The Tulsi Story: India’s “Queen of Herbs”
For more than 5000 years Tulsi (also known as Holy Basil) has been considered India’s “Queen of Herbs” and has been revered as one of the most sacred herbs in India, infused with healing power. Hindus view Tulsi (also spelled Tulasi or Thulasi) as a goddess in the form of a plant bestowed with great spiritual and healing powers. According to legend, no amount of gold could outweigh Krishna’s power, but a single Tulsi leaf placed on the pan in loving devotion tilted that scale. In India today, Tulsi is still traditionally grown in an earthenware pot in every family home or garden, and the leaves are used to make a delicious and refreshing tea that possesses wonderful health benefits.
As Tulsi traveled west along the early trade routes from the Orient to Europe, it became known to the Christians as “sacred” or “holy” basil as is reflected in its Latin botanical name, Ocimum sanctum. They hailed Tulsi as “The King of Herbs’ instead of as a queen, and Holy Basil became routinely included in legends, offerings and worship rituals and was looked on by many as a gift of Christ.
Tulsi Fields
Modern research has classified Tulsi as an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens have been shown to support the body’s natural immune system while relieving the body’s negative reaction to stress. Adaptogenic herbs have been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicines for thousands of years to promote and maintain wellness. Many adaptogenic herbs have been referred to by herbalists as rejuvenative herbs, qi tonic herbs, rasayanas or restorative herbs. They help the body adapt to environmental, physical and emotional stressors, support normal functions, and restore balance. Research also indicates that can be used to decrease pain and swelling, and may have anti cancer properties as well.
ORGANIC INDIA’s Tulsi – Holy Basil Formula and certified organic Tulsi Teas include three varieties of Tulsi leaves: Rama, Vana, and Krishna. Each variety has a slightly different look, taste and smell and when combined, create a perfectly balanced herbal infusion with an array of health benefits including:
- Support for the immune system
- Increased stamina and endurance
- Relief and protection from everyday stress
- Promotes physical, emotional and spiritual well-being
- Reduces inflammation, the cornerstone of all chronic disease
- Helps the body adapt to your environment, being a powerful adaptogen
- Helps fight infection as it is a natural antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal agent
- Enhances and harmonizes the effectiveness of other herbs
- Provides a rich supply of antioxidants and nutrients
- Supports the heart, lungs, and liver
- Aids digestion
- Slows the aging process
- Uplifts mood
- Balances metabolism
- Boosts the immune system
- Protects against radiation damage
- Supports recovery from jet lag
Now Tulsi’s remarkable, life-enhancing qualities are here for you to fully enjoy – Namaste!
Yanmule sarvatirhaani, Yannagre sarvadevataa,
Yanmadhye sarvavedaascha, Tulasi taam namaamyaham
“To the most sacred Tulsi, in whose base dwells all the holy places, in whose top dwells all the deities and in whose middle dwells all the Vedas, I reverentially bow.”
Tulsi Vandanam