Many of us probably have a favorite herb in our pantry. This herb is like our "salt-and-pepper herb" or the herb we frequently reach for that goes into just about anything we're cooking. Our kitchens just don't function without it.
For the people of India, that herb is holy basil, also commonly known as tulsi, meaning "the incomparable one." Such a fitting name for their most treasured herb. Records show the Indians were using it as medicine for over 3,000 years. This queen of all herbs remains a champion in their unique system of natural healing, Ayurvedic medicine, and is one of the most revered plants in the Hindu religion. In Ayurvedic, holy basil is considered a rasayana, a transformative herb or one that moves a person towards health. In the Western world, we call it an adaptogen that is especially valued for rejuvenation by restoring vitality and energy and mitigating the effects of stress and anxiety on the body.
Holy basil, or Ocimum sanctum, is a member of the mint family and a relative to sweet basil. Like its more common culinary cousin (sweet basil), holy basil is a nourishing herb, containing vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, selenium, manganese, and zinc. But holy basil's claim to fame, namely its physical and mental rejuvenating effects, sets it apart from sweet basil's more specific, medicinal action (i.e. relief for headaches and digestive disturbances, etc.).
The holy basil family consists of three types: rama (the most common), krishna, and vana (the most rare). Rama tulsi (Ocimum teniflorum) can be identified by its green leaves, white-to-purplish blossoms, and green or purplish stem and has a more mellow flavor. Krishna tulsi (also the same species, Ocimum teniflorum) is better known for its medicinal value, stronger flavor (crisp and peppery), and bolder scent. It boasts dark green to purple leaves, stems, and blossoms, which are supposed to resemble the Hindu god's blue skin. Lastly, vana tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum) with its white blossoms and green leaves and stem is considered the most fragrant. It thrives in the wild, making its home in the Himalayas and Indian plains, parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and Puerto Rico.
For the people of India, that herb is holy basil, also commonly known as tulsi, meaning "the incomparable one." Such a fitting name for their most treasured herb. Records show the Indians were using it as medicine for over 3,000 years. This queen of all herbs remains a champion in their unique system of natural healing, Ayurvedic medicine, and is one of the most revered plants in the Hindu religion. In Ayurvedic, holy basil is considered a rasayana, a transformative herb or one that moves a person towards health. In the Western world, we call it an adaptogen that is especially valued for rejuvenation by restoring vitality and energy and mitigating the effects of stress and anxiety on the body.
Holy basil, or Ocimum sanctum, is a member of the mint family and a relative to sweet basil. Like its more common culinary cousin (sweet basil), holy basil is a nourishing herb, containing vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, selenium, manganese, and zinc. But holy basil's claim to fame, namely its physical and mental rejuvenating effects, sets it apart from sweet basil's more specific, medicinal action (i.e. relief for headaches and digestive disturbances, etc.).
The holy basil family consists of three types: rama (the most common), krishna, and vana (the most rare). Rama tulsi (Ocimum teniflorum) can be identified by its green leaves, white-to-purplish blossoms, and green or purplish stem and has a more mellow flavor. Krishna tulsi (also the same species, Ocimum teniflorum) is better known for its medicinal value, stronger flavor (crisp and peppery), and bolder scent. It boasts dark green to purple leaves, stems, and blossoms, which are supposed to resemble the Hindu god's blue skin. Lastly, vana tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum) with its white blossoms and green leaves and stem is considered the most fragrant. It thrives in the wild, making its home in the Himalayas and Indian plains, parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and Puerto Rico.
As an adaptogen, holy basil works as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It plays a powerful role in reducing the effects of stress on the body. In particular, it increases the body's ability to use oxygen more efficiently, which in turn promotes energy and vigor, making it an attractive remedy for chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, and mental fog. It regulates blood sugar, promotes blood circulation because of its mild blood thinning effects, lowers high blood pressure, and improves cholesterol levels.
It has even been shown to reduce cancerous tumors and protect the body from radiation exposure, as well as mercury poisoning. Holy basil is also an effective remedy for digestive complaints, stomach ache, heartburn, ulcers, and parasites. It is also a fantastic tonic for the liver.
Holy basil treats viral and fungal infections while boosting the immune system and ridding the body of cold, flu, fever, and earache. It especially favors the lungs, making it a good treatment for bronchitis, asthma, and hay fever. Applied topically, holy basil can also be used for mosquito repellent, snake and scorpion bites, ringworm, and eczema.
If you have ever seen "hot basil" listed with the ingredients in a recipe, then you may already be familiar with cooking this incredible herb. It is often referred to as "hot basil" because of its peppery flavor, which makes a great addition to spicy soups and adds a nice kick to skillet dishes and stir fries. It also lends a natural "tea" flavor when brewed, making it a popular herbal tea option.
Holy basil makes for a wonderful addition to your culinary arsenal and an invaluable herb for your natural medicine cabinet!
It has even been shown to reduce cancerous tumors and protect the body from radiation exposure, as well as mercury poisoning. Holy basil is also an effective remedy for digestive complaints, stomach ache, heartburn, ulcers, and parasites. It is also a fantastic tonic for the liver.
Holy basil treats viral and fungal infections while boosting the immune system and ridding the body of cold, flu, fever, and earache. It especially favors the lungs, making it a good treatment for bronchitis, asthma, and hay fever. Applied topically, holy basil can also be used for mosquito repellent, snake and scorpion bites, ringworm, and eczema.
If you have ever seen "hot basil" listed with the ingredients in a recipe, then you may already be familiar with cooking this incredible herb. It is often referred to as "hot basil" because of its peppery flavor, which makes a great addition to spicy soups and adds a nice kick to skillet dishes and stir fries. It also lends a natural "tea" flavor when brewed, making it a popular herbal tea option.
Holy basil makes for a wonderful addition to your culinary arsenal and an invaluable herb for your natural medicine cabinet!
WARNING: Be sure to take precaution when using this herb if you are hypoglycemic, because it may lower blood sugar. It also has mild blood thinning properties and is not considered safe if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, take note that it may have an anti-fertility effect on both men and women.