Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) also known as Holy basil (the queen of herbs) is a member of the mint family and is considered a Rasayana herb, one that “nourishes a person’s growth to perfect health and promotes long life”. Tulsi is worshipped as a goddess in Hinduism, with every part of the tulsi plant being revered and considered sacred, including the leaves, stem, flower, seeds, roots and oil. Even the surrounding soil.
It is tulsi's aromatic oils that help to relieve tension and provide calm helping the body to adapt (either physical and/or emotional), to the stressors in one's life. Tulsi is excellent for calming the mind, promoting clarity, and sharpening all the senses.
The leaves of tulsi provide a subtly minty and mildly floral taste which is a pleasure to drink. With one of tulsi's many curative powers being a potent antioxidant due to the polyphenols and flavonoids this helps reduce the damaging effects of stress and ageing on the body.
Daily consumption of tulsi may also assist with a range of conditions including eliminating toxins, protecting against radiation, inflammation, lowering fevers, improving digestion, anxiety, supporting the heart, blood vessels, liver, lungs, blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid levels. No wonder tulsi has been such a prized medicine for many thousands of years.
Enjoying Tulsi
Tulsi makes an excellent jelly and is terrific with yoghurt or sorbet. You can sip on Tulsi as a single herb or in the following herbal infusions: BLISS - GOOD MORNING CHAI-LITE - GOOD MORNING CHAI - TULSI ROSE
Tulsi Jelly
Ingredients• 2 ½ tablespoons powdered gelatine
• 3 tablespoons of Tulsi tea leaves
• 1 piece of chopped ginger (approx. 2cm)
• 2 cups of boiling water
• 2 tablespoons of honey (optional)
• Pinch of salt
Method
1. Place the gelatine powder in a bowl. Add 4 tablespoons of boiling water, stir and set aside for 5 minutes or until the gelatine dissolves.
2. Place the 3 tablespoons of Tulsi tea leaves in a heatproof bowl. Add the ginger and the 2 cups of boiling water. Allow to steep for 30 minutes.
3. Bring the two mixtures together and whisk lightly. Strain into a jug. Stir in honey (optional) and a pinch of salt. Pour the mixture into moulds or a bowl and place in the fridge for 4 hours or until set. Enjoy.