Tulsi Tea (Ocimum Sanctum), aka Holy Basil, Cut & Sifted Herb

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Tulsi Tea (Ocimum Sanctum), aka Holy Basil, Cut & Sifted Herb HERB COMMON NAME :   Tulsi HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :   Ocimum Sanctum OTHER NAMES :   Holy Basil, Sacred Holy Basil, Sacred Basil, Bhutagni, Destroyer of Demons, Elixir of Life, The Incomparable One, Mother Medicine of Nature, Queen of Herbs, Tulsi, Tulasi, Krishnammal, Kala Tulasi, Witches’ Herb, Alabahaca FAMILY :  Lamiaceae ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES : Element: Fire Planet: Mars Day: Tuesday Direction: South Zodiac Sign: Aries Chakra: 7th Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) Energy: Yang Gender: Masculine Tarot: The Judgement Tarot Animal: Scorpion, Serpent Sabbat or Holiday: Beltane / Walpurgis (April 30 – May 01) Deity or God / Goddess Association: Lakshmi, Vishnu, Tulasi, Erzulie   Parts Used:  Leaves Description:  Our Tulsi Green Tea is a blend of Krishna Holy Basil, Rama Holy Basil, and Vana Holy Basil. Tulsi is one of the most popular beverages in the world and has been used since at least 3000 B.C. to promote longevity, improve mental functions, and prevent disease. Within Ayurveda, Tulsi is known as “The Incomparable One,” “Mother Medicine of Nature” and “The Queen of Herbs,” and is revered as an “elixir of life” that is without equal for both its medicinal and spiritual properties. Within India, Tulsi has been adopted into spiritual rituals and lifestyle practices that provide a vast array of health benefits that are just beginning to be confirmed by modern science. This emerging science on Tulsi, which reinforces ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, suggests that Tulsi is a tonic for the body, mind and spirit that offers solutions to many modern-day health problems. Tulsi is perhaps one of the best examples of Ayurveda’s holistic lifestyle approach to health. Tulsi tastes hot and bitter and is said to penetrate the deep tissues, dry tissue secretions and normalize kapha and vata. Daily consumption of Tulsi is said to prevent disease, promote general health, wellbeing and longevity and assist in dealing with the stresses of daily life. Tulsi is also credited with giving luster to the complexion, sweetness to the voice and fostering beauty, intelligence, stamina and a calm emotional disposition. In addition to these health-promoting properties, Tulsi is recommended as a treatment for a range of conditions including anxiety, cough, asthma, diarrhea, fever, dysentery, arthritis, eye diseases, otalgia, indigestion, hiccups, vomiting, gastric, cardiac and genitourinary disorders, back pain, skin diseases, ringworm, insect, snake and scorpion bites and malaria. Tulsi has been shown to protect against the toxic effects of industrial chemicals, pharmaceutical drugs, heavy metals, and radiation. Modern research has revealed that Tulsi has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal activity that includes activity against many pathogens responsible for human infections. Tulsi has also been shown to boost defenses against infective threats by enhancing immune responses. Tulsi is one of the most commonly prescribed herbal remedies for hair loss. It strengthens the hair roots and improves blood circulation to the scalp and hair follicles. Tulsi’s broad-spectrum activity, which includes activity against Streptococcus mutans, the organism responsible for tooth decay, further suggests that it can be used as a herbal mouth wash for treating bad breath, gum disease and mouth ulcers. This has been confirmed in clinical trials that have demonstrated that rinsing with Tulsi is as effective as 0.2% Chlorhexidine and Listerine in reducing the levels of Streptococcus mutans and that a herbal mouthwash that includes Tulsi is preferred for its taste and convenience. Tulsi’s unique combination of antibacterial antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities also makes it useful in wound healing. The psychotherapeutic properties of Tulsi have been explored in various animal experiments that reveal that Tulsi has anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties, with effects comparable to diazepam and antidepressants drugs. Animal studies further reveal that Tulsi enhances memory and cognitive function and protects against aging-induced memory deficits. Similarly, in human studies, Tulsi has been observed to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, with a 6-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study reporting that Tulsi significantly improves general stress scores, sexual and sleep problems and symptoms such as forgetfulness and exhaustion. While modern scientific studies suggest that Tulsi is effective in treating a range of stressful conditions, within Ayurveda, Tulsi is more commonly recommended as a preventive measure to enhance the ability to adapt to both psychological and physical stress and therefore prevent the development of stress-related diseases. To this end, many Ayurvedic practitioners recommend the regular consumption of Tulsi tea as an essential lifestyle practice. Regular consumption of Tulsi tea may be compared with the regular practice of yoga, which can be considered “adaptogenic” through nurturing and nourishing the body — mind — spirit while fostering a sense of relaxation and wellbeing. Like yoga, Tulsi has a calming effect that leads to clarity of thought, along with a more relaxed and calm disposition. The cognitive and memory-enhancing properties of Tulsi therefore differ from those of caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee and tea, which heightens arousal and may cause physical and mental agitation. Furthermore, Tulsi does not produce the same physical dependence as caffeine and can be safely consumed on a regular basis without the fear of withdrawal effects. Tulsi tea makes a satisfying brewed beverage, and the dried leaf is also used to produce infusions and extracts for skin toners, liquid soaps, shampoos and other cosmetics. The powdered leaf is used in facial masks and body powders, sometimes in combination with other powdered herbs. Historical Uses:  diabetes, obesity, hepatitis, inflammation, heart disease, brain disease, mental health, memory loss, stress, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, anti-viral, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, astringent, cytotoxic, cardiotonic, neuroprotective, diuretic, immune support, boost immunity, energy, anxiety, depression, antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, calmative (sedative), carminative, gas, flatulence, muscle spasms, respiratory conditions, bronchitis, asthma, cystitis, parasitic infection, muscle cramps, menstrual cramps, menstrual problems, headache, migraine, fever, diarrhea, dysentery, arthritis, eye disease, indigestion, hiccups, vomiting, mental fatigue, physical fatigue, boosts energy, mental alertness, cough, heart health, hair loss, blood circulation, weight loss, fat burning, metabolism, muscle tone, inflammation, anti-inflammatory, longevity, skin problems, ringworm, insect bites, snake bites, scorpion bites, malaria, detox, cleanse, infections, wounds, urinary tract infection (UTI), cholera, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, acne, herpes, pneumonia, bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, sleeplessness, insomnia, forgetfulness, exhaustion Mystical Attributes:  Green tea brings riches and luxury.  Place fresh leaves in vessels of water on the altar during money and prosperity rituals. African folklore claims that basil protects against scorpions, while Greek lore says that scorpions breed in the presence of basil. European lore claims that it belongs to Satan and you must curse the ground as you plant it in order for it to grow properly. This is where the French idiom, ”semer le basilic’‘ “to sow the basil” came from, it refers to ranting. Basil is used in English folk magic to ward off harmful spells as well as to keep away pests. During Tudor times, small pots of basil were given to guests as a parting gift for protection during travel. It is believed that witches drank basil juice before flying on their brooms. It may aid in astral projection. Some say that if a gift of basil is given to a member of the opposite sex, he or she will fall deeply in love with the giver and be forever faithful. In Romania, this act is representative of an official engagement. Basil is a symbol of love in Italy. A pot of basil placed on a balcony meant that the woman who lived there was ready to receive suitors. Use basil in spells to attract love. In Haiti, Basil is sacred to the goddess of love, Erzulie.  In South America, it is believed that dusting the upper half of your body, especially over your heart, with powdered basil will keep your lover’s eyes only on you. In India, Holy Basil is sacred to the Hindu religion as a manifestation of the Goddess Tulasi. According to lore, the God Vishnu seduced her in her husband’s guise and, horrified when she realized she’d been unfaithful, however unknowingly, she killed herself. Another version claimed that the mortal Tulasi, whose name was Vrinda, threw herself onto her husband’s funeral pyre because she was so upset that he died. Either way, Vishnu deified her and declared that she should be worshiped by wives and would prevent them from becoming widows. Her burnt hair was turned into the Holy Basil, which is called Tulsi in reference to her, is a Hindu symbol of love, fidelity, eternal life, purification, and protection. In some Indian courts, people swear oaths by a basil bush. Some Hindu households keep their own basil plant, pray to it, and keep a lamp burning by it at night. In Hindu, keeping a bit of basil in each room will protect the home and family. Rubbing basil on your forehead will protect you when leaving the house. In Hinduism, Tulsi is worshipped as a goddess and every part of the Tulsi plant is revered and considered sacred, including the leaves, stem, flower, root, seeds and oil. Even the surrounding soil, which has recently been found to harbor beneficial endophytic fungi, is considered an aspect of the divine. As such, Hindi households are considered incomplete without a Tulsi plant, typically in an ornate earthen pot situated in a courtyard where Tulsi serves both practical and ceremonial purposes. The Tulsi plant is regarded as a threshold point between heaven and earth. A house with a Tulsi plant is sometimes considered a place of pilgrimage. A person who waters and cares for the Tulsi daily is believed to gain spiritual merit and the divine grace of Vishnu. For example, Tulsi’s distinct clove-like aroma arising from its high eugenol content serves to link the householder to the divine while also repelling mosquitoes, flies and other harmful insects. Tulsi is further integrated into daily life through evening and morning rituals and other spiritual and purification practices that can involve ingesting its leaves or consuming Tulsi tea. In addition to sanctifying the home, Tulsi is used ceremonially in Hinduism and some Greek Orthodox Churches to create “holy water.” Tulsi wood or seeds are also used to make Tulsi malas, which are strings of beads used to help the mind focus during meditation, chanting and devotional practices and therefore ceremonially connect mind, body and spirit. In Haiti, carrying a leaf in your pocket or wallet will attract money. Placing one in your cash register will attract money there too. Soak basil in water for three days and then sprinkle the water over the threshold of your place of business to bring in customers and keep away thieves. Basil also helps steady the mind, brings happiness and peace, and protects against insanity. It is used in peacemaking spells and to make up after a fight. Basil drives off hostile spirits and negative energies, and when carried will help you remain calm and positive in spite of nearby dangers. Strewn on the floor, it is protective from evil. Sprinkle basil in a hot bath to wash in protective energies. Mystical Intentions:  money, prosperity, break curses, break hexes, protection from evil, banishing evil spirits, protection from spirits, protection from pests, astral projection, flying, protection while travelling, love spells, attraction, fidelity, faithfulness, loyalty, marriage, eternal life, immortality, purification, anointing, oaths and promises, binding contracts, travel to the underworld, calming the mind, happiness, peace, protection from insanity, protection from psychic attack, new business customers, protection from thieves, home protection, making up after an argument, negative energy, calm, positivity, protection inside the circle, the afterlife, concentration, blessing, healing, mindfulness, security, safety, spirituality, stability, longevity, beauty, cleansing, contacting divine spirits, communicating with spirits, contacting guardian angel Taste & Smell:  Warm, green, sweet and spicy clove-like flavor and aroma Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Tulsi seeds should be started indoors 6 to 12 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds ¼ inch below the surface. Most balanced potting mixes are appropriate for growing indoors. Because Tulsi is a tropical plant, it requires warm temperatures to germinate and should be kept in a warm sunny place that is at least 70 degrees. If temperatures cool overnight, avoid leaving the plant near open windows or doors. Keep the soil moist for the Tulsi seeds to germinate. Cover the top of the pot with plastic wrap to help retain moisture. Check the soil regularly and add more water as needed. Tulsi requires fertile soils to thrive, especially if you are regularly harvesting leaves for tea and seasoning. Be sure to supplement with compost, using an 1-2 inches of compost to the soil every year or 6 months. The best fertilizer for Tulsi plants is a balanced 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer (organic is best), which can be applied every 30 days or so for indoor plants. After fertilizing, add water so the Tulsi plant can absorb the nutrients from the soil. The soil should be kept continuously moist, but not soggy. Seeds will germinate about 3 weeks after planting. The plants are very frost sensitive and should not be moved outdoors until several weeks after the last frost. Even then, remember to give them an acclimation period to harden off by bringing them indoors into a sheltered place at night for a week or so before permanently planting outdoors. Cold frames are also a good option. If you are growing Tulsi indoors, be sure the plant has ample sunlight in a south-facing window for at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Do not place near an A/C vent or under a fan. Intermittent or prolonged exposure to cold can result in Tulsi leaves turning brown, new leaves spoiling, or stunted growth. Tuli also readily grows from cuttings. Use a pair of sharp garden shears and cut a Tulsi stem from an established plant. Remove all the flowers and most of the leaves. Place the cutting in a glass of water on a sunny windowsill. Make sure it’s kept continuously warm and change the water every few days to avoid mold or stagnation. The cutting should take root in a few weeks. Once the Tulsi plant is established, it needs continuously warm temperatures to thrive. Tulsi is hardy in zones 10 and 11, and can be grown year-round in the very hottest parts of the US that never see a frost. Tulsi plants can withstand extreme heat, but even mild cold can kill them. For the rest of the country, Tulsi can be grown as an annual outdoors, or as a perennial houseplant. Keep a watering schedule (typically about 1 inch per week). Examine the top layer of soil (approximately 2 inches). If the soil is dry, water the plant carefully. Giving too much water can rot the roots. If the leaves turn yellow or brown, you are watering too much. If the leaves are yellowing or browning and/or the roots are rotting, let the soil dry completely, then re-water without saturating the soil. Brown leaves are usually signs of a problem with the plant’s health, possibly overwatering, improper temperature pressure, insufficient light, pests, or diseases. Yellow spots on the leaves may form irregularly, or the whole leaf may be brown or yellow. When grown in poor conditions, Tulsi can be attacked by common insects like mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and sometimes whiteflies. The insects suck the plant sap and its leaves turn brown, and may begin to curl. Inspect both sides of the plant leaves and stems regularly for pests. To treat pests, use organic pesticides or insecticide soaps. You can also use a good quality neem oil on the affected leaves with a few drops of soapy water. Remember to never spray pesticide or oil in the presence of sunlight as it will burn the leaves. Always apply pesticides and insecticides in the evening. Do not spray it regularly and wait at least 21 days before spraying again. Because Tulsi is a perennial, it is best to continuously harvest small amounts of the herb to allow for continued growth. Once the plant reaches about 8 inches in height, use scissors to cut a large leaf or a whole branch according to your needs. When the Tulsi plant reaches about 1 foot in height, you can begin to harvest. Pinch back the growing tips (remove the growing points) to help encourage a bushy plant, which will increase yields. Tulsi plants should be ready to harvest about 40 days after germination and do best with sparse periodic harvests. If harvested gently, by single leaves or branches, a Tulsi plant can continue to produce for several years. Prune the plant regularly, removing dead and affected parts, to help circulation and access to sunlight. Use fresh leaves on the day you harvest because they die quickly. In India, Tulsi bushes can reach 4 to 5 feet tall in the intense summer heat, but indoors or in more temperate climates, they stay small and bushy, growing no bigger than 1 to 2 feet. Contraindications & Toxicity: My pose an increased risk of caffeine toxicity with various medications. Avoid during pregnancy & lactation (may be associated with miscarriage or preterm delivery), in children (developing nervous system more sensitive to effects of caffeine), liver disease, and cardiac arrhythmias. Use caution in anemia (may inhibit iron absorption). May inhibit absorption of drugs and nutrients (eg. Iron & Calcium) due to high tannin content. Increased risk of caffeine toxicity with CYP1A2 substrates, cimetidine, disulfiram, enoxacin, MAOIs, estrogens, OCPs, alcohol, fluconazole, furafylline, isoniazid, ketoconazole, macrolides, and lithium (when abruptly stopped). Amphetamines & nicotine may increase CNS effects. May decrease efficacy of drug, inhibit effects, or reduce bioavailability of boronic acid-based protease inhibitors (e.g. bortezomib), Sunitinib, anti-coagulants (e.g. Warfarin), barbiturates, benzodiazepine, anti-hypertensives, anti-hyperglycemics, and folate. May increase drug levels or bioavailability of immunosuppressives, Sildenafil and statins.   Constituents:  Polyphenols Flavonoids, including epicatechin, epicatechin-3-gallate, epigallocatechin & epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) Amino Acids (Theanine) Xanthine Alkaloids (e.g. caffeine, theobromine & theophylline) Condensed Tannins (proanthocyanidins) Oxalates     Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product. PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use more than recommended by your healthcare professional.  Purchase of this product indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to Spirit Arts & Herbs Terms and Conditions. Many of our products are hand made to order. Once orders are in processing, products are non-cancellable, non-refundable, and not returnable. Shipping times may be up to 3-4 weeks. ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Related