Herb of the Month: Holy Basil, an herb to inspire calm creativity! Also referred to as tulsi tea, the beverage originated in India thousands of years ago and is known for its rich antioxidant and adaptogenic properties that promote wellness and longevity.
Holy basil contains hundreds of compounds known as phyto-chemicals that work together to create strong anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and immune-enhancing properties.
Some of these phytochemicals help to keep the brain in an Alpha brainwave state promoting relaxed alertness and calm creativity. According to the Biocybernaut Institute, "Any time you have an insight or an inspiration, you know your brain just produced more Alpha waves than usual. One way to increase creativity is to increase Alpha brain waves. In order to have a creative inspiration, your brain needs to be able to generate a big burst of Alpha brain waves, mostly on the left side of the brain. The brains of creative people can generate these big Alpha brain wave bursts, and do so when they are faced with problems to solve." What better way to promote calm creativity than by sipping a cup of warm, soothing Tulsi Tea.
It can also be used as an aid to promote a deep meditative state. It has particular qualities that seem to relax the body and give a feeling of calm within a person.
Holy Basil is recognized as one of India's most sacred herbs because of its health benefits and healing properties. I like this mythological example from a passage of the Padmapurana, it reveals the importance of Tulsi in Indian mythology. Lord Shiva described the power of Tulsi to the rishi Narada saying:
" Oh, Narada! Every house, every village, every forest, wherever the plant of Tulsi is grown, there misery, fear, disease and poverty do not exist. Tulsi in all aspects and places is holier than holy. Where the breeze blows through Tulsi plants, it spreads Tulsi's fragrance making the surrounding area pious and pure. Lord Vishnu and other gods shower their blessings on the people who worship and grow Tulsi. Through the worship of Tulsi, the souls of all our ancestors are pleased and our path to the heavens is opened. Oh Narada! The three gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra reside in the roots, middle parts of the plant and in the flowering tops respectively. This is why the plant of Tulsi is the most holy plant of the earth. Those who plant and nurture Tulsi in the Shiva temple or in any other place of worship, such as Naimisharayana and Prayag, are twice blessed by the gods. The offering of Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu/ Krishna should be considered the best way of worshipping Him. "
Post by Soul Series contributor Ron Delle Donne, Herbalist.
www.rondelledonne.com