Basil and Black Pepper - MARTI PATRI PROPVGNATORI

Father Mars who fights for us.  Among the ancients in Asia and the Mediterranean the heat of malarial fevers were treated with the herbs Basil (from the leaves of Ocimum Basilicum) and Black Pepper (Piper nigrum).  These two hot spices originating in Asia were esteemed very highly as a result.

Spices were among the first goods to be traded over long distances with the dawn of the Bronze Age 4000 years ago.  Basil literally means regal or noble (Greek).  The Basilica is the name given to the central part of a royal palace or temple.  Both herbs are associated with mental fortitude as well as being flavourings and aids to digestion.

Essentia