Article Taken from: ORGANIC INDIA AUSTRALIA

Tulsi, also called Holy Basil, is one of the most sacred plants in India and is considered “The Queen of the Herbs” for its restorative and spiritual properties.

Tulsi (also spelled Tulasi or Thulasi) has been used for thousands of years to support a healthy response to stress, natural detoxification, increase stamina, endurance and energy and restore balance and harmony. Our Tulsi teas are not only delicious and organic, they are nature’s perfect rejuvenate.

What is Tulsi?

Modern research has classified Tulsi as an adaptogenic herb.

Adaptogens have been shown to support the body’s healthy reactions to stress. Adaptogenic herbs have been used in the Ayurvedic tradition for thousands of years to promote and maintain wellness. In fact, many adaptogenic herbs have been referred to by herbalists as rejuvenative herbs, qi tonic herbs, rasayanas or restorative herbs. They help the body adapt to environmental, physical and emotional stressors, support normal functions and restore balance.

Tulsi's Three Varieties

There are said to be 108 varieties of Tulsi-Holy Basil. Each variety of Tulsi has a slightly different look, taste and smell and when combined, create a perfectly balanced herbal infusion with an array of health benefits. We use the 3 varieties with the most potent in adaptogenic quality, rich in antioxidants and immune stimulating.

• Rama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
• Vana Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum)
• Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum).

Tulsi's History

For more than 5,000 years, Tulsi (also known as Holy Basil) has been revered as one of the most sacred herbs in India, infused with restorative power. Hindus view Tulsi as a goddess ( a manifestation of Lakshmi) in the form of a plant bestowed with great spiritual powers. According to legend, no amount of gold could outweigh Krishna’s power, but a single Tulsi leaf placed on the pan in loving devotion tilted that scale. In India today, Tulsi is still traditionally grown in an earthenware pot in every family home or garden and the leaves are used to make a delicious and refreshing tea.

As Tulsi traveled west along the early trade routes from the Orient to Europe, it became known to the Christians as “sacred” or “holy” basil as is reflected in its Latin botanical name, Ocimum sanctum. They hailed Tulsi as “The King of Herbs” instead of as a queen, and Holy Basil became routinely included in legends, offerings and worship rituals and was looked on by many as a gift of Christ.