Herb library

Holy Basil

Ocimum tenuiflorum

Holy Basil, often called tulsi, is a fragrant kitchen herb long kept in household gardens. Traditionally used for gentle respiratory support and calming the mind, it is brewed or used fresh in simple remedies.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used as a warming aromatic tea to soothe the throat and support easy breathing.
• •Traditionally taken as a calming herbal tea in the evening to ease restlessness and support a peaceful night.
• •Traditionally used fresh as a steam or inhalation to ease nasal congestion and clear the head.
• •A long-standing household remedy, fresh leaves have been chewed or made into a gargle for a sore throat.

Simple preparations.

• •Simple tulsi tea: pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 heaping teaspoon of dried holy basil or 6 fresh leaves, steep 7 to 10 minutes, strain and sip warm, up to 3 times daily.
• •Tulsi steam for nasal ease: place 1 handful of fresh leaves in a heatproof bowl, pour 3 cups boiling water over them, drape a towel over your head and inhale the steam for 5 to 10 minutes, repeat once daily as needed.
• •Soothing tulsi-honey syrup for the throat: simmer 1 cup water with 1 cup fresh leaves for 10 minutes, strain, return liquid to low heat and stir in 1/2 cup honey (do not give to children under 1 year), cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Take 1 teaspoon as needed.

Cautions.

• !May lower blood sugar, so monitor closely if you have diabetes and check with your doctor about dosing.
• !Can act as a mild anticoagulant in some people, so use caution with blood thinning medications and check with your doctor.
• !Use cautiously in those with low blood pressure, as tulsi may have a mild blood pressure lowering effect.
• !If pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescription medications, check with your doctor before using holy basil.

Often kept beside.