African Blue Basil Coarse Dried Leaves (Ocimum kilimandscharicum × basilicum ‘African Blue’) – Aromatic Herb for Teas, Cooking & Potpourri

Net Wt. 0.54 Ounces

Experience the bold aroma and versatile flavor of African Blue Basil Coarse Dried Leaves, a rare hybrid basil prized for its peppery, camphor-like fragrance and deep herbal warmth. Unlike traditional sweet basil, this hybrid (a cross between Ocimum kilimandscharicum and Ocimum basilicum) offers a complex aromatic profile that enhances everything from teas and savory dishes to natural potpourri blends.

Sustainably harvested and carefully dried to preserve its natural essential oils, this basil is perfect for culinary, medicinal, and aromatic uses, making it a must-have for herbal enthusiasts, cooks, and tea lovers alike.

🌱 Key Features

• Distinct Hybrid Flavor: A unique cross combining the peppery aroma of Ocimum kilimandscharicum with the sweetness of O. basilicum.

• Rich Aromatic Profile: Earthy, floral, slightly camphorous scent with spicy undertones.

• Culinary Versatility: Perfect for herbal teas, soups, stews, sauces, and infused vinegars.

• All-Natural & Coarsely Cut: Dried in small batches for texture and potency.

• Ideal for Potpourri & Aromatherapy: Adds a refreshing, uplifting scent to herbal blends.

• Grown Organically: No artificial additives, pesticides, or preservatives.

🍵 Culinary & Herbal Uses

African Blue Basil brings both flavor and fragrance to your kitchen and wellness rituals. Its vibrant, peppery notes make it ideal for:

• Herbal Teas: Steep 1–2 teaspoons per cup in hot water for a refreshing, immune-boosting drink.

• Cooking: Add to tomato sauces, roasted vegetables, soups, and grilled meats for depth and aroma.

• Seasoning Blends: Mix with oregano, thyme, and garlic for homemade Mediterranean-style herb blends.

• Vinegars & Oils: Infuse olive oil or vinegar with dried basil for dressings and marinades.

• Baking & Savory Treats: Add a pinch to breads, biscuits, or herb butters for a gourmet twist.

🌸 Aromatherapy & Home Use

Beyond the kitchen, African Blue Basil shines as a natural fragrance booster:

• Potpourri & Sachets: Use to add a warm, herbal scent to closets or drawers.

• Simmer Pots: Boil a small handful in water with citrus peels and cinnamon sticks to refresh indoor air.

• Bath Soaks: Combine with lavender or chamomile for a soothing herbal bath.

• Aromatherapy: Its natural oils promote clarity, focus, and relaxation when gently heated or diffused.

🌿 Health & Wellness Benefits

Like many basils, African Blue Basil is known for its natural healing compounds and essential oils. Traditional herbalists use it for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It may help:

• Support immune system function 🍃

• Reduce stress and mental fatigue 🧘♀️

• Aid digestion and relieve bloating 🌿

• Calm respiratory discomfort when steeped as tea 🌸

(This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before using herbs medicinally.)

🌍 Botanical Background

A rare and fascinating hybrid, African Blue Basil originated from a natural cross between Ocimum kilimandscharicum, a camphor basil native to East Africa, and Ocimum basilicum, the common sweet basil used worldwide. This blend of wild resilience and culinary sweetness created a sterile, perennial hybrid celebrated for its ornamental beauty, resilience, and exceptional aroma.

Even though it doesn’t produce seeds, it thrives through cuttings and continues to grow vigorously year after year — making it a beloved plant among gardeners and herbalists alike.

🌺 Why You’ll Love It

• One-of-a-kind aroma: Complex, spicy-sweet scent unlike any other basil.

• Multi-purpose: Ideal for tea, cooking, and aromatherapy.

• Natural freshness: Coarsely dried to maintain oils and herbal integrity.

• Sustainably grown & harvested: From organically nurtured plants.

• Perfect for herb enthusiasts, cooks, and crafters alike.

💡 How to Use

1. For Tea: Steep 1 tsp in 8 oz of boiling water for 5–7 minutes. Sweeten with honey if desired.

2. For Cooking: Add during the last few minutes of cooking to preserve flavor.

3. For Aromatic Use: Mix into potpourri or sachets for a calming scent throughout your home.

4. For Herbal Crafts: Combine with dried citrus peel, rosemary, and lavender for natural gifts or décor.

✨ Elevate Your Herbal Collection

Bring home the essence of Africa’s aromatic heritage with African Blue Basil Coarse Dried Leaves, a beautiful blend of bold flavor, natural wellness, and fragrant charm. Whether you’re a chef, tea maker, or aromatherapy enthusiast, this dried herb adds a touch of wild, peppery sophistication to your kitchen and home.