TULSI
Botanical name Ocimum sanctum
Parts Used Aerial parts
Energetics/Taste: Pungent Sweet and Warm
Botany Lamiaceae family or mint family
HISTORY
Native to India and South East Asia, tulsi is one of the principal herbs used in the Ayurvedic medicine system, in which it is known alternately as “The Queen of Herbs,” and The Incomparable One,” Tulsi is revered by Hindus all over the world, and is considered to be a manifestation of the Goddess Lakshmi. In many homes it is grown in the centre of the courtyard where its presence is believed to protect and safeguard the home from harm. It has documented use for over 2000 years in the Ayurvedic medicine tradition.
ACTIONS
adaptogen, calming nervine , anti-inflammatory, hypo-glycaemic, immune stimulant
USES
Stress Support Tulsi is considered a tonic herb which is at once calming for the mind yet also rejuvenating, uplifting and strengthening. It is thought to be of benefit for those who find they have brain fog, headaches, low mood, gut upset and sugar cravings associated with stress.
Nervous System Tulsi has been described as liquid yoga. Like yoga, tulsi has a calming effect that leads to clarity of thought, along with a more relaxed and calm disposition.
Emotional Trauma It is thought to help people move on from the past and clear stuck energy.
Clears Brain Fog associated with menopause, PMS and chronic cannabis use
Immunity & Respiratory system Tulsi has diaphoretic and anticatarhh actions which can make it a helpful ally in conditions characterised by mucus and congestion in the respiratory system such as colds and coughs.
Digestive System – Tulsi is warming and enhances digestion and absorption of nutrients. It has carminative and soothing for the gut so good for stress related IBS and cravings
Blood sugar regulation
Heart Health
GROWING CONDITIONS Tulsi is a perennial in tropical climates but here in the north of New Zealand, I have found it acts as an annual, dying off as the soil temperatures drop in winter. It is easy to propagate from seed and I usually start mine inside on heat pads and then transfer out into the garden when the weather is consistently above 15 degrees in November/December. Tulsi can also be easily propagated from cuttings during summer which is a great way to keep harvesting through the season. It likes full sun and well-draining soil and can be grown year round in pots inside. There are a few different varieties and they all have medicinal value.
HARVESTING Several harvests can be obtained each year: simply cut back the mature plant and it will regrow quickly. This keeps the plants growing and ensures fresh vibrant growth. As with all other basil varieties, after the plant is allowed to set seed, the growth will slow, so once the bees have had a go at the flowers, nip them off. Tulsi can be dried in small bunches, on a drying rack or in a dehydrator at around 40 degrees for a 10 -12 hours. It can take a long while to dry so