Basil: Herb of Scorpions, Doctors, and Kings

Basil: Herb of Scorpions, Doctors, and Kings
Holy basil leaves. bdspn/iStock
Conan Milner
Updated:

For most Americans, the scent of basil usually means Italian food. But this herb is good for much more than just pasta.

Some say the basil name comes from “basilisk”—the Greek word for dragon or lizard. Others say it comes from “basileus,” the Greek word for king. Tales from basil folklore support both interpretations.

Conan Milner
Conan Milner
Author
Conan Milner is a health reporter for the Epoch Times. He graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and is a member of the American Herbalist Guild.
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