Tulsi Basil

Tulsi basil is one of our favourites, though we grow a variety of other basils here.  It can be used as a culinary herb (pesto, etc), but mainly this is an herb we grow for it's many medicinal properties, it's beauty, as well as it's legendary history in Ayurvedic medicine.  Also known as "holy basil" or "sacred basil", this plant is one that should be in every herb garden.  It has an extensive list of healing abilities: as an adaptogen it helps the body fight stress by reducing the negative impact of stress caused by tension, emotional upset, illness, pollution and many other factors; it also helps relieve inflammation, builds the immune system, lowers cholesterol, lowers fever, supplies antioxidants, and helps with colds and coughs.  It is especially known for it's support to the heart, liver and lungs, helping regulate blood pressure and blood sugar.  It is best taken as a tea, fresh or dried, and is delicious!

We have been growing this lovely Tulsi from our own saved seeds for several years, although first received the seeds as a gift from visiting interns who were farming through the C.R.A.F.T. farm program at Saugeen River CSA near Durham.