Basil is my favourite herb. If I have a can of tomato soup, I add basil. When I get a can of tomato basil soup, I add basil. I’m crazy for basil. Apparently, that’s a good thing. Basil has a history of being tied to a lack of mental stability.
In the 17th century, a botanist took the time to write down this little anecdote about basil: “A certain Gentleman of Siena was wont to take the powder of the dry herb and snuff it up his nose; but in a short time he turned mad and died; and his head being opened by surgeons, there was found a nest of scorpions in his brain”. (Throughout history, it was believed that basil could magically become scorpions. Seriously)
In ancient Rome and Greece, it was believed that when sowing basil seeds it was not just recommended, but required to yell and curse angrily as you planted them. There’s even a French phrase, semer le basilic (sowing basil), which means raving.
More rightly so, in other times and places, basil was regarded as a king among herbs. In India it is considered sacred, and dedicated to the gods Vishnu and Krishna. They would actually swear upon basil in a court of law.
It’s also been used as a good luck charm, or a declaration of love, and has been put to use for medical reasons. It’s been used for headaches, bug bites (and scorpion stings), sore muscles, and for 2000 years it has been known (and confirmed) to help with flatulence. Combine that with tasty soup, and you’ve got yourself a winner.
(note: the yelling is now considered entirely optional)
