Basil: That Lovely Lamiaceae

The Lamiaceae family contains some of my favorite plants for relieving everything from coughs to menstrual cramps. Whether it's a motherwort tincture, peppermint infused honey, or a lemon balm tea, mint family plants offer healing comfort in many forms. 

Many of us have heard ‘let your food be your medicine' (thanks Hippocrates, and every home cook since the beginning of time), coupled with the fact that the World Health Organization acknowledges that 88% of countries still utilize traditional medicine, starting our wellness journeys in our kitchens is a sound and simple idea. Most of us can recall a favorite dish prepared by someone in their home that always seemed to improve whatever was ailing.. 

No matter where we are in the world, soups and stews are often a common denominator in healthful home cooked cuisine. One or two ingredients can be all it takes to make a soothing broth. Basil (Ocimum spp) is well known for its support of our digestive systems and makes a perfect addition to a minimal ingredient soup. 

The soup I’m making in this video includes an abundance of several heirloom varieties from our garden and gifted from friends. I added sweet and purple basil for flavor, aroma, and medicinal value. A gentle simmer with enough water to cover the tomatoes, a little garlic and local cream, blended up for smooth deliciousness. Enjoy over rice or paired with a classic grilled cheese sandwich. Yum!

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Contributor: Lucretia Jones (HWB Board Member)

I've been working and learning with plants for over twenty years and was first introduced to the wise woman tradition while living an artist’s life in New York City. My father had passed away three days prior to the World Trade Center collapse in 2001, and that uncertainty sent me on a quest to find more autonomy and connection with the natural world. It was at this time that I found a love for connecting people with plants. As a wise woman herbalist, my favorite times are spent meeting new and old plant friends wherever I happen to be. Sharing those relationships with other humans led me to create House of Lukaya in 2003. House of Lukaya, is a mobile and online source for plant medicine workshops, incense twists and other handicrafts, and a pocket Guide to Nourishing Herbal Infusions. In 2019, my partner and I purchased land in Virginia where we are building a homestead from scratch and creating space to share herbs and arts with others. I welcome your communication at my website houseoflukaya.com, on Instagram @houseoflukaya, and at patreon.com/houseoflukaya. ​

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