You must never remove the leaves of the basil plant in this way: this way you make it die immediately. Here is the expert technique that will save your aromatic plant.Never remove the leaves of the basil plant in this way – Nanopress.it
How beautiful and fragrant are basil plants ? A feast for the eyes and smell! Yet, almost no one manages to take care of it in the most appropriate way. Watch out for basil leaves ! If you remove them in this way the plant dies immediately.
Basil plant: characteristics and properties
Originally from India , a continent in which medical and miraculous properties are still attributed to it today , the basil plant arrived in Europe, first in Greece, more than 2500 years ago.
Belonging to the Labiatae family , its scientific name is Ocinum Basilicum . Little curiosity: do you know why in the Western world it is known as a “royal plant” ?
A legend has it that Helena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine, found the Holy Cross in a plot covered with basil plants. Since ancient times, basil leaves have been used not only for therapeutic purposes.
The Egyptians , for example, used this plant during their embalming processes while in the late Middle Ages, this plant was used to cure the evil eye, colds and contractions during pregnancy.
Today we use basil and its leaves mainly in the kitchen but its countless properties make this plant incredible for other purposes too. Ever tried basil essential oil ? It is perfect for treating gastric and digestive disorders and for relieving physical tiredness.
How is basil grown? Simply bury the seeds in a pot which you will then cover with soil added with natural fertilizers to accelerate their growth.
The basil plant requires moist soil but be careful of water stagnation : if you water it more than necessary you risk it wilting in a few hours. If you also have a basil plant at home or in the garden , you will surely detach some leaves from it when necessary to season your dishes or to prepare decoctions.
Are you sure you know how to pick a basil leaf? Be careful: if you detach it this way you will cause your plant to die.
You should never remove the leaves of the basil plant like this
If you too are used to simply tearing individual leaves off your beautiful basil plant and then using them, continue reading: you’re doing it all wrong!
You must never remove the leaves from the basil plant in this way , otherwise its death is guaranteed. So what is the right method to best harvest the leaves of this super fragrant plant without causing damage?
Here’s what the experts who share the perfect pruning technique say : you only need to cut off a small branch to which 4 leaves are usually attached with scissors.
By doing this, our basil plant will not die , on the contrary, it will also have time to regrow a new branch with new leaves in the cut part. Be careful never to cut the lower branches , those close to the root, but always cut the higher ones.
Did you know that you can also change the flavor of your basil leaves ? You just have to proceed with pruning those tips that appear on the flower stems of your plant and which absorb some important nutritional properties, thus altering the taste of the basil.
We will also reveal another secret that will surely come in handy if you are a fan of aromatic herbs: never grow basil and sage plants together or close together : they would both end up dying.
The basil plant requires drained and moist soil . On the contrary , sage grows perfectly in dry soil.
All the beneficial properties of basil
Basil is an incredible plant that is not only used to flavor dishes and dishes . Its leaves can also be used for therapeutic purposes. Scientific studies have shown that regularly consuming basil leaves helps to:
- keep mood swings under control;
- heal wounds;
- combat feelings of tiredness and exhaustion;
- soothe abdominal pain and cramps;
- soothe redness of the skin;
- cleanse the skin of pimples and impurities.
As you can read, basil really has many useful virtues for our body in many situations. You can consume its fresh leaves , you can make a decoction or a skin compress.
The leaves of this plant are incredible when used correctly. Now that you have learned the right technique for cutting them without damaging the plant , all you have to do is enjoy all the beneficial properties that this incredible jewel of nature gives to our body.