Basil History

Origin

• Basil originated in India and was brought to Greece by Alexander the Great around 350 B.C. It appeared in England in the 1500s and was brought to America in the early 1600s.

Name

• The word basil is derived from a Greek word meaning king.

First Mention

• The first herbalist to mention basil in his writings was Chrysippus, who lived before 200 B.C. He said the herb "exists only to drive men insane."

Early Uses

• Ancient herbalists believed basil could cure scorpion and bee stings. The Romans ate basil daily to ward off an attack by a fire-breathing dragon.

Christianity

• According to legend, basil grew at the site where Christ was crucified. The herb is part of the celebration of St. Basil on January 1 in Greece.

Hinduism

• In Hindu tradition, basil grew from the ashes of the goddess Tulasi and is symbolic of love and eternal life.