Tulsi (or Holy Basil)

Tulsi, or Holy basil - a herb for all reasonsIn traditional Indian households, every home had a tulsi plant growing (Ocimum sanctum is it's latin name). It's been known as "the elixir of life" and can be used for many physical ailments but this plant is so highly revered it traditionally was also used in religious ceremonies. This is a member of the basil family & there are many different varieties of tulsi. It has SO many benefits, including (but not limited to):

- adaptogen that helps regulate the stress response
- Anti-inflammatory
- Promotes memory & attention
- Rich in potassium, may reduce blood pressure
- can lower blood sugar levels
- anti-cancer properties
- Accelerates bone healing
- Anti-bacterial & anti-viral
- Fever reducer 

I have personal experience growing, harvesting, drying & using this herb. it grows well in Minnesota! I have found it wonderful as part of a cough/cold remedy as a tea (see recipe below!) and as a fever reducer. It can be made as a tea (fresh or dried) or added to cooking. You can diffuse the essential oil as well. 

Want to grow your own?
- Start indoors if you wish about 6 weeks before expected frost
- 1 square foot per plant
- when harvesting, pinch off tops and buds to encourage more growth underneath (the purple flowery parts)
- best to pick in the morning when there are the most essential oils present
- You can use all parts of the plant - stems, flowers & leaves