Welcome to our herbal series, where we feature a new Ayurvedic herb each month on our blog. Each herb we feature is a part of our proprietary blend of 22 traditional Ayurvedic herbs that we infuse into all of our textiles. It is important that we are transparent with you about the herbs we use and their healing benefits, which is why we take the time to offer you a greater understanding of these healing allies. This month, we are featuring Tulsi, or holy basil, one of the most revered herbs and plants in Ayurvedic medicine. 

What is Tulsi?

Tulsi is a small, leafy shrub that grows abundantly in India and Southeast Asia. Tulsi is a member of the basil family (Lamiaceae), and its leaves can be green or purple, depending on the variety. This herb is considered sacred in many cultures and is known to bring calmness and clarity to mind.  

According to Ayurveda, Tulsi is aromatic in taste, has a heating energetic effect, and has a pungent post-digestive effect. It is balancing for Vata and Kapha doshas, and it may increase Pitta in excess.

Tulsi also increases and protects Ojas and prana, two subtle forces in the body. Ojas is responsible for vitality, vibrance, and a healthy immune system, while prana is the body's vital life force, supporting intelligence, communication, and perception.

Tulsi Uses

Tulsi has many incredible benefits and uses. It is a potent herb for healing on a mental, physical, and spiritual level. Some of the benefits of Tulsi include: 

• Balancing to Vata and Kapha Doshas. In addition to its ability to balance Kapha in the lungs, it also balances excess Kapha and Vata in the head and nerves and is often used to soothe Vata in the digestive tract.
• Mental and emotional well-being: Tulsi is incredible for helping support mental clarity, focus, and a healthy, positive mental state. 

The combination of Tulsi in our Harda Ayurvedic Yoga mats makes for a powerful combo in supporting your digestive health, mental clarity, and focus abilities.

• Adaptive stress support:  Tulsi is considered an adaptogenic herb that helps the body cope with stress and supports healthy psychological and physical well-being. 
• Circulation and Lung Health. Tulsi is renowned for its support of the lungs, removing Kapha buildup, and promoting healthy, clear breathing. Taken regularly, it also helps to improve circulation throughout the body.

The dynamic duo of Tulsi and Sappan Wood in our Sappan Wood Ayurvedic Yoga mats may help improve blood circulation throughout the body.

How to take Tulsi

Tulsi is overall very safe, although it is not recommended for those who are pregnant or nursing or those who are trying to become pregnant. It is also best avoided if you have low blood sugar. Tulsi can be taken as a supplement in capsule form or as a tea by brewing whole leaves or adding the powder to hot water.  

Tulsi Rose Tea Recipe 

This delicious tulsi rose tea is a refreshing, calming, and Kapha pacifying tea perfect for springtime. Its serves two. Combine 2 tsp dried tulsi leaves with 2 tsp dried rose or rose tea in a french press or tea strainer. Boil three cups of water and allow the tea to steep for three to five minutes. Serve immediately and enjoy!