In this new monthly series we’ll be exploring some of my favorite medicinal plants and ways to implement them in to your daily life and diet. This month we’ll be exploring Holy Basil (aka Tulsi)

What is Holy Basil?

Holy Basil is an adaptogenic herb that can help with anxiety, stress, and inflammation , the oil has antioxidant properties that help reduce the damaging effects of stress and aging on the body and studies have shown that it protects healthy cells from the toxicity of radiation. Holy basil also has anti-depression properties! Additionally, it has can help with: Acne, Asthma, Fever, Headache, Heart disease, Inflammation, Kidney Stones, Lung disorders, and even Respiratory disorders. Though indigenous to India, I’ve had amazing luck growing Holy Basil in my mineral deprived NC soil. It’s one of my most favorite herbs- to grow, smell, eat, drink and make medicinals with. In Ayurvedic medicine it’s known as an adaptogen (which means it has the ability to adapt to what your body needs) to counter life's stresses. It’s considered a sacred plant by the Hindus and is often planted around Hindu shrines-the Hindu name for holy basil, Tulsi, means "the incomparable one." Medicine can be made from the leaves, stems, and seeds. And it can even be applied to the skin for ringworm. In cooking, holy basil is often added to stir-fry dishes and spicy soups because of its peppery taste. Cookbooks sometimes call it "hot basil."

Tea: As a tea I use a 1 tbs. of the dried herb in hot water and steep it for five minutes. Add a little honey and its so soothing- I love it before bedtime. (Organic India has a great tea blend if you don’t have the plant)

Capsule: I do suffer from some pretty heavy social anxiety, and I take it as a capsule every morning as a preventive. (I take Gaia’s capsule)

Eat:The plant has one of the most delicious scents and when I’m in the garden I like to chew on the leaves. The plant is also amazing in all of my curry dishes.

Topically: I infuse apricot oil with dried holy basil for a month in a mason jar (giving it love and a shake every couple of days) then I strain it and bottle it in an amber dropper bottle and use it as a serum and/or cleansing oil for my face-because of it’s anti-inflammatory properties it de-puffs my skin and gives me a pretty yummy glow!

Tincture: I’ve also made a tincture using high grain alcohol and a 1:5 ratio with dried plant matter- I like to carry it with me in case of unforeseen anxiety attacks. I personally take a dropperful. (More on creating tinctures coming this week)

Energetics: Cooling and drying

Properties: adaptogen, antibacterial, antiviral, hypotensive

Warnings: No known Warnings

The information I provide is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical condition or if you are pregnant or nursing.