Basil linalol EO Organic
Origin: Egypt

• Details and product description

  Introduction:

  Basil is an aromatic, herbaceous and annual plant, 30 to 60 cm tall, with single, opposite, cordiform (heart-shaped) leaves, covered with glandular hairs containing aromatic essence, which are responsible for its fragrance. The leaves are usually green, but can also be purplish in color. The small flowers are white, pink and even sometimes purple.     There are many botanical varieties, but only two are used in perfumery: the most common is the Comoros (or Reunion) variety, (Comoros, Mayotte, Madagascar Reunion and Vietnam) called estragole (Ocimum basilicum estragole), and the other is called linalool (Egypt) (Ocimum basilicum linalol) which is much more expensive, spicier and more aromatic, but above all less fresh.

  History:

  The word basil comes from ancient Greek basilikón, which means royal plant.   Legend: Byzantine legend: The conversion of Emperor Constantine (272-337) led to the institution of Christianity as a state religion in the Roman Empire. St. Helena, mother of the emperor, went to Jerusalem to seek the cross of Christ. Having searched in vain around Golgotha, a dream told her to return to the place of execution and to be guided by a divine fragrance. On the spot, the air embalmed with an unknown smell ... whose origin was a modest plant, basil. Under this plant, the cross was discovered. This legend may explain the sacredness that surrounds the plant in several regions. Evil basilisk: In the legends of long ago, the Basilisk (basilic in French, which also means basil) designated a fabulous reptile whose gaze was mortal. According to various stories, this mythical animal was born of a toad’s egg hatched by a cockerel or a hen’s egg hatched by a toad or serpent! Nowadays, Basilisk is the name of an insectivorous reptile of the iguanidae family that is found in Latin America. Cultural significance:        A medicinal plant known since ancient times and used to calm spasms it was cited by the Hebrews and Arabs, as well as Pliny the Elder.          It has been said that the anti-infectious properties are so strong that, when mixed with lettuce in raw salads, it assures bacteriological purity.          In the past, a pot of basil was found in the windows of "ironers of fine linen” as it kept away mosquitos. In Greece, the caskets of the dead are always encircled by this plant. In India, basil is an integral part of the cult of Shiva and Vishnu. It is a sacred plant that is picked while praying. Protector in life and death, it opens the road to heaven to believers. In the center of the Congo, basil leaves are used to protect against evil spirits. It is attributed magical properties for love, wealth and is used for exorcism. In Porto, Portugal, people offer potted basil to one another on June 24 for the feast of Saint John. Men who wear basil leaves in their buttonholes playfully strike their friends in the head with a plastic hammer according to a propitiatory rite. Formerly in France, purification preceded picking basil for medicinal purposes and “vile metal” was never used when harvesting it. Finally, it is the herb of Sainte Anne, patroness of truck farmers, whose garlic and basil festival (Foire à l’ail et au basilic de la Saint-Anne) is celebrated every year in Tours. History:           Basil is native to Iran or India and probably arrived in Europe via the Middle East. Its cultivation requires a warm and sunny climate, Mediterranean or even tropical, but its adaptability allows it to grow almost anywhere. Basil has been known and used for 2,000 years. In the past, girls placed basil on the windowsill to attract the attention of young men. The Greeks neglected it because it was a symbol of hostility and insanity for them, unlike the Romans who greatly appreciated it. Catherine de Medici introduced it to France in 1533, during her marriage to King Henry II. In fact, she had her chief cook, who used basil as a seasoning, sent from Italy. It soon became known as the "Royal Herb."            In the 17th century Europe, basil was used for both culinary and medicinal applications. Did you know? Basil is a friend of gardeners because it fights against aphids and mites. It is planted near asparagus and tomatoes to keep parasites away from these vegetables.

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