What is Tulsi?
From the leaves to the seed, Tulsi (Holy Basil) is considered a tonic for the body, mind, and spirit. Often called “Elixir of Life,” or “Queen of the Herbs”, Tulsi is one of the most potent stress busting Ayurvedic herbs widely used in therapeutic herbal teas. It is native to India and cultivated throughout Southeast Asia.
As a member of the mint family it is closely related to culinary basil (Ocimum basilicum) and has been harvested for use in Ayurvedic treatments for 5,000 years. With a strong aroma and a flavour that can range from peppery to astringent it’s often combined with black, green, or white tea leaves or in a herbal blend with other health-promoting ingredients such as turmeric and ginger.
You’ll find this amazing Indian super herb in our new Protect blend combined with sweet fennel, ginger, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, rose petals and black pepper.
5 Main Health Benefits of Tulsi
1 Natural Immunity Booster:
Tulsi is rich in Vitamin C and zinc and acts as a natural immunity booster keeping infections at bay. It has immense anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties which protect us from a variety of infections.
2. Lowers Blood Pressure and Reduces Stress
Regular consumption of tulsi may lower blood pressure and cholesterol by regulating cortisol levels, reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other related diseases. It can also help relieve headaches and may lessen anxiety and depression for some. Regular consumption may lead to better sleep.
3. Combats Respiratory Ailments
Tulsi may relieve symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, colds, congestion, coughs, flu, sinusitis, sore throat, and similar ailments. To clear your sinuses, inhale the steam from a fresh cup of tea before you drink it.
4. Relieves Arthritis
Tulsi tea may help reduce inflammation and relieve the joint pain associated with arthritis.
5. Regulates Blood Sugar
Drinking tulsi tea can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. It may also improve metabolism and promote the efficient processing of carbohydrates and fats.
A Sacred Plant Revered in Hindu Household
The Tulsi plant holds a sacred place in Hindu homes and is revered in Hinduism as a manifestation of the goddess Lakshmi (Tulsi), the principal consort of the god Vishnu.
The plant is especially sacred to Vaishnavites (devotees of Vishnu), and the Lord Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, is said to wear a garland of holy basil leaves and flowers around his neck.
The plant is grown in many Hindu homes, often in the courtyard in a dedicated four-sided structure, and the presence of a holy basil plant is believed to increase piety, foster meditation, purify, and protect.
Devotees commonly worship in the morning and evening with mantras and offerings of flowers, incense, or water from the Ganges, and Tuesdays and Fridays are considered especially sacred. Even the ritual act of watering and caring for the plant, usually undertaken by the women of the house, is considered worshipful and meritorious.
Holy basil is cultivated at many temples, and the woody stems of plants that have died are used to make beads for sacred japa mala (rosaries). The beginning of the Hindu wedding season is marked by a festival known as Tulsi Vivah, in which homes and temples ceremonially wed holy basil to Vishnu.
Water infused with the leaves is often given to the dying to help elevate their souls, and funeral pyres are commonly fitted with holy basil twigs with the hopes that the deceased may be liberated from the cycle of rebirth.
