Friday, August 20, 2010

Holy Basil (Tulsi): Don't Leave Home Without It

(CLICK PICTURES TO ENLARGE AND ENJOY)


In the Hindu religion it's basically a panacea, yet here in the US I had never even heard of this legendary, beautiful and magical plant Holy Basil or Krishna Tulsi as it's referred to in India until...

I overheard Shannon discussing Holy Basil on a tour of a variety of the herbs, edible flowers and teas.

Holy Basil is one of the most important plants in Ayurvedic traditional medicine used for thousands of years.  Ayurvedic medicine is known as the "science of life," which according to my handy dictionary focuses on treating illness through balancing the entire body using food, herbal treatment and breathing.

It is widely believed that this aromatic plant can help treat stress, headaches, fevers, flu symptoms, colds, coughs stomach aches, inflammations, malaria as well as act as a pain killer, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-viral and even prevent heart disease.  Is there anything this "elixir of life" can't do?  In India, Holy Basil can be found planted in and around places of worship as it is known as "the one that pleases Lord Vishnu the most (nice choice Vishnu)."


Try planting some Holy Basil around your home and not only will it look nice, but if you have a mosquito problem, Holy Basil is known to repel these pests.  Just in case one happens to sneak past the holy basil fortress, remember what we discussed a few months ago and grab some nearby plantain leaf to reduce the itch.



Holy Basil (Ocimum Sanctum) is packed with medicinal goodness.  Supposedly in India it's common practice to have Holy Basil growing in and around your home as well.  The plant is used frequently to enhance the immune system.  Imagine that??  Imagine growing a cure-all plant right on your windowsill or garden, well you can, but if you're not that ambition you can always buy Holy Basil tea from any store that sells herbal teas or online and next time instead of rushing to the cabinet for some of those over-the-counter-drugs, why not give some Tulsi tea a shot and see how you feel. 

2 comments:

  1. I'm officially addicted to Holy Basil tea. This stuff is pretty amazing. I got some tea at the local health food store in chelsea and the nice Indian man behind the counter said if you like Holy Basil, you have to try this:

    http://hinduism.about.com/cs/ayurveda/a/aa090103a.htm

    It's an Ayurvedic herbal remedy traditionally referred to as the "elixir of life." I couldn't refuse something with that reputation. It's a plum-like paste made from a combination of herbs and roots, including yours truly Holy Basil. Check it out. It has some amazing health benefits.

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  2. Basil or Ocimum Basilicum is a culinary spice that has a place with the Lamiaceae family. https://www.cognitionboosters.com

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