Good day! Today we have a powerful plant: Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi.
The botanical name for this plant is Ocimum Tenuiflorum.
This plant is in the mint family Lamiaceae along with lavender, motherwort, horehound, and wild bergamot (you can read through those older blog posts of these plants by doing a search here on the website!). Holy basil is known to have a wide range of health benefits. It acts as an antioxidant, and has anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidant properties help prevent cellular damage in the body. It's also known as an adaptogen, which helps the body deal with stress. It can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and promote relaxation. Holy basil has been used in traditional Indian medicine (ayurveda) for centuries!
In addition to reducing anxiety and stress, holy basil can improve cognitive function, boost immune system health, help regulate blood sugar levels, and improve insulin sensitivity, which makes it helpful for people with diabetes.
Holy basil isn't the same as regular basil you see at the store! If you want it fresh, you may be able to find it at specific health food stores, or farmers markets. Or you can grow it yourself if you can't find it at a store near you.
Have a MAGICAL day,
Jenny
PLANT INGESTION WARNING!
As with all herbs and plants you plan to ingest, never ingest them before doing your own research and/or talking with your doctor - it’s possible that medications you take or health conditions you have could have a negative effect if paired with holy basil. Better safe than sorry!
Photo credit goes to Shashidhara Halady
