Basil was used in many ancient cultures more than five thousand years ago. It was grown in the Middle East, India and the Mediterranean region.
The ancient Greeks avoided basil, stating that it ‘exists only to drive men insane’ and ‘she goat that browses on everything avoids basil along’. The name ‘basil’ is derived from the Greek work basilikon, meaning ‘royal’, a world indicative of the ancient culture’s high respect for this herb.
In India, basil played a big role in religious ceremonies and social life. It was also a cherished sign of hospitality and it was considered sacred to Vishnu and his incarnation as Krishna.
In Italy suitors sometimes wear a leaf of basil in their hair to show their marital intentions.
The basil was utilized as a botanical for embalming bodies in ancient Egypt. While in China, the medicinal use of basil can be traced back more than 3,000 years.
Basil in ancient culture
