Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Botanical Name: Ocimum sanctum / Ocimum tenuiflorum

🌍 Where It’s Grown

Tulsi is native to India and Southeast Asia, where it is considered a sacred plant in Ayurvedic tradition.
It thrives in warm, sunny climates with well-drained soil and is now cultivated worldwide, including in North America, for its powerful aromatic leaves.

🌿 Benefits

• Supports the nervous system — excellent for stress, overwhelm, and emotional fatigue.
• Adaptogen: helps the body adapt to physical, emotional, and environmental stressors.
• Supports respiratory health, easing congestion and opening the breath.
• Helps balance blood sugar and support digestion.
• Energizing yet calming — promotes mental clarity and balanced mood.
• Energetically uplifting, clearing emotional heaviness.

🔥 Hot Brew or ❄️ Cold Brew?

Perfect as both a hot tea and a cold brew.

Hot Brew:
• 1 tsp dried leaf per cup
• Water just off boil (190–205°F)
• Steep 10 minutes
• Sweeten if desired

Cold Brew:
• 1–2 tsp per cup of cool water
• Steep 4–8 hours in the fridge
• Strain — naturally sweet and refreshing

🍯 Flavor Pairings / What to Add

Tulsi has a naturally sweet, spicy, clove-like flavor.

• Lemon balm — uplifting & enhances mood support
• Ginger — boosts respiratory and digestive benefits
• Peppermint — cooling + great for energy and clarity
• Rose petals — softens flavor and adds heart-opening energy
• Honey — perfect sweetener for warmth and balance
• Hibiscus — adds tang and makes a beautiful red herbal tea

🌬 Can It Be Smoked in an Herbal Cigarette?

Yes — in small amounts.
• Tulsi can be added to herbal smoke blends for calming and clarity.
• Smooth when mixed with mullein or damiana.
• Burning Tulsi has been used traditionally for cleansing and protection.

✨ Spiritual / Metaphysical Uses

• One of the most sacred plants in Hindu tradition — embodies purification and divine protection.
• Clears heavy or stagnant energy and invites spiritual clarity.
• Supports intuition, meditation, and connection to higher guidance.
• Excellent for altar offerings, cleansing rituals, and heart-centered work.
• Brings emotional uplift, peace, and balanced energy.

⚠ Contraindications

• May lower blood sugar — use caution if on diabetes medication.
• Avoid during pregnancy unless approved by a practitioner.
• May interact with thyroid medications.
• Stop using 2 weeks before surgery (due to potential blood sugar effects).
• Always consult with a healthcare provider if taking daily.

📦 How to Store

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in a cool, dark, dry place to protect its aromatic oils.
• Shelf life: 1–2 years.
• Avoid exposing the leaves to humidity — it reduces aroma and potency.