If you happen to live in India, you are likely to keep a potted version of this herb on a sunny windowsill somewhere in your home. That's because HOLY BASIL is considered to be a sacred plant with both physical and spiritual healing qualities. It's also known as TULSI which in Hindu means “the incomparable one"…quite a testimony to its properties!
I'm happy to begin this medicinal plant series with a card from Adriana Ayales' oracle deck depicting the unique species of the Basil family, Ocimum tenuiflorum.
I would guess that most of us live on the other side of the world from where this plant is most celebrated, but Holy Basil has in recent decades become quite popular in the US and other western countries. It can be found on the shelves of natural product stores among those herbs that help reduce stress and anxiety. You're likely to notice it sitting close to its neighbor, Ashwagandha as both are known to promote healthy adrenal function. A cup of Tulsi tea in the morning can also assist with mental clarity, increased energy levels, blood sugar regulation, and maintaining an optimal immune system.
Since this herb is native to a warm, moist climate, and I live in the mountains of north central Arizona, I was surprised when last spring I noticed a small starter seedling of Holy Basil at my local nursery. I quickly snatched up such a rare find and planted it next to the Rosemary in my herb garden. It thrived so well that I was able to tincture it at the end of the season. As you can see, I’ve got a supply that will support my family's physical health for quite some time.
I realize now, that Tulsi called to me from a higher dimension as well, so I set out on a plant spirit journey to see if the spirit of this sacred herb had anything special to tell us.
With gentle drumming music in the background, I settled into the deeply relaxed, theta state that is conducive to this kind of meditation. Since I've already worked with Tulsi by planting and tincturing it, there was a joyful sense of reunion as I was recognized and welcomed by one of my personal plant allies. It was then easy to ask the plant spirit for any wisdom that I could share. I was told that because Holy Basil has been revered as a sacred plant for centuries, it serves as a reminder to revive and maintain ancient traditions. I didn't get a specific answer as to what these were, but I think we can all figure how that would apply to our own individual lives.
I was also guided to advise anyone willing to listen that they envision themselves traveling up to the stars and then looking down to the earth, making and keeping a connection between the earth and the heavens.
The last message was that those reading my words are likely to "see" and hear more about this herb now that they have an increased awareness of it. Tulsi wants to be planted, appreciated and used for all the benefits it offers, both physical and spiritual.
In the oracle deck guide book Ayales writes that Holy Basil is regarded in Ayuvedic medicine as a "rasayana," a master plant celebrated for its ability to promote longevity and rejuvenation. In Hindu mythology, the Tulsi plant is connected to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and abundance.
This brings me back to what the spirit of the plant suggests about looking to the upper realms while at the same time dealing with earthly matters and keeping your feet rooted to the ground. This bit of wisdom comes to us along with a caution to accept the new, modern ways while still remembering to honor and practice the old ones.
For those seeking reputable sources of all forms of this Holy Basil / Tulsi, here is a good place to start: https://mountainroseherbs.com/search-results-page?q=holy%20basil
As always, thanks for letting me share my thoughts and journey with you. If you are interested in booking a personal session, you can do this here:
You can also contact me via email at: my.plant.allies@gmail.com
For now, here's wishing you wellness, wisdom and bloomin' vibes!
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