The Story of Tulsi

Jun 4, 2022 | Herbalism Blog

Last week, we transplanted the Tulsi babies into the garden, cultivating approximately one thousand Tulsi plants each year. This makes Tulsi the largest crop in our herb garden and one of my most sought-after products. People frequently ask me about the health benefits of Tulsi.

Meet Tulsi

Tulsi, though familiar to yogis and herbalists, often goes unnoticed by the average person I meet at the market. To introduce this remarkable plant, I frequently offer samples of iced Tulsi tea and bring live Tulsi plants for people to connect with.

Belonging to the mint botanical family, or Labiatae, Tulsi has a square stem, with leaves growing opposite to each other. As a member of the mint family, it exudes a warm aroma. The broad, open leaves carry a green hue with a touch of silver. Abundant in water content, we harvest Tulsi three times each season, yielding approximately one hundred pounds of fresh Tulsi per harvest. After drying and separating the leaves from their stems, we are left with about 10 pounds of dried Tulsi tea. Tulsi acts as a balance between the water and fire elements.

Originating from India, Tulsi holds sacred status in the country. Often known as holy or holy basil, Tulsi is considered an embodiment of the Goddess Lakshmi, representing abundance, fortune, and prosperity in Hinduism. In Hindu households, a garden is deemed incomplete without a Tulsi plant. Homemakers create a small temple for Lakshmi near the Tulsi plant, burning incense around it twice a day.

The health benefits of Tulsi

In Ayurvedic tradition spanning over 3000 years, Tulsi holds a significant place. Ayurveda, translating to “wisdom of life,” is an ancient Indian healing tradition. The practice of Ayurveda aim to integrate physical, emotional, and spiritual health, fostering harmony with the universe. The daily use of Tulsi helps to uphold the balance of the body’s chakras, celebrated for its Sattva or purity, capable of bestowing goodness, virtue, and joy upon humans.

Tulsi for reducing inflammation

Additionally, Tulsi is an excellent anti-inflammatory herb that supports cardiovascular health, enhances blood circulation, acts as a potent antioxidant, and helps balance blood sugar levels.

Tulsi for enhancing mood

Herbalist David Winston employs Tulsi for treating “stagnant depression,” a specific type of depression emerging after a traumatic event, leaving individuals feeling stuck and centered around the trauma.

Interns tending to the garden alongside the Tulsi plant reported emotional experiences after spending a few hours in its vicinity.

A client of mine, who incorporated Tulsi tea into his evening routine, shared experiencing vivid dreams.

Tulsi for reducing stress

An adaptogenic herb, Tulsi assists the body in adapting to adverse physical, chemical, or biological stress. When the body encounters stress—whether physical, emotional, or environmental—it releases cortisol into the bloodstream. Cortisol activates the “fight or flight” mechanism. While essential for survival in acute situations, persistent stress depletes the body, weakens the immune system, and accelerates aging.

Furthermore, Tulsi has demonstrated the ability to reduce stress hormones in the blood.

Tulsi serves as a potent reminder of the abundance in our lives. Acknowledging this richness and fullness helps reduce stress levels, enabling us to confront life’s challenges with courage, joy, and an open heart.

Our offerings include Tulsi tea and Tulsi-infused honey. The Lion’s Heart tea blend, crafted to foster courage, joy, and love. It combines Tulsi with other heart-opening and spirit-uplifting herbs like Lemon Balm, Rose, Chrysanthemum Morifolium, Hawthorne flowers and leaves, and Motherwort.

Embrace the gift of abundance with an open heart, courtesy of Tulsi.

Explore our Herbal Shoppe for Tulsi Tea, Lion’s Heart Tea, and Tulsi Infused in Honey.

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Feeling inspired? Want more?

Continue your learning by joining the Bee Fields Farm newsletter and gain access to exclusive content that is sure to nourish your mind, body, and soul.

Example topics include:

seasonal recipes
how-to’s
tips & tricks
farm & community updates
upcoming programs
and so much more…

ENROLL TODAY

[convertkit form=2196130]

Together we’ll transform your health and reach new levels of vibrancy at any age.

Love, Lior

Disclaimer: This document is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. You can view my full disclaimer here.

My name is Lior and I am the herb grower, remedy maker, and herbalist here on Bee Fields Farm in Wilton, NH. I help women who feel disconnected from their bodies to simplify their lives, improve their health, and feel more grounded.

Categories

Herbalism Blog (30)
Holistic Nutrition – Food is Medicine (19)
Mindfulness (15)

Recent Posts

Lately on Instagram

Let me introduce myself! My name is Lior; woman, m

Are you struggling with symptoms of a chronic cond

I believe in herbalism 🌿 that: 🌿 is rooted in a h

Inflammation is the body’s innate healing mechanis

Stay Connected