Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is a sacred herb in Hinduism and has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for its numerous health benefits. It is considered a divine plant and is often grown in Hindu homes and temples.
In terms of herbal actions, tulsi is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. It is also believed to have stress-reducing and adaptogenic effects, which can help to improve mental clarity and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Tulsi is also thought to have immune-boosting, antibacterial, antiviral, and expectorant properties.
In terms of folklore, tulsi is revered as a sacred plant in Hinduism and is believed to have spiritual and divine properties. It is often used in spiritual rituals and is considered a symbol of purity and goodness.
In terms of energetics, tulsi is considered to be cooling and drying in nature. It is believed to have a sweet and pungent taste, and is associated with the element of air.
There are several ways to incorporate tulsi into your daily routine. One of the most common ways is to drink tulsi tea, which can be made by steeping dried tulsi leaves in hot water. You can also add tulsi leaves to your diet by incorporating them into your cooking, or by taking tulsi supplements in capsule or extract form.
Overall, tulsi is a powerful herb with numerous health benefits. It can be a valuable addition to your daily routine, whether you are looking to support your immune system, reduce stress, or improve your overall health and well-being. Its spiritual and sacred associations make it a unique and meaningful herb to incorporate into your self-care routine.
TULSI / HOLY BASIL (Ocimum sanctum)
Family: Lamiaceae
Parts Used: Aerial parts in flower
Taste – Bitter (Its primary taste is certainly bitter and has a slightly cooling flavor MINT FAMILY.) Sweet – Soothing to the nervous system, Aromatic – (High count of volatile oils)
Actions:
- Nervine Relaxant/sedative – Influences the nervous gently relaxing tension, bringing the vital force down & in, Calming the nervous system down
- Carminative – working through the digestive system, Increases circulation, releasing excess gas/bloating (like most aromatic mints)
- Adaptogen – increases the body’s natural resistance to stressors. This could be external stressors from the environment, or internal stressors triggered by exercise, diet, lifestyle factors, and the stresses of modern life.
Affinities:
- Nervous system – Specific for relaxing the nerves (Equally dispersed through the whole body so we can see that most herbs that work on the nervous system can have an effect on a lot of organs.)
- Digestive system – Through its main effects as a cerebral vasodilator.
Energetics:
- Cooling – Sedates heat & excitation in tissues. It brings the energy down. (Whole System)
- Drying – Long-term use will have a drying effect on the constitution. Increases secretions that are ultimately leaving the body.
- Relaxant – As a nervine Tulsi is both stimulating and relaxing to the brain. (Increases blood flow but allows the mind to be calm and focused)
Specific Indications:
Tulsi works to move stuck energy which helps ease hyperactivity and the inability to concentrate. Herbalist David Winston refers to holy basil as a cerebral stimulant. When used in formula with other cerebral stimulants such as rosemary, bacopa, and ginkgo, Tulsi/Holy Basil can help with menopausal cloudy thinking, poor memory, ADD, and ADHD, and speed up recovery from head trauma. The moving of stuck energy can also help with depression creating better communication and emotional expression with others.
Tulsi has a long history of use as a tonic herb that invigorates the body and mind and encourages increased vitality. Today it is considered an important adaptogenic herb that supports the body in adapting to stress and uplifts the mood by nourishing the nervous system. What’s fascinating about tulsi is that it not only helps to protect the body from the effects of mental and physiological stress, but also from external stressors such as environmental toxins, heavy metals, and radiation.
