Tulsi - The Queen of Herbs
From the tropical and subtropical region of Asia comes Tulsi, or Holy Basil, a most versatile powerhouse of an herb. Known as the “Queen of Herbs”, it has deep roots in Ayurveda, the ancient system of Indian medicine and is currently widely used throughout that part of the world as a medicinal plant and as an herbal tea. Tulsi has an important role within the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism. It has long been revered in India as the manifestation of Lakshi, the Divine Mother of the Earth and the wife of Vishnu, the god who preserves all life.
Tulsi’s fragrant leaves have a calming and uplifting nature. It’s a go-to herb in treating colds, flu, sinus infections, anxiety, depression, allergies, asthma, coughs, cardiovascular disease (by helping to lower blood pressure and excess cholesterol), poor memory, and lack of concentration. As herbalist Juliet Blankespoor states in her book, “The Healing Garden”, “Tulsi is one of the most amazingly versatile herbs that might be characterized by which medicinal actions it does not posses rather than which it does.”
“ Tulsi is one of the most amazingly versatile herbs that might be characterized by which medicinal actions it does not posses rather than which it does.”
Tulsi is what is known as an adaptogen, a natural substance that helps your body adapt to stress and anxiety, promoting mental balance. It is a characteristic shared with other herbs such as ashwagandha and ginseng. Its chemical composition is rich in phytochemicals such as eugenol. Eugenol provides the herb with it’s clove like taste and aroma. It also contributes to Tulsi’s potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Tulsi’s anti-anxiety properties are largely attributed to Romarinic acid, a polyphenol that is present in the various types of Tulsi.
There are four types of Tulsi that are generally available, all of which are present in Maitri Tea’s various blends containing that herb. The most commonly known type of Tulsi, found in North American gardens far and wide, is Temperate Tulsi. It is otherwise known as Kapoor Tulsi. It has a tutti-fruiti aroma, making it unique among the available varieties. Rama and Krishna varieties are the two most popular varieties in their native India. Rama is the most common variety in the area and boasts a cooling property and a mellow, slightly sweet and minty taste. Krishna, the preferred type in India, has a more fresh and crisp profile and has exceptionally high Rosemarinic acid levels. Lastly, Vana Tulsi is a tree basil native to the Himalayas and East Africa. It grows taller than its sister plants and has broader slightly hairy green leaves. It has the highest Eugenol levels of the four varieties.
“The daily use of this herb is believed to help maintain the balance of chakras, or energy centers in the body, and to bring out the goodness, virtue, and joy in humans. Bring out the tulsi!”
Maitri tea uses a blend of all four Tulsi varieties in it’s blends that feature the herb to create wonderfully deep and well rounded profile that invites combination with a wide variety of other herbs. Tulsi really is the most versatile herb in the crowd.
God Save The Queen!