| The Mythical Mexican Basil |
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| Tuesday, 09 November 2004 | ||
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In Search of Arab Moors, Spanish Conquistadors, and a Fragrant Herb to ward of those evil spirits here in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya! By Betty Ontiveros In my travels through Mexico, I have seen and smelt a familiar green fragrant plant in front of offices, retail stores, and homes. Now, I recognized it as some form of basil but it was not the kind of basil I was used to……. I mean, I used a big leaf basil for cooking but this one was smaller leafed and tasted a bit different. It’s not the Italian basil I knew. What is it and why would people have it outside their place of business? Weird ya think? I have never seen that before. So I asked around and here’s what I found. In modern day Mexico, this Mexican Basil is planted in front of one’s house or office to ward off evil spirits. Yes, evil! Wow! Now that is something different! .............. Some carry basil or as they call it here in Mexico, “Albahacar” (pronounced Al–Bak-Kar) in a pocket or purse to magnetize money or to return a lover’s roving eye. It is also used to treat many ailments. It clearly is more than just something you put in spaghetti sauce. Like other herbs whose Spanish name begins with the Arabic prefix "al", Albahacar was introduced to Spain by the Moors.
Now, here in the Riviera Maya, I looked high and low and was not able to find any ancient or indigenous culinary uses for our beloved Albahacar. So what is it used for here in the Riviera Maya? So many questions! Anyway, I drove all around Playa del Carmen and could not find any evidence of its use to ward off evil spirits. Oh, I stopped a few local women and asked them what it was used for and they did not know. I went to a local vegetable stand and asked Luz Maria, the attendant there, and she did not know. Is the Riviera Maya unlike the rest of Mexico? Maybe they don’t have evil spirits here? Leticia Gonzalez who was shopping there told me that in Mexico City they indeed used Albahacar to ward off evil spirits but that the Mayan culture did not attach the same reverence to the herb. No matter, they do sell it here. In fact, I found that they have it at most of the vegetable stands around town, which leads me to assume that it is being used by someone for something. My assumption is that the new world class restaurants like The Fly, Sur, Blue at the Blue Parrot, and others were using it to prepare the traditional Italian dishes and that is why it’s sold here. So what is the real story on this mythical herb? Well, first, we need to start with the history of the herb and how it got to Mexico. Long associated with death, Albahacar was planted on graves in ancient Persia, Malaysia, and Greece. Today, the herb is still used at the altars of the Greek Orthodox churches. Albahacar was introduced to Europe from India, where the leaves were often placed in the hands of the dead to ensure a safe journey to the next world. The blossoms were scattered over the tombs of ancient Egypt as it was believed that basil opened the gates of heaven. Ancient Romans used Albahacar to relieve gas and to counteract poisoning, as well as a diuretic, and to stimulate breast milk production.
In India, it is revered as a sacred herb of the wife of the god who preserves life. Holy Basil is so named because it is often planted around temples and courtyards in India. The name Basil is thought to have resulted from the Greek word “Basileus”, meaning king, signifying its place as a royal herb since only the king was allowed to harvest it. And the name Basil may have permeated it’s way into the English language this way. But Albahacar, was brought to Mexico by the Spaniards during the 1500’s and it quickly took hold in the “new world” because it was hardy and easy to grow. Today, Albahacar is used mainly used worldwide as a culinary herb. Its medicinal value is not as widely appreciated in the Western world. But here in Mexico, it is more revered. For example, Albahacar has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including the following: anxiety and tension, congestion, coughs, colds, colic, constipation, cuts and abrasions, diarrhea, digestive disorders, dysentery, fevers, flatulence, headaches and migraines, indigestion, insect bites and stings, menstrual cramps, muscle tension, nerve pain, nervousness, sinusitis, sore throats, tiredness and lethargy. When inhaled in steam, it even relieves nasal congestion. Hey, it comes from the mint family. Furthermore, Albahacar seeds contain mild antibiotic substances that, when used as a poultice, helps prevent skin infections and promotes the healing of minor skin wounds. Albahacar is also used in some skin ointments and promoted as a treatment for acne. The tea is said to be relaxing, and, when taken in the evening, helps to promote sleep. So many uses! Hey, try chewing a couple of leaves before a meal to help to stimulate the appetite. And make a tea from it to drink after a meal to promote digestion – you see it increases the flow of gastric juices while reducing gas and bloating. Not bad eh? Albahacar is also used to reduce blood sugar levels as well as relieving fevers, bronchitis, asthma, stress, and canker sores. Medical research into its ability to reduce blood sugar levels has gone on for several decades in many countries and is proving useful in some types of diabetes. Indian research has shown that the herb has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and fever-reducing properties, as well as inhibiting sperm production. Anyway, here in the Riviera Maya, albahacar is used in most of our lovely world class restaurants. So in honor of this historic, mythical, and tasty herb, I offer you this easy to make recipe at home so you can feel the ancient power that is Albahacar! Buen Provecho!
Comments (1)
 ... written by Veronica, May 15, 2007
What a great article on Mexican basil and all its uses, thanks so much for all the research and the recipe.
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As you may recall the Moors from North Africa were the rulers of Spain and its culture for over 800 years. So much of Spanish and Mexican culture can be traced to the Arab Moors – from the language and especially the food.
The herb was long used as a “snuff” to clear nervous headaches and congestion. In Japan, it was used to treat the common cold. In Jewish lore, Albahacar was said to lend strength while fasting, even simply by holding it in the hand.
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