A symbol of love in Italy, the name “basil” is derived from
the Greek “basilikohn” meaning “royal”. A noble, sacred, royal symbol of love.
Basil is also a good source of magnesium, which promotes
cardiovascular health by prompting muscles and blood vessels to relax, thus
improving blood flow and lessening the risk of irregular heart rhythms or a
spasming of the heart muscle or a blood vessel.
In addition to the health benefits and nutrients described
above, basil is also an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese, a very
good source of copper and vitamin C, and a good source of calcium, iron, folate
and omega-3 fatty acids.
Not only should you be liberally cooking with basil, but
presenting it as a Christmas present – not just the plant, especially for our
beloved with an ineptitude for gardening, but in the form of the beautifully
packaged and presented Crabtree Avocado Olive & Basil Skin Replenshing Lotion.
Traditionally coriander has been used as a stomach tonic. Inhaling
the aroma of freshly crushed seeds was said to help cure dizziness in the
ancient time.
In the past coriander has been used to treat migraines and
indigestion to help purify the blood and to relieve nausea, pain in joints and
rheumatism. It has been suggested by research that coriander assists in
cleansing the body of lead, aluminium and mercury.
Less a cook and more a clean-freak? Citron Honey &Coriander hand wash and body lotion should be on your list for Santa this year.
Morocco and Hungary Bound!
While I’m recommending Crabtree & Evelyn must-haves for
Christmas, my own personal picks are the Moroccan Myrrh and Hungary Water –
spicy and fresh with mountain air and mystery, they are redolent of the chaotic
and romantic bazaars and street fetes that my father is so enamoured of. He
hasn’t stopped talking about Morocco and Istanbul since his first trip there
last year and he is off to Hungary in 2015. I am usually at a total loss as to
what to buy for my father, but I know I’ve nailed it this year.
Crabtree & Evelyn Website or online at David Jones