The “Incomparable One”
Holy Basil benefits are many. Holy Basil or Tulsi as it is known in India can be helpful in treating stress, colds, fevers, bronchitis, respiratory issues, digestive complaints, skin conditions and oral health concerns. Nicknamed “The Incomparable One,” Holy Basil is one of India’s most sacred plants due to its beneficial healing properties. Some other great holy basil benefits include its use as an adaptogen, expectorant, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory herb.
So what is the difference between Holy Basil (Tulsi) and Basil? Both herbs come from the mint family but are different variations of the same plant type. Tulsi is aromatic with a strong flavor and highly scented leaves. It is most commonly used for its medicinal properties by holistic practitioners. Basil has a sweet flavor and is primarily used for cooking in the genre of Italian cuisine.
One of my favorite ways to use this plant is as an adaptogen for stress response. When your body gets stressed, its levels of cortisol and corticosterone are at their peak on a regular basis. Because of this imbalance, your body has difficulty functioning at a suitable level. This can throw off your metabolism (belly bloat can be a common indicator), lower your immune system response, cause inflammation, create nervous system damage (encouraging anxiety & depression) and compromise your digestive functions. As you can see, stress does a lot more damage than people realize so it is important that we learn how to manage it properly for our overall health and well-being.
Next time you feel stressed out or life seems to be getting away from you, look to my herbal ally Holy Basil for its healing benefits. You can find it at most stores in teabag form. Some brands even have Tulsi with additional herbs mixed in such as sweet rose, green tea and lemon ginger if you want to have some fun and switch up the flavor. If you prefer loose tea in pure Holy Basil or Tulsi form, many herbal or tea shops such as In Harmony Herbs & Spices will carry it by the ounce. If you are making loose tea, the proportions are one tablespoon of herbs to one cup of tea. Steam for 15 minutes, strain and enjoy its herbal benefits!
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***Consult with your doctor or other qualified health care professional before taking or starting an herbal regimen. Do not take if pregnant or attempting to become pregnant. Do not take at the same time as other medications. These statements have not been approved by the FDA. This product/herb is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.