Basil Beats Bugs

Here's a super little tip for the holiday weekend. If you're planning on buying herbs to plant this season, be sure to add Basil (a member of the Mint family) to the list.

In addition to smelling divine, Basil has antimicrobial qualities that kill bacteria and viruses on contact in the mouth.

If you only have dried Basil, try sprinkling 1/2 teaspoon inside a quesadilla, or adding to sautéed spinach. However, dried Basil doesn't have the same flavor as fresh.

If using fresh leaves, chop them and add to pan just before serving to preserve quality.

Basil doesn't keep well in the refrigerator, but will stay fresh for a while on a windowsill if cut stems are placed in water. Or keep a pot growing in the kitchen. You can also layer basil between sheets of waxed paper and freeze. The leaves will turn dark, but aroma and flavor are retained. Another idea is to fill ice cube trays with chopped basil, and then cover with water and freeze. Great for soups and stews.

Basil goes especially well with tomatoes. You can also chop it fine and stir into mayonnaise for a tangy fish sauce.

This warm scented herb is used in medicine for digestive and anti-gas problems, and is also recommended for anxiety, stomach cramps, headaches, vomiting, and constipation among other things. You can also make a tea from a handful of Basil leaves and use the liquid to relieve sore gums by swishing it in the mouth. I've also heard that if a Basil leaf is tucked into the mouth over an ulcer and kept there for as long as possible, it will ease the pain.

More ideas. Try adding a handful of leaves to the bath water for a refreshing soak; burn sprigs of basil on the barbecue to deter mosquitoes; and hang a bunch of Basil in the kitchen to get rid of flies.

A great little herb. Pity more people don't know about it. Share the secret :-)