Holy Basil, or Tulsi, is a wonderful herb used for centuries in the Ayurvedic system of healing. Its botanic name is Ocimum sanctum.
From the Lamiaceae family, and called Tulsi (Hindi), surasa (Sanskrit), this herb has so much to offer us. It is part of the 5,000-year-old traditional medical system of India, and holy basil has now fortunately found its way into the Western herbal repertoire.
It’s an adaptogen that’s antibacterial, antidepressant, antioxidant, antiviral, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, a galactagogue (promotes the flow of mother’s milk), and an immunomodulator. These scientific terms describe what Ayurveda, a 3000 year old science, calls a ‘rasayana’, an herb that nourishes a person’s growth toward health and longevity.
This resonates with what homeopathy is – “Homeopathy is a gentle and natural healing system that works with the body to relieve symptoms, restore vitality, and improve overall health”
Tulsi’s uses in Ayurvedic history are myriad. The daily use of this herb is thought to support the balance of chakras (energy centers) of the body. It is thought to possess sattva (energy of purity) and as being capable of bringing on goodness, virtue, and joy in humans.
Tulsi, A Powerful Healing Herb:
Materia medica of the Hindus – UDOY CHAND DUTT
Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief – David Winston & Steven Maimes
