Holy Basil, an adaptogen

In my backyard is a Holy Basil plant, otherwise known as Tulsi plant (Ocimum sanctum) that has grown rather large as seen in the photo. It is one of my top favourite medicinal plants, and highly revered in India and Ayurvedic medicine as the “Queen of Herbs”, the “Mother Medicine of Nature” and “The Incomparable One”. She is even considered to be an incarnation of the goddess Tulsi, who is a symbol of protection and devotion. It is used in many spiritual rituals, as well as lifestyle and health practices. 

In India Tulsi is often grown in the garden, not only for its spiritual significance, but also for its health benefits, to purify the air, as an insect repellant because of its strong aroma. 

What is an adaptogen? You may have heard the term but not quite understood what it means. Adaptogens help us adapt to stress. They help us develop resilience to modern life. I love them and prescribe them regularly, and take them myself. Tulsi is one I take often.

There are now quite a few studies confirming many of Tulsi’s qualities and benefits. It can be taken daily as a tonic, in the form of tea, powder, capsules, or products containing Tulsi. I grow it and dry it, and then add it to my morning cup of tea, but tea bags are readily available, and you can pick up a plant in the herb section at Bunnings. It has powerful medicinal benefits and can also be taken for periods of time, alone or with other herbs. 

Holy Basil has been shown to lower cortisol levels, promote mental clarity and calmness, and resilience against everyday stress. It has also been shown to help with sleep, probably because it lowers stress. 

It also supports the immune system and can be beneficial in cold and flu season. 

It can promote healthy digestion and can lower gut inflammation, settle bloating, indigestion and IBS, and calm a digestive system upset by stress. 

Studies are confirming Tulsi’s long history of use for metabolic health, helping to increase insulin sensitivity, and lowering cholesterol.

Now considered a nootropic, Holy Basil has been shown to enhance memory, mental clarity and focus, especially during stressful periods. So it may be a great help during exams, but also for maintaining brain health as we age.

This can be a wonderful herb ally for women going hormonal fluctuations related to perimenopause and menopause. It’s adaptogenic and calming effect can help manage symptoms like mood swings and fatigue. It is also known to help regulate energy levels and appetite, which can be helpful going through this transition. 

So if you resonate, and need some of her beautiful qualities, I recommend you make Holy Basil a part of your life, whether you get some tea bags or pick up a plant. I love to grow herbs and make them my friends, also called herbal allies. Then I get to know the plant, to smell it, taste it, talk to it, listen to it…..I commune with it on a daily basis just by moving about my daily life, since it is in my garden.