Though considered a culinary herb and used for pesto, Basil has many medicinal benefits and in fact is used in medicine, for treating intestinal issues, kidney conditions, fluid retention, colds, warts, infections and insect wounds and bites.
Basil is a good source of vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. Research has found that it helps improve blood circulation and when used in aromatherapy it helps with mental alertness for people suffering from mental exhaustion. In combination with Orange essential oils, Basil has been found to be beneficial in Acne breakouts.
Basil oil can be used in cooking as a substitute for your other cooking oils. The advantage is that the oil is flavored and will enhance the foods you are cooking. Use any way you would use your favorite cooking oils. In herbal breads, herbed potatoes, and even when cooking meats or drizzled over a fresh garden salad. Use with your Vinegar oil salad dressings.
Basil oil, in fact all infused oils are very expensive to purchase, but with the following instructions you can easily make your own, using fresh garden herbs, your favorite cooking oil and a few minutes of time.
Unless you are using a lot of infused oil, it is best to make in small quantities or keep refrigerated after infusing. The oils can go rancid just as any cooking oil.
Dried or fresh herbs work, but the fresher the herbs the more of natural oils will be infused into your oil for more intense flavor and health benefits.
Infused oils make great gifts and have many uses in cooking, salves and lotions. Basil is known for its culinary use, but as you see above it isn't just for making seasonings to add to your favorite Italian menu. See Cautions below.
What you need
2 Cups Fresh or dried Basil
2 Cups Cooking Oil (I use Grapeseed oil, but use your favorite)
Small Slow Cooker
Strainer
Jar funnel (found in canning supplies)
Slotted spoon
Cheese cloth
Mason jars with lids and rings
How to prepare
Cut the herbs in the early morning when the volatile oils are at their peak. Wash and remove any blemished leaves. Allow to dry thoroughly, any moisture can taint the finished oil and cause it to go rancid.
Place the leaves and sprigs into the slow cooker and cover with oil (this may be more or less the amount suggested above). Set the dial to low and infuse for 2 hours. Strain the Basil through a piece of muslin or cheese cloth lined strainer. If needed strain more than once so no particles are in the oil. Pour the strained oil into a clean, sterilized mason jar.
Note: Do not allow the infused oil to boil. If your slow cooker does not have a dial setting, allow to infuse one hour then check it to make sure it is not getting too hot. The lid can be tipped, to allow cool air in to prevent the infusion for overheating. If it is getting too hot, unplug and allow to cool. Then proceed as instructed above.
Suggested Uses: Healing salves, lotions, Culinary oil, oil for garden fresh salads. And used as an insect repellant and for treatment against internal parasites.
Note: Do not discard the basil leaves, pull the cloth from each corner and tie with kitchen twine, then drop into soup for added flavor. Remove the bundle before serving or storing the soup. Basil can be composted or chop it up and add to chicken treats or for culinary use, make basil oil cubes by pouring your favorite cooking oil into ice cube trays that are filled with basil or a combination of herbs to add to soups, or used in cooking wherever oil or butter is called for.
CAUTION: Normally there are few side effects, however, as with all herbs, use only in moderation whether for you, your family or your animals and poultry. Pregnant or Lactating females should not use any herbs without consulting their primary physician. For individuals that have bleeding disorders or on prescribed blood thinners do not use Basil, it may prevent blood clotting and increase bleeding. For those allergic to mint, oregano, lavender or sage do not use Basil, it may cause the same allergic reaction.
Though this article is for human consumption, it is wise to consult your veterinarian about the use of any and all herbs or edible flowers, if you are using any herbs for your poultry or other animals. If you have questions about dosage, your holistic veterinarian is the expert that will have those answers for you. Never assume that any herbs are safe for ingestion or long term use for you or your animals. Research your State Agriculture sites and consult true trained experts, not just take the word of random websites or random comments and blogs. Your health and the health of your animals are at risk if the information you obtain is not accurate.
For making Oregano Oil for your poultry or culinary use refer to the link:
justfowlingaround.weebly.com/chicken-blog/infused-oregano-oil
For making Extracts refer to the link:
justfowlingaround.weebly.com/seasoning-and-sauces/rosemaryvanilla-extract
For more information on making Infused oils refer to the link: justfowlingaround.weebly.com/seasoning-and-sauces/infused-herbal-oils-for-cooking
To make your own herb bundles refer to the link:
http://justfowlingaround.weebly.com/recipes-for-self-reliance/diy-herb-bundles
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CREDENTIALS: Certified Oregon State Master Gardener since 1999. Horticulture degree 2001. Study of Herbs and Horticulture Therapy, heavy research and study of all plants and herbs. Gardening a lifetime