Holy Basil, Rama (Ocimum tenuiflorum) – Dried Herb, Organic

Rama Tulsi–also called Holy Basil, Tulasi, Thulasi, St. Josephwort or Queen of Herbs–is grown in India and is cultivated in throughout the Southeast Asian tropics, Hawaii and parts of the Caribbean. However, it has been cultivated in areas that are not tropical as an outdoor annual or a perennial house plant.

Tulsi is a is an aromatic perennial basil plant in the family Lamiaceae also called the Mint family and cousin to Sweet Basil. Tulsi features a purple stem with maturing leaves that are dark green to purple and the small purple or white tubular flowers have green or purple sepals and are borne in terminal spikes. Bees absolutely love Holy Basil and will flock to its flowering and ignore other plants. It also attracts butterflies in multitudes, as well as other pollinators and even hummingbirds.

Holy Basil has been considered a sacred plant throughout history and still to this day, many traditional Hindus worship this plant, placing it on an alter in their home or placed in the courtyard of their home. The woody stalk of the plant was harvested to make beads to be strung into jewellery and meditation malas or rosaries. This herb gained its reputation through Hindu mythology where it’s believed to be an incarnation of the goddess Tulsi, offering divine protection. In texts, Holy Basil is described as a pillar of traditional medicine because it is considered a goddess incarnated in plant form (the mother medicine of nature). The varieties of Holy Basil Rama and Krishna are named after Hindu gods.

Holy Basil has been used traditionally in Ayervedic medicine for at least 5000 years and is considered a Rasayana herb, which is one that nourishes a person’s growth to perfect health and promotes long life. In Ayurveda medicine and in traditional Western herbalism, Holy Basil is considered an adaptogen, possibly helping to reduce physical and mental stress. Holy Basil being high in antioxidants may have neuro-protective and radio-protective actions. Holy Basil has been used in traditional medicine to regulate the nervous system by its stimulating and then calming action, which is said to remove blocked energy and dispel sluggish and restless energy. Holy Basil been used in Ayurvedic medicine to support digestion and as an expectorant tea for the Lungs. As an alterative, Holy Basil has been used traditionally to remove heat and toxins from bloodstream, liver, circulation and intestines.

Properties:

The taste and energetics of  Holy Basil are astringent, pungent, warm and sweet, with notes of peppermint, clove, licorice or lemon. Rama has a flavour profile that is more spicey and clove like. Holy Basil has an affinity towards the lungs, heart, circulatory system, blood, liver, kidney, endocrine system, uterus, nervous system, immune system and digestive system. For a calming effect on the nervous system and the heart combine Tulsi with Tose, Hawthorn Leaf and Flower or Linden. For the endocrine system support combine Tulsi with Ashwagandha, Rhodiola or Siberian Ginseng.

Cautions & contraindications:

Side effects of Holy Basil also include upset stomach. You should be cautious about using Holy Basil if you have low blood sugar. Also, may promote bleeding and decrease fertility.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.