The herb that I am interested in is Basil.

1) What cuisines use this spice/ herb?

A variety of cuisines, including Italian, Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese, use Basil.
Basil is used to make pesto. Basil is used in seasonings, sandwiches, salads and soups. Basil can
be used with mozzarella cheese, olive oil and feta cheese. Asian basil has a unique taste and is
often used in stir-fries, curry pastes and soups.

2) History of the spice/ herb?

Basil has been around for over 4,000 years. Throughout history, Basil was believed to have
almost magical powers. Basil has been used since ancient Egypt. Basil can be found in tombs
and mummies that are used as embalming and preserving herb. Basil also acts as a cultural
symbol through history. Today, Basil is commonly denoted as the “King of Herbs.” In kitchens,
Basil is most commonly used fresh in cooked recipes.

3) Any medicinal uses of the spice/ herb?

Basil has holistic herbal remedies. Basil is known as an ancient traditional medicine like
Ayurveda, the traditional medicinal system of ancient India. Basil is also found to possess potent
antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties.

4) What is the cultural significance of the spice/ herb?

Basil has diverse cultural and symbolic meanings in many different countries. In Jewish folklore,
Basil is a symbol of adding strength while fasting. Furthermore, in ancient Greece, Basil
symbolized hatred.

5) What are the religious or economic uses of this spice or herb?

In Portugal, Basil represents your love for your lover on religious holidays. In Hinduism, the
sacred Basil is worshiped as a symbol of the goddess Tulsi, traditionally made into Basil's extract
and placed around the Hindu sanctuary. Today, Basil also use in the science lab to make
medicines, candles, fragments, and more.