Image Sources – Left: WikiWel |Right: Wikimedia Commons
By Infinitae Stockton
Holy Basil, (Ocimum Sanctum) is not the same as Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) typically found in your everyday culinary herb collection. Holy Basil goes by many names. It is known as Tulsi (in India, the region in which it is native), the “Incomparable One” and “Secret Fragrant Lipped Basil”. Tulsi is also referred to as the “Queen of Herbs”, “Mother Medicine of Nature”, and “The Elixir of Life”.
There are Three Types of Tulsi
- Ocimum Sanctum – Original version, green leaf widely cultivated around the world
- Ocimum Tenuiflorum – Purple leaf stem and flower high in tripterpenoids
- Ocimum Gratissimum – Wild variety grows throughout India and parts of Asia and Africa
It’s great to use a variety of all three as they can be used interchangeably have their slight differences.
The extract obtained from the plants is used to cure various diseases such as common cold, inflammation, malaria, heart diseases and many more. Tulsi contains hundreds of beneficial compounds and possess strong antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and immune enhancing properties. Tulsi also aids in the purification of atmosphere. Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogenic, balancing different processes. Adaptogens are a class of herb that literally helps you to adapt; to become more resistant to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue. Tulsi does this by nourishing the nervous system.
I have used Tulsi and personally attest to experiencing an overall sense of connectedness and clarity when using Tulsi.
Soil Start Farm will be creating a “farmacy” where Tulsi and 11 other medicinal herbs will be sown this spring. We will use solar and compost brewing methods to create herbal “formulas” to share with farm visitors.
Come by and share a Tulsi tea with me!
References
“Holy Basil: The Mother Medicine of Nature.” Bio Spiritual Energy Healing
“33 Amazing Benefits Of Tulsi/Basil For Skin, Hair And Health – A Must Use Herb.” Stylecraze
“The Morning Drink that Can Slow Down Your Aging Process.” Mercola
“Holy Basil (Tulsi) for Stress Reduction & More.” Gentle World