FEATURESTORY
by Caron Wenzel
Holy Basil
CONTAINMENT CAGES
Prevent cross
contamination
■ Keep bugs in
■ Keep bugs out
■ All systems custom
made
■ Mesh covers
■
Colors Available:
Natural and Green
Mesh Size:
18x18, 20x20, 52x52
Metal frame tube/fi tting style
Waterproof rain jackets
available
Protect yourself from late
season rain.
Y
es, there is a type of basil that is even more
wonderful and holy then regular Italian
basil. Holy basil is a native of India where
it has been used as a medicinal plant for
thousands of years. An important component of
Ayurvedic medicine, it is difficult to find something
that is not made better by this humble basil. Known
as the Queen of herbs and a gift of the creator, it
holds a special place in the religious temples of In-
dian Hinduism as well.
A member of the genus Ocimum, species tenui-
florum, it shares many pungent qualities with its Ital-
ian cousin. It is also known as tulsi. Another similar
species is O. sanctum. Thai basil is another family
member used in Thai cuisine. There are some twenty
species of basil all coming from tropical places. It is
grown as an annual in temperate climates.
The genus Ocimum is a chemical chameleon that
produces many types of essential plant compounds
like eugenol, (clove), limonene (lemon), camphor,
terpenes and many other healing compounds. Ac-
cording to Herbslist.net, these are just some of the
many uses of this purple-flowered powerhouse.
Redwood Empire Awning ■ PHONE: 707.588.9900
[email protected] ■ www.RedwoodEmpireAwning.com
44
www.GardenandGreenhouse.net
August 2017