In India, this herb is considered so special that a day where it is decorated for worship has been designated for its reverence and celebration. Holy Basil, aka. Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum, syn. O. sanctum) is one of the highly revered Ayurvedic herbs, which is also known as an adaptogen (helping the mind and body to adapt to stress). In Ayurveda it is also traditionally classified as a “rasayana”, which is an herb that brings long life and health.
In cuisine, mainly in India and Southeast Asia, it is enjoyed for its unique flavor, as well as its ‘food as medicine’ benefits. It is enjoyed raw or cooked, and added to dishes such as salads, stir fries, curries, or made into a tea.
In India its celebration occurs annually on the 11th bright day of the month of Karttika in the lunar calendar and continues for five days concluding on the full moon which falls in mid-October. This celebration is called ‘Tulsi Vivaha’, and it kicks off the annual marriage season in India.
In Ayurveda it is thought to reduce Kapha, as well as mildly calming to Pitta and Vata. Tulsi is consumed widely and thought to promote health and wellness, but also to enhance meditation. Tulsi is traditionally used for its immunomodulating actions, such as for respiratory health and strengthening the body, anti-inflammatory activities, anti-anxiety actions, and normalizing blood sugar, blood pressure and lipid levels.
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Photo by Sreekar Anne