03/02/2023
Tulsi • Ocimum Sanctum • Holy Basil ~ This lamiaceae (mint family) plant is native to be India, yet grows throughout the world in temperate climates.
Luckily it’s been coming back in my garden on it own for the past couple of years. 💕
Look to tulsi in tea or tincture form (I prefer tea) for calming the mind, soothing the stomach and nursing a cold or congestion.
It’s warming and pacifying to vata and kapha doshas (see Ayurveda 101 link in my bio if those words are new to you).
Marc Maurice Cohen, MD writes, “… tulsi has a unique combination of actions that include: Antimicrobial (including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antimalarial, anthelmintic), mosquito repellent, anti-diarrheal, anti-oxidant, anti-cataract, anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive, radioprotective, hepato-protective, neuro-protective, cardio-protective, anti-diabetic, anti-hypercholesterolemia, anti-hypertensive, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-allergic, immunomodulatory, central nervous system depressant, memory enhancement, anti-asthmatic, anti-tussive, diaphoretic, anti-thyroid, anti-fertility, anti-ulcer, anti-emetic, anti-spasmodic, anti-arthritic, adaptogenic, anti-stress, anti-cataract, anti-leukodermal and anti-coagulant activities.” — J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014 Oct-Dec; 5(4): 251–259.
Impressive, right?