Basil

Basil (O'cynum), a mainly tropical or subtropical genus of Labiatæ (q.v.), characterised by a pleasant aromatic smell and taste, and reckoned among sweet herbs.—SWEET BASIL (O. basilicum) is an Indian annual which has long been cultivated in Europe for seasoning purposes. It was formerly also of some medicinal repute, and is doubtless a gentle carminative. Many superstitions attach to it. The ancients asserted that the plant had the power of propagating scorpions, even in the brains of men. The belief that it thrives especially on the brains of murdered men occurs in the Decameron, and is rendered familiar by Holman Hunt's picture. —BUSH BASIL (O. minimum) is of similar origin and uses. The seed of both species should be sown on a hotbed, and subsequently planted out. —WILD BASIL (Calamintha clinopodium) and BASIL THYME (C. Acinos) are natives of Britain, and are similarly fragrant and aromatic. —Basil Vinegar is made in the same manner as Mint Vinegar, by steeping the leaves in vinegar. It is used for seasoning, in winter, when the fresh plant cannot be obtained.