Whether you believe it to be truth or folk lore, Basil is known as the Herb of Love.  Basil is most often found in culinary creations such as pesto.  But in ancient times it was much more than that.

For the Haitian culture Basil was known as Goddess of Love and used as an aphrodisiac.

In Romania a woman may offer a leaf of basil as a way to let her love interest know her feelings.  If accepted the couple would then become man and wife.

In Italy if a woman placed a pot of basil on her window sill, she was letting everyone know she indeed was looking for a gentleman friend.

In the Hindu tradition, Basil is also associated with Love and is sacred to the Goddess Tulasi.  The legend has it that the Goddess was duped (by the God Vishnu) into making love to a man that was not her husband and because of her guilt and shame she took her own life.  When Vishnu learned what she had done he made basil grow from her ashes as a symbol of faithfulness to other women.

Also in India, placing a leaf of basil on top of funeral pyre of a loved one was supposed to ensure your way into heaven.

So next time you are wondering why basil makes you feel so warm and fuzzy… look to the history of this beautiful and tasty herb.  Bon Appetit!  (spoken with “Julia Child” exuberance)