Just got this from my friend, Tipah from Subang Jaya. Honestly i have never use basil leaves in my cooking before but now i have some info about this plant and i'm ready to use it in my cooking. Some facts about basil leaves which i got from the internet is as follows:
Basil is an annual herb of the
mint family, native to central and tropical Asia and Africa (some say it originated in India). It is an important ingredient in Thai, Vietnamese and Laotian cuisine. Today it is cultivated commercially in California, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Germany, Israel, Egypt, Morocco, Italy, Madagascar, India and Mexico. It has been grown in areas around the Mediterranean since antiquity, but Britain did not begin using basil until the 16th century. The many varieties of this herb have seeds that can germinate after 10 years!
In addition to its culinary uses, basil is also used in perfumes, soaps, shampoos and dental preparations. In Mexico it is supposed to keep a lover's eye off others, and is considered a powerful protector in Haiti. During British colonial days in India, magistrates would have Hindu witnesses swear on this holy herb. It is recommended in Herbals for the relief of dysentery, gas pains, nausea, and as a cure for worms and worts.
There's more about basil but i only know i have added another plant to my herbs collection heehehe...
To my dear friend Tipah, thanks a lot!!
