We also stock Krishna and Rama Holy basil; see under a~z herbs page.
Holy Basil Tulsi Vana ( Ocimum gratissimum)
10 seeds ( SO RARE!)
Tulsi, Queen of Herbs, the legendary “Incomparable One” of India, is one of the holiest and most cherished of the many healing and health-giving herbs of the Orient. The sacred basil Tulsi is renowned for its religious and spiritual sanctity, as well as for its important role in the traditional systems of holistic health and herbal medicine of the east.
An impressive array of health promoting, disease preventing and life prolonging properties of Tulsi have been described and documented over five millennia. In the past few decades, many of these benefits have been investigated and verified by modern scientific research. Current research offers substantial evidence that Tulsi protects against and reduces stress; enhances stamina and endurance; increases the body’s efficient use of oxygen; boosts the immune system; reduces inflammation; protects against radiation damage; lessens aging factors; supports the heart, lungs and liver; has antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties; enhances the efficacy of many other therapeutic treatments; and provides a rich supply of antioxidants and other nutrients.
Overall, Tulsi is a premier adaptogen, helping the body and mind to adapt and cope with a wide range of physical, emotional, chemical and infectious stresses, and restores disturbed physiological and psychological functions to a normal healthy state.
These general vitality enhancing and health promoting properties, in addition to Tulsi’s many more specific therapeutic actions, likely account for much of the exceptionally broad range of Tulsi’s traditional medical uses, as well as contributing to its mythological importance and religious sanctity.
TULSI’S BOTANICAL IDENTITY
Tulsi is identified by botanists primarily as Ocimum sanctum (Rama and Krishna Tulsi varieties) or more recently Ocimum tenuiflorum, and Ocimum gratissimum (Vana Tulsi variety). Belonging to the Lamiaceae/Labiatae mint family, these and other closely related species and varieties (e.g., Ocimum canum) are cousins of the familiar sweet basil cooking herb Ocimum basilicum. Highly aromatic, different varieties of Tulsi may smell and taste of peppermint, cloves, licorice or lemon, as well as having distinct characteristics of their own. The leaves of Tulsi are most commonly used for their health benefits, although all parts of the plant, including the roots, stems, flowers and seeds, have significant and differing medicinal and religious symbolic properties. Tulsi beads, made from the woody stalks, are commonly strung in necklaces, bracelets, and meditation malas or rosaries, which are believed by many to have spiritual as well as physical protection benefits.
Actions: Adaptogen that reduces stress, calms, and relieves depression. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral. Anticancer/antimutagenic. Protective to the liver. Enhances immune system function. Recent research demonstrates protection from chromosome damage and death caused by ionizing radiation. Prevents or reduces gastric ulcerations.
Uses: To relieve stress and anxiety. Supportive therapy in fevers, inflammations, infections, colds and flu. To prevent or moderate high cholesterol levels. Protective therapy during radiation treatments or work associated with radiation. Adjunct therapy in non-insulin dependent diabetes. Prevention and treatment of gastric ulcerations.
Cautions: Consult a qualified midwife or physician before taking during pregnancy or nursing. Not recommended for babies or toddlers.
What is the difference between Tulsi and Basil?
There are four types of Basil that are close in taste and flavor, that may be used in cooking interchangeably. In Italian cooking, Sweet Basil is used exclusively. In India, there are three primary varieties, Krishna, Rama, and Vana. Tulsi normally refers to Krishna, also known as Holy basil, primarily used for religious rituals.
Sweet Basil: Ocimum basilicum
Krishna Tulsi, Holy Basil: Ocimum sanctum
Rama Tulsi: Ocimum tenuiflorum
Vana Tulsi: Ocimum gratissimum
What is the difference between Tulsi and Basil?
There are four types of Basil that are close in taste and flavor, that may be used in cooking interchangeably. In Italian cooking, Sweet Basil is used exclusively. In India, there are three primary varieties, Krishna, Rama, and Vana. Tulsi normally refers to Krishna, also known as Holy basil, primarily used for religious rituals.
Sweet Basil: Ocimum basilicum
Krishna Tulsi, Holy Basil: Ocimum sanctum
Rama Tulsi: Ocimum tenuiflorum
Vana Tulsi: Ocimum gratissimum
