. . .Every house, every village, every forest, wherever the plant of tulsi is grown, there misery, fear, disease and poverty do not exist. Tulsi, in all aspects and places, is holier than holy. Where the breeze blows through tulsi plants, it spreads tulsi's fragrance, making the surrounding area pious and pure. . . 

                                   --Quote attributed to Lord Shiva in Hindu sacred texts

Common Name:      holy basil, tulsi                                       

Botanical  Name:      'tam' Ocimum sanctum 

Parts  Used:               leaf 

 

 ***Please note that tulsi is a different plant from the pesto variety of basil, Ocimum basilicum. It is very important when consuming basil for a health imbalance that you are using the correct botanical. If you are using the essential oil, see our caution in the introduction HERE.  

 

You can see from this quote where the "holy" in holy basil originated. What is particularly interesting is that its reputation for eliminating disease may well be due to holy basil's strong anti-bacterial qualities. The oil derived from tulsi leaves contains a strong antiseptic against many kinds of disease-causing organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. 

 

But that is just the tip of the iceberg for this herb superstar. Holy basil functions as an adaptogen, enhancing the body's natural response to all sorts of physical and emotional stresses. It is especially supportive to the heart and lungs, and the entire circulatory and respiratory systems, so holy basil is good for colds and sinus congestion, and is a great overall immune-booster. 

 

Tulsi strengthens digestion and promotes healthy weight management. It is one of the best stress-relieving, anti-anxiety treatments around. In fact, holy basil is the strongest of all nervines, providing mental clarity and a kind of centered calmness. 

 

Recent scientific reports have confirmed tulsi's healing potential in medical conditions ranging from diabetes to cancer. A number of studies of animals have shown that tulsi may even protect healthy cells from the toxicity of radiation and chemotherapy.

 

YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TRY:

If you are taking holy basil for stress relief, some people recommend growing your own plant from seeds or cuttings and nibbling on a few leaves every day. Not only is activity of tending and nurturing the plant a great stress reliever, the medicinal qualities of the leaves are very soothing. You can even rub the leaves over your skin as an excellent alternative to chemical mosquito repellents! Holy basil will grow outdoors in the summer in Ohio; Heirloom Organics (www.heirloom-organics.com) recommends you start the seeds about 6 weeks before transplanting outside. It will thrive all summer, and you can collect the leaves to dry for tea in the winter. If you have a super sunny window, holy basil can be grown indoors over the winter as well! For more information on growing holy basil, as well as great general education on all things green and growing, contact Heirloom Organics at www.heirloomorganics.com or 877-980-7333. 

 

Contraindications, if any: None known.