The uses of basil are many. It repels insects (they don't know what they are missing!) I keep a bunch of basil leaves around the kitchen area during the fly season and a sprig or two near the barbeque to burn to repel the mozzies.

For bee stings, a drop of the essential oil is useful (I only discovered that recently, and I used to be a beekeeper!) and, generally for cuts and insect stings and bites, crush the leaves and rub them (gently) in.

The leaves and flowers, dried, are used in pot purri. Try floating a few leaves in your bath – most refreshing – and, if you need a tonic, leave some leaves in a glass of wine for a few hours; ..mmmm…something to look forward to after your “basil” bath!