Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), also known as Holy Basil or Scared Basil, is a perennial herb native to north central India. It is a herbaceous plant that favours warm tropical climates and produces tiny purple flowers that bloom during summer months. Tulsi is a member of the mint (lamiaceae) family and like other mint family herbs, it contains aromatic volatile oils. These volatile oils are what gives Tulsi a delicious scent that is sweet, joyous, pleasureful and some might even describe it as divine.
History
Tulsi is a highly revered herb in Ayurveda, with records of its use being found in ancient Ayurvedic texts that were believed to be written around 400 BC. In these texts, Tulsi is described as ‘the incomparable one’ and referred to as the ‘mother medicine of nature’ and the ‘Queen of herbs’.
In Ayurveda, Tulsi is considered a ‘Rasayana’ herb, one that helps to nourish a person’s growth to perfect health and promotes long life. It is also a highly sacred herb that is used in many spiritual practices.
In Western herbalism, Tulsi is recognised for its actions as a potent adaptogen. Adaptogens are a classification of medicinal herbs that help the body to respond and adapt in measured ways to stressors. Whether emotional, physical, infective or chemical stress, an adaptogenic herb works to restore balance and reduce the negative effects of stress to both physical and mental health.
Natural stress relief
Many health issues of the modern age can be attributed to heightened levels of psychological stress we experience in this high demand, fast-paced life. We’ve heard before that stress is the number one silent killer, and for valid reason as chronic stress is a proven contributing factor to the development cardiovascular, metabolic and immune health conditions.
In Ayurveda, regular consumption of Tulsi is recommended as an essential lifestyle practice to help prevent the negative effects associated with long term stress. Traditionally taken as a tea, Tulsi has been nicknamed ‘yoga in a cup’ as it offers similar restorative effects and sense of relaxation that one may experience after a physical yoga practice.
Modern scientific research reinforces the ancient knowledge, suggesting Tulsi is an excellent nervine tonic to help uplift emotions, relieve tension and calm the nerves. This mind relaxing herb also has a positive effect on memory and overall cognitive function.
Powerful Antioxidant
Tulsi contains a high content of phenolic compounds that exert antioxidant actions, helping to reinforce the body’s own natural protective mechanisms.
The main way in which Tulsi helps to protect our cells against toxic injury or oxidative stress is by increasing the production of potent antioxidant molecules like glutathione as well as enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase. The result is an increase in the rate of neutralization and clearance of destructive free radicals.
The use of Tulsi may also be considered to support the following aspects of health:
- Metabolic support: improve blood sugar levels, healthy lipid profiles, protect the liver & kidneys from metabolic damage.
- Cardiovascular support: protect organs and blood vessels and support a healthy blood pressure.
- Immune support: boost natural defences against infective threats, encourages healthy airways by encouraging clearance of stubborn mucous.
- Digestive support: stimulate healthy digestion, carminative, soothes digestive spasm and promotes overall digestive health.
Our Certified Organic Tulsi is grown, harvested and processed with care to ensure the highest quality and potency. The 100% pure Organic Tulsi is free from binders, preservatives and fillers.
We recommend taking Organic Tulsi capsules or powder daily as a natural aid for soothing stress, helping to improve overall vitality and wellbeing.
Safety considerations: Before taking any medicinal herb supplement, please first check with your health provider to check it is suitable for you. Always follow dosage guidelines on packaging and symptoms persist, see your health care professional.