Many of you know that I love basil. Basil tea is one of my favorites and a good portion of my herb garden is dedicated to growing a different variety of basil. Holy basil is one that I often include. Many of you have also likely referred to it as Tulsi. While is belongs to the same family and genus as basil is in fact a different species. It is completely different in taste and benefits from the traditional sweet basil that many of you are likely familiar with.
Holy basil is native to South Asia. It’s a perennial herb however it really doesn’t like the frost and in places that have frost or get too cold like New England, it will not return each year. While I can grow it during the warm months here it typically doesn’t thrive as well as it should or reach its full potential. When in a climate that it enjoys, Holy Basil can reach about three feet in height. it likes moist soil, partial shade and sun and if it is at home where it is you will find that it has the ability to spread. It has really wonderful green and purple leaves that closely resemble mint as it is in the mint family. It also has beautiful tiny purple flowers.
While Basil is primarily known as a valuable cooking companion Holy Basil tends to be known more for its medicinal properties, especially its assistance with stress, anxiety and depression. Holy Basil is a nervine herb. This means that it is believed that it has an impact on the nervous system and helps our body have a healthy response to stress and anxiety. So while it can’t eliminate the stress in your life it can help your body have a better response to it.
Many of you know that I have struggled with anxiety in my life. It’s something that I work hard on in regards to my personal health. It’s something that I’ve now had under control for almost twenty years. Hard to believe it’s been so long! I have found relief through diet, exercise, meditation, yoga and supplements. I have been using Holy Basil as a supplement for over 20 years now and I can honestly tell you that I do notice a difference. I also love Tulsi tea. I find it incredibly calming and grounding.
Tulsi isn’t just known for being relaxing. It’s also known for a wealth of other health benefits like being an antibacterial, anti-fungal, decongestant. It has a long history of being used to help with colds and the flu for its ability to help with congestion.
When it comes to working with energy Tulsi has a wide variety of benefits as well. We’ve talked about how it’s grounding and can help you find center. It can help you to calm your mind and find focus if you are working with things like ritual or meditation. It’s known to bring positive energy and to help uplift the spirit. It can bring heart healing energy and help with emotional connections. When working with magick concerning the heart you may find that a beautiful cup of Tulsi tea may compliment the magickal energy that you are working to raise.
The most common use of Holy Basil is in supplement form or tea. It’s an herb that you should avoid during pregnancy or if you are trying to get pregnant. It’s also possible that it may impact blood sugar levels. As always consult a doctor before using any supplements.
I hope that you have a magickal day!
Much Love and Many Blessings,
Jasmeine Moonsong
The Magick of Tulsi (Holy Basil)
