Reverence for Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Loving up on Tulsi (Holy Basil) today. Tulsi, in the mint family -lamiaceae- is an incredible plant medicine from the Ayurvedic tradition in India. Tulsi can be grown as an annual in Vermont and in warmer places there are perennial varieties. Bees fucking love them with the pollen a bright orange.

Tulsi is an amazingly accessible adaptogen *modulates stress hormone, cortisol, to build resilience to stress,* nervine *calms and uplifts the nervous system,* and anti-inflammatory…and absolutely delicious. Most adaptogens are roots, mushrooms or fruit, and have a long life cycle before harvest or grow in the woods. Tulsi can be grown in a planter pot or in the garden and enjoyed as tea, tincture, glycerin with the aerial parts (leaf & flower).

There are many varieties of tulsi, the most common you will find in Vermont is Kapour (also known as temperate), which has a bubble gum flavor. The varieties used more commonly in Ayurvedic medicine is Rama and Vana to their higher potency.

Tulsi has been a sweet and sacred friend to me for a number of years, including the years farming with this plant. Now as a central part of my herbal practice and my personal herbal daily ritual, I give reverence to Tulsi as a uplifting spirit healer, as well as one that shows up for me to center in faith.