holy basil herb

[Guest guest]

The holy basil herb tincture is simply done by wilting the

leaves in a basket for a day or two. They are then put

into a jar. Fill the jar with the leaves. Cover the leaves

with vodka and leave to set for at least 2 weeks. Some

people shake their tinctures everyday - I'm not one of

them, but you can if you want.

Strain, and the tincture is ready to use.

 

For tea, I blend it with some lemon herbs and rose

petals for a tisane called " cuppa happy " , but it can

be mixed with anything - chamomile, elderberry, mints,

passionflower - anything that strikes your fancy.

Just start blending and tasting :-).

 

Tina Sams

_The Essential Herbal Magazine_ (http://www.essentialherbal.com/)

_Download Mar/Apr '08_ (http://tinyurl.com/dhpph5)

_The Essential Herbal Blog_ (http://theessentialherbal.blogspot.com/)

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

No need to wilt your basil when putting it in alcohol or even into

vinegar. I raise some Purple Basil and make vinegars with it and they are a

delightful shade of pink and smell wonderful

Doris

 

 

In a message dated 8/11/2009 7:10:02 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

blackkat writes:

 

 

 

 

Tina,

 

I didn't wilt my Holy Basil for a day or two...just put it freshly cut

into jars with the Vodka

and one with Brandy. Perhaps this is why my tincture is not as

beautifully dark green as

yours is????

 

Sandi

BlackKat Herbs

_http://www.blackakthttp://ww_ (http://www.blackaktherbs.com/)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Tina,

 

I didn't wilt my Holy Basil for a day or two...just put it freshly cut

into jars with the Vodka

and one with Brandy. Perhaps this is why my tincture is not as

beautifully dark green as

yours is????

 

Sandi

BlackKat Herbs

http://www.blackaktherbs.com

[Guest guest]

I wilt the herb first to remove some of the water in order

to use just regular vodka. If you don't wilt it, you probably

should use a higher proof. But - to each their own. I'm

not really going for color, but to extract the properties

from the herb.

 

Sandi - the holy basil tincture is a funny thing.

Depending on what part of the season it was harvested,

the color of the tincture is different. More flowers towards

the end of summer will mean a deep wine colored liquid!

 

Tina Sams

_The Essential Herbal Magazine_ (http://www.essentialherbal.com/)

_Download Mar/Apr '08_ (http://tinyurl.com/dhpph5)

_The Essential Herbal Blog_ (http://theessentialherbal.blogspot.com/)

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

" Will Holy Basil winter outside okay or do I need to bring it inside? "

 

Here in zone 6b (I think) it will not winter over and I plant it again each

spring.

 

Tina Sams

_The Essential Herbal Magazine_ (http://www.essentialherbal.com/)

_Download Mar/Apr '08_ (http://tinyurl.com/dhpph5)

_The Essential Herbal Blog_ (http://theessentialherbal.blogspot.com/)

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

My plants haven't flowered yet.....Can't wait til they do - the wine

color sounds divine!

 

Will Holy Basil winter outside okay or do I need to bring it inside?

 

Sandi

BlackKat Herbs

http://www.blackkatherbs.com

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/13/2009 5:22:57 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,

essentialherbal writes:

 

>Will Holy Basil winter outside okay or do I need to bring it inside? "

 

 

 

 

My zone is usually described as zone 9, and my basils all die out at year's

end.

If you live in the tropics it will overwinter, otherwise no.

You can try bringing it inside of course!

I replant every year.

 

Dara