The Fabulous Health Benefits of Tulsi
Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is one of the most sacred plants in India (aside from the lotus flower). It’s extremely purifying, being antibacterial and antiseptic, and is often kept around homes and temples to purify the air. Tulsi supports respiratory health, so it’s especially helpful for fighting off colds, flus, and allergies. Because it helps clear out the lungs, tulsi is also great for eliminating bad breath. It supports the colon for healthy elimination, and is one of the top herbs for headaches and fevers.
Emotionally, tulsi opens the heart and mind, invites clarity, and increases devotion—it’s heartwarming! Because it supports the nervous system, it’s good for anxiety and stress. Warming in nature, tulsi is said to support healthy emotions and enhance mental clarity—so it’s a great choice when you’re going through times of grief, stress, or heartbreak.
The best way to take tulsi is as an organic tea, which is easy to find in most natural-foods stores. Sometimes it’s combined with other herbs and spices, like ginger or licorice. You’ll want to drink one cup daily for preventive health; if you’re dealing with an acute condition, such as a cold or headache, you could have two cups daily.
Cat Pacini of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda describes the benefits of tulsi:
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