I write about Herbs and Spices
so here's some basic information about basil....

Basil, (also known as Ocimum basilicum) is a very popular herb, that is very useful in the kitchen. It is quite aromatic, with a strong flavour.
Culinary Uses: Basil leaves can be used in pasta sauces, soups, salads, with vegetables and in meat and poultry stuffing.
Medicinal Uses: Colds, influenza, abdominal cramps, nausea, migrane, acne, insomnia, skin infections, insect stings and wounds.
Other Uses: The oil from the basil plant is used in aromatherapy, and perfume. Other parts of the plant are used
in dental preparations.
Growing Advice: If sowing outdoors, plant to a depth of 3mm. If sowing indoors, then plant in seed trays, in the warmth. Basil will need a warm sheltered site, and will thrive in
hot, sunny conditions. The ideal soil is rich, moist soil with a ph 5.5 - 7.5. It is easily damaged by low temperatures and frost. If the outside temperature drops, cover the basil with plastic to protect it. Prune away any flowers inorder to maintain a good flavour for the foilage.
Harvest and Storage: Pinch buds off to encourage branching. Basil leaves can be picked every week, and can be used fresh or dried. Dried leaves will lose colour, but they can be chopped and frozen. Basil also keeps very well in a glass bottle (or jar) covered with olive oil.
Other Types: Some other species are : Lemon Basil(O.basilicum x citriodorum) which has flowers
and foilage that produce a lemon fragrance. Holy Basil (O. tenuiflorum syn. O. sanctum) which produces a spicy aroma, stems are used to make rosaries, and the oil is used
as an insect repellent and an antibiotic. Dark Purple Basil (O. basilicum var. purpurascens) which has dark purple foilage. Tree Basil (O. gratissimum) which produces a clove type fragrance, the leaves can be used for tea. Thai Basil (O. basilicum 'Horapha') which produces a sweet licorice type aroma.
Interesting Trivia: Basil plants were found to be growing around the tomb of Christ, after the resurrection. Thesedays, it is used by some churches in holy water. Pots
of basil can also be found on some church altars.
Herb and Spice Guide