(you can get organic Tulsi from Etsy) 

I first saw glorious fields of Holy Basil and experienced it live during a visit last Summer to Gaia Herb Farms in North Carolina.  It was something breathtaking.  I felt like there was a field of light surrounding the vast expanses of purplish green plants, and in the 18 months to follow I learned so much about the ways that Holy Basil (also called Tulsi) can be used to take the stress out of life.

Today’s idea for a small lifestyle shift is a cup of Tulsi tea.  

While I’m not a doctor or an herbalist, I have felt my own sense of wonder and love from Tulsi and I’m passing on what I’ve gathered and experienced.  My love of this herb was re-ignited as a ritual when my sister bought a box of Chai Spice blend tea, turned me on to it… and I had to try a cup.  That cup- relaxing, dare I say inspiring (!) and energizing, was the birth of a new ritual and a start of an investigation into Tulsi’s daily benefits.

Organic Facts describes Tulsi as something akin to a magic plant:

“Even going close to a Tulsi plant alone can protect you from many infections. A few leaves dropped in drinking water or foods can purify it and can kill germs within it as well. Even smelling it or keeping it planted in a pot indoors can protect the whole family from infections, coughs, colds and other viral infections.”

Holy basil, which is part of the mint family, otherwise know as Tulsi (translated as, “incomparable one”) is known as a sacred herb, dating back to 1,500 B.C. or roughly 3,000 years ago.   Today, holy basil is known as an Ayurvedic medicine and although it grows in many regions now, was indigenous to India.  (you can learn more HERE)

It grows mostly in tropical regions and is known as an adaptogen herb.  An adaptogen is an herb that helps combat fatigue and stress by working to modulate and balance your hormones. Adaptogens are also know to boost you immune system.

Benefits of Holy Basil have been known to include…

Reducing Fever:

Holy Basil aids in reducing fevers through the oils and phytonutrients in their leaves. Fevers are an indication of infection and holy basil is a disinfectant and has fungicidal properties that fight against infection.

Breathing Better:

Relieves congestion because it contains camphene, eugenol and cineole. It has been know to cure chronic and acute brocnchitis.

Healthier Gums:

Holy basil relieves ulcers in your mouth and is an oral disinfectant, killing more than 99% of the bacteria in your mouth. It can also stop the growth of oral cancer.

Minimizing Stress:

The vitamin C and and antioxidants contained in Holy Basil relieves stress through lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation. . “Potassium also reduces blood pressure-related stress by replacing sodium and loosening the tense blood vessels.”

Protection Against Heart Disease:  According to Organic Facts, “Holy Basil contains vitamin-C and other antioxidants such as eugenol, which protect the heart from the harmful effects of free radicals. Additionally, eugenol is very beneficial in reducing the cholesterol levels within the blood.”

How do you take Tulsi? 

You’ll want to always ask your doctor before starting any course of herbs, supplements or any new regimes, especially if you’re pregnant, want to get pregnant,  have a serious health condition or a sensitive system.

Livestrong published this about taking tulsi for depression and stress: “According to the University of Michigan Health System, standard dosage generally involves 1,000 to 2,500mg of dried, powdered holy basil leaves per day. Doses may be taken once daily or divided into smaller amounts throughout the day.”

Dr. Axe recommends taking it in supplement form or drinking one cup of Holy Basil (tulsi) tea per day.

You can buy tulsi tea HERE at Mountain Rose Herbs (an amazing resource for herbs & oils!) or at local health food groceries stores in awesome blends.   A cup really makes a huge difference: it’s both calming, energizing and, I find, it strengthens my energy in ways I can’t describe… but I love!

If you’re bold and into gardening, you can also try to cultivate your own fields of enchanted purplish plants!  HERE is a great guide to growing your own Holy Basil. 

Enjoy every ritual that brings you peace in your mind, space in your body and a feeling of being at home in your life!!!

That’s what this New Year Countdown is all about!  On the blog… and Instagram… 28 more days of feng shui, daily(!!!),  to set up the best New Year ever in simple ways and… then… The Catalyst Camp is coming for the New Year to open up your life to the new like never before! It’s 8 weeks of de-cluttering, letting things go any lightening up life in radical ways.  You can sign up HERE to start the free 3-video series & revolutionize your clutter clearing.  The videos are only up for a short time, but they can be a big catalyst to major changes in your 2017!

Wishing you so much fun making room for the new and amazing!!!

xoxo Dana

 

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And, if you want to dive in to your own personalized feng shui in a modern, practical way, Say hello to Feng Shui 101.  Its the guide I made for you to create your own personalized feng shui at home, in the office, wherever you may be… in 8 weeks.  It’s not filled with strict rules or what you “must” do.  Its filled with information, questions, exercises and even videos and classes to help you confidently create amazing spaces with killer feng shui and live with more flow.   Learn more about the 8-week feng shui adventure & grab your copy to get started right HERE…   And, as always, please let me know what happens!