15 Unusual Uses For Basil Leaves For When You’ve Had Enough Pesto

9. Basil Lime Sorbet

Sorbet is always a crowd-pleaser for dinner parties. These sweet, icy treats are an excellent way to finish off a summer meal. Whip up this light basil lime sorbet and garnish it with a fresh sprig of basil. I think you’ll be surprised at how well the basil flavor works in a frozen treat.

10. Basil and Watermelon Skewers

If it’s just too hot to cook, whip up a quick batch of these basil, watermelon and feta skewers. They make an excellent snack or a fancy hors d’oeuvre. The tartness of the feta balances the sweetness of the watermelon, and the fresh basil brings the whole thing together. And you didn’t even have to turn on the stove.

11. Blueberry Basil Goat Cheese Pie

Excuse me, what?

Yeah, I know. But try it. You’re going to have to trust me on this one. It’s amazing. We all know blueberry and basil are a match made in heaven, but when you add in the tart, creamy goat cheese, this trio knocks it out of the park.

Save this pie for special occasions; it’s that good. This is the pie you bake when company is coming over. Trust me, they’ll be telling friends at work about this amazing pie they had at their friend’s place last night.

And now let’s look at some things to do with basil that doesn’t involve eating it.

12. Anti-Aging Face Cream

For a soothing basil treat for your face, whip up a batch of this anti-aging face cream from The Nerdy Farm Wife. Basil has been reported to have some serious anti-aging benefits. After reading the ingredient lists of skincare creams, more and more of us are opting for something more natural. What better way to control what you put on your face than by making it yourself?

13. Basil Facial Toner

Continuing on the skincare theme: basil makes a wonderfully refreshing facial toner that can help to clear up mild acne. Plus, it’s another way to enjoy more of the anti-aging properties of basil. For a seriously refreshing facial toner, keep a spray bottle of it in the fridge and mist your face on hot days.

Now grab a glass of that basil lemonade, and you’re all set.

14. Headache Remedy

While basil has been used medicinally for centuries, it often requires tinctures or oils or salves. Here’s an easy way to put basil’s muscle-relaxing qualities to good use without a trip to the natural foods store.

Steam basil leaves to relieve stress headaches. Much like making essential oils, where the steam carries the delicate oils of the plant, inhaling basil-infused steam can help melt away a headache.

Pour hot water into a large bowl. You’ll want the water to be hot enough to be steamy but not boiling. Sprinkle a handful of fresh basil leaves on the surface of the water. Now place your face over the water and cover your head with a towel. Breathe deeply. With every exhale, say, “Let that crap go.”

Feeling better already, right?

15. Freeze It

Of course, the best way to deal with too much basil is to freeze it. Fresh basil is lovely, and enjoying it snipped directly from the plant in pesto and Caprese salads is a staple of summertime eating. But it’s appreciated in those cooler winter months too. You know, when the memory of summer produce fades. (Because it takes that long for the word “pesto” to no longer be considered a four-letter word.)