

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    1. Unknown2 April 2013 at 08:15

      Yeah, I agree, Kathy, the site said "used as a gargle"... hmmm
      had to "wing" that one!

      Delete
  2. Monica2 April 2013 at 06:27

    I love basil and often use it when cooking, but I never knew of it's medicinal uses. I intended to tell you this yesterday when I visited, I LOVE your herb and spice clock, very creative!!
    Monica, Older Mommy Still Yummy

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    1. Unknown2 April 2013 at 08:17

      Thanks, Monica. I would like to have more pictures of my own, but haven't taken a lot of food photos..... the "clock" is a long way from professional but I had a good time putting it together!

      Delete
  3. Jo2 April 2013 at 06:29

    Did you know Basil is the King of Herbs, the word Basil is taken from the Greek word for king. Basileus as shown on Wikipedia.

    JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

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    1. Unknown2 April 2013 at 08:22

      Thanks, Jo. Actually I did read that but didn't include it in the post. I was surprised that Basil was the one chosen as "king" though.

      Loving your posts!
      Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

      Delete
  4. Jennie Bennett2 April 2013 at 07:00

    I love Basil! I think I need some Italian food now :)

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    1. Unknown2 April 2013 at 08:28

      So do I, but in this climate it usually comes from the Supermarket if I want it fresh. Grow my own during our brief, but tasty growing season. Hmmm I'm thinking Lasagna!!!

      Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

      Delete
  5. Nikki2 April 2013 at 07:12

    I love Basil :D I really like the way you've written this post, with information on what it's good for - I'm trying to boost my health naturally, so things like this are so helpful to me :D

    Thank you for visiting me! I'm following your blog, it's so great!

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    1. Unknown2 April 2013 at 08:34

      I enjoy the fact that I can learn something while participating in a great challenge! Thanks for your comment!

      Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

      Delete
  6. CE Francies2 April 2013 at 11:44

    Wow thanks for all this great information and a very interesting topic/theme.

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    1. Unknown2 April 2013 at 12:01

      Hey, thanks for dropping by. I always enjoy seeing how others feel about the things I enjoy!

      Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

      Delete
  7. Rossandra White2 April 2013 at 15:11

    Me again. Love basil. In fact I'm having it tonight in a homemade pesto, mushroom pizza. By the way I still pronounce it bazil, with a flat b, can't bring myself to say baysil.An African/British thing.

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    1. Unknown2 April 2013 at 15:14

      Hey, it's not what it sounds like coming out of your mouth, it's what it TASTES like going it... I can say it either way and still love it. Kudos to you for making your own pesto!!!

      Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

      Delete
  8. A month of....Blog2 April 2013 at 17:50

    Like your theme and will definitely check back to learn some more! I am planning on posting a nice spice picture for "S".

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    1. Unknown2 April 2013 at 18:07

      Thanks, I am hoping I can find an"X" named herb or spice soon or will be out of luck

      Delete
  9. Buttercup2 April 2013 at 18:51

    Great theme and post! I'm thinking about my posts coming up and have almost all of the letters covered, except for X. I'm going to have to be really creative there. Thanks for visiting! I'm your newest follower.

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    1. Unknown3 April 2013 at 05:18

      Thanks Carol, perhaps you could send come of your left-over creativity my way . Happy Challenging!

      Delete
  10. Su-sieee! Mac3 April 2013 at 01:18

    Basil pesto pasta, yum! Had that for lunch yesterday. Yum, yum. You've inspired me to plant some basil seeds today. That way I'll be ready to treat any worms that come my way. Hmmm, will the basil plant kill the worms in the soil that I'll be sowing the seeds in?

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    1. Unknown3 April 2013 at 05:24

      Thanks for your comment. Good luck with your gardening and enjoy the challenge.



      Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

      Delete



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