Tulsi: Ocimum spp: Ocimum sanctum

Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum gratissimum.

Plant Family: Lamiacea

Common Name: Holy basil - Considered the

"queen adaptogen" in Ayurveda.

Herbal Actions: Adaptogen, Antimicrobial, Anti-oxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Chemoprotective, Radioprotective, Hepato-protective, Neuro-protective, Cardio-protective, Anti-diabetic, Anti-hypertensive, Nervine analgesic,

Immunomodulatory, Nootropic, Diaphoretic,

Antispasmodic, Carminative, Astringent,Nutritive

Parts used: Aerial parts, generally in flower or early seed stage.

Forms: Infusions, tincture, glycerite

Season: Summer

Taste/ Smell: Pungent, sweet

Energetic Qualities: Warming, slightly mobile, slightly moistening, very neutral.

Indications: All forms of nervous system imbalance, stress, immune dysfunction, diabetes, circulation problems, cardiovascular dysfunction, fatigue, any reduced/broken down body system or situation involving trauma and stress. Tulsi is an ally during exposures of all types as it prevents cellular damage from harmful exposures such as chemotherapy, radiation, industrial waste, or even painting, etc.

Body system affinities: Nervous, endocrine, immune, cardiovascular, digestive.

Key Points: Tulsi is a very neutral and approachable adaptogenic plant with a strong affinity for the nervous, immune, cardiovascular, and digestive system. Tulsi is unique to other adaptogens in that it can be grown successfully as an annual, and doesn't require multiple seasons of growth to concentrate adaptogenic constituents. It can be integrated into food, and incorporated into daily rituals such as tea or even growing it as a houseplant in a sunny window.