Basil:الريحان

Originally, basil wasn't the most popular herb of the bunch. In fact, there were some who simply hated it, especially older people. The name basil means "be fragrant," but different cultures still struggle with a love-hate relationship over basil. Americans and the Romans loved it, while Hindus grew it in their homes as a sign of happiness. Conversely, it was the Greeks who despised it the most, but those from India and Persia weren't too fond of it either. Italy was one place that particularly adored basil, and to this day, few people would make a classic pasta sauce without basil. To this day, basil and tomato sauce have formed a near-universal marriage. Basil is very easy to grow as long as the temperature doesn't drop below 50 degrees and it's in full sunlight. It's commonly used fresh or dried. A little-known fact about basil is that the longer it's cooked in the dish, the more intense the flavor becomes. This makes sense as to why people would boil pasta sauces for so long to bring out all the rich herbal flavors. Basil is commonly used in pasta sauces along with oregano. However, basil isn't just used in pasta or tomato sauce; it's also used to flavor fish, vegetables, meats, and soups. If you decide to grow an herb garden, you can thank your basil plants for keeping flies away, as flies are part of the group that doesn't care for basil. Another interesting fact about basil is that it was once considered a royal herb with a strong association with love. Basil had to do with how men in ancient times planned to propose to their brides. The man would bring a sprig of basil, and if the woman accepted his gift, she would silently agree to love him and be faithful to him forever. Basil is related to the mint family, and just knowing this should give you a good idea that it would have many medicinal uses as well. Most people immediately associate anything mint with aiding the digestive system and also for its anti-gas properties. Herbalists commonly use basil to treat health ailments such as stomach cramps, vomiting, constipation, headaches, and anxiety. When basil is used for these purposes, it is generally made into a hot tea to drink. Some also claim that a hot cup of basil tea can greatly contribute to a good night's sleep. You can also purchase basil capsules from herbal stores if you don't care for the taste of the tea. Basil remains one of the most common household herbs today and is also essential in most areas of culinary art. When used fresh, the basil is torn from the plant and then chopped with a knife. Usually, somewhere near the basil, you'll find some olive oil, garlic, and someone preparing a delicious tomato sauce.