holy basil (tulsi)

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Actions:  adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, cardiotonic, carminative, diaphoretic, expectorant, hypoglycemic, nervine

Holy Basil is considered an adaptogen, helping the body to respond in a measured way to stressors, thus reducing the negative effects of stress on physical and emotional health and providing balance.  Holy basil works to open and balance, particularly the head, heart and stomach.  It has historically been used for respiratory ailments, asthma and allergies.  It is an immunomodulator, strengthening and balancing the immune systems ability to respond to infection.

As a nervine, it is initially stimulating, moving blocked energy to dispel sluggishness as well as move and direct restless energy to ease hyperactivity and inability to concentrate.  This brings a calm and reassuring sense of groundedness that helps quiet the mind, collect distracted thoughts into focus, and give a sense of resilience for the longhall.  It is uplifting and joyful, guiding open the heart to feel gratitude.

I love using holy basil as a tea, and in tincture form added to tonics.

*information gathered from the Herbal Academy's Herbarium

for more on holy basil:

Joy Filled Tea