The use of sweet basil goes back to ancient times. The ancient Egyptians used sweet basil in the embalming process and believed it would open the doors of the afterlife. In 330 AD, St. Helen, the mother of the Roman emperor Constantine, followed the scent of basil and found the remains of Jesus’ cross under a planting of the herb. According to legend, basil sprung up at the base of the cross where Mary’s tears and the blood of Jesus fell.
Basil has been used in some churches to adorn the communion rail giving rise to the name Holy Communion Plant. In the Greek Orthodox Church basil has been associated with various Feasts of the Cross such as the Veneration of the Holy Cross during Lent, the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross on Sept 14th, and Theophany on January 6 when the priest uses it to sprinkle Holy Water on the faithful. Other Orthodox churches use basil to prepare Holy Water. Although the connection between basil and the Virgin Mary is not reflected in the name, basil is often included in a Marian garden.
Sweet basil is an annual culinary herb and a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, that also includes rosemary, deadnettle, and ajuga. It is native to India, Africa and Asia but is extensively cultivated elsewhere including the US, primarily in California. Plants grow one to two feet tall with well branched square stems and a bushy appearance. They have very fragrant oval leaves two to three inches long and clusters of white 1/2″ flowers that have two lips. The flowers appear in the summer and give way to tiny dark brown seeds.
Basil likes full sun and fertile, moderately moist, well-drained soil. Pinch back or harvest terminal leaves, cut off any stems that appear to be bearing flowers, and keep foliage dry to avoid rot. Basil is susceptible to several fungal diseases including damping off, leaf spot, and crown rot. Propagation is by seed or cuttings.
The genus name, Ocimum, comes from the Greek word ὤκιμον (ṓkimon) meaning smell and refers to the scent of the leaves when crushed. The specific epithet, basilicum, comes from the Greek word βασιλικόν (basilikón) meaning royal, and refers to the high regard people had for the plant.