In Greece, it is one of the most common domestic plants. It is used in folk
medicine as a herb, since it is believed to be a good diuretic, it soothes
stomach ache and headache while in ancient times it was used as a patch after
insect, scorpion or even snake bites.
In cooking, dried leaves of the broadleaf variety are mainly used, whose
aroma is a bit like the anise. It flavors various roasts, salads, boiled
dishes, meats in sauce, soups, etc. whilst very good for fresh tomato-based
sauces. In Italian cuisine, pesto pasta sauce is based on basil. |