Herb of the Month: Tulsi (Holy Basil)
🌿 In this episode, I dive into the sacred world of Holy Basil (Tulsi) — a plant celebrated in Ayurveda for thousands of years as both medicine and spirit. I’ll share its history, spiritual significance, medicinal uses, and the latest research on how this remarkable herb supports our health today.
We’ll explore the four main types of Tulsi and what makes each unique:
Rama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) – cooling, gentle, and supportive for immunity and the lungs.
Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) – dark purple, warming, and clearing for the respiratory and circulatory systems.
Vana Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum) – the “wild Tulsi,” aromatic and uplifting for energy and clarity.
Kapoor Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum or kilimandscharicum) – sweet, light, and adaptable, thriving in temperate gardens outside the tropics.
✨ In this video, I’ll cover:
How Tulsi has been honored as a sacred herb and goddess in India
Its role as a nervine and adaptogen for stress, memory, and emotional balance
The chemical compounds that make Tulsi so effective, from eugenol to ursolic acid
Practical tips for growing Tulsi at home and preparing teas or tinctures
Dosage guidelines, safety considerations, and how to bring Tulsi into your daily rituals
Tulsi is truly a bridge between science and spirit, tradition and modern life. My hope is that after watching, you’ll feel inspired to invite this beautiful herb into your wellness practices — not only for your body, but for your heart and soul.
đź’š If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with anyone who would love to learn more about the healing magic of plants.
🌿 Subscribe for herbal tips and wellness insights: https://bit.ly/4iRnpyX
🎫 Upcoming Events - https://tinyurl.com/3y4xp6kc
đź”— Sky House Herb Website - https://www.skyhouseherbs.com/
————
MY ONLINE COURSES
🌱🌝 Roots & Spheres Class: https://bit.ly/RootsAndSpheres
🌿Herbal Foundations Apprenticeship: https://bit.ly/HerbalProgram
————
Resources
Want to learn about more herbs?
🌿 Study with me! Learn more about the “Herbal Foundations: Year One Course here: https://www.skyhouseherbs.com/herbal-foundations-enrollment
🌿 Year Two: Herbal Integration & Practice here:https://www.skyhouseherbs.com/second-year
Order Live Tulsi Plants or Seeds: https://tinyurl.com/strictlymedicinal
Book - “Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief” by David Winston and Steven Maimes:https://amzn.to/4mIcoCT
Book: Energetic Herbalism: A Guide to Sacred Plant Traditions Integrating Elements of Vitalism, Ayurveda, and Chinese Medicine” by Kat Maier https://amzn.to/4n6eL2i
Book: “The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad: https://amzn.to/4mIcoCT
Chapters - Herb of the Month: Tulsi (Holy Basil) | Ashley Elenbaas
00:00 Begins
00:34 Introduction to Holy Basil
02:20 Exploring the Ocimum Species
04:36 Understanding the Varieties of Tulsi
06:01 Rama and Krishna Tulsi: The Sacred Varieties
10:33 Vana and Kapoor Tulsi: The Wild and Temperate Varieties
13:07 Ayurvedic Uses and Spiritual Significance
16:14 Modern Applications and Research
28:17 Dosage, Safety, and Conclusion