Holy basil nature’s anti-anxiety, stress-busting herb
By Natasha Haesen, RHN
In Ayurveda medicinal teachings many herbs are used to support the body and maintain what is known as homeostasis, the body’s natural state of steady internal conditions maintained by living systems. One potent herb used in ayurveda is tulsi, more commonly known as holy basil. It is an aromatic shrub in the basil family Lamiaceae, which is considered to originate from the north central region of India. Tulsi has tremendous medicinal properties and currently grows throughout the eastern world tropics, but can be successfully grown in your own backyard, like regular basil, and enjoyed as a tea.
Tulsi is known for its adaptogenic properties. Although adaptogens are not commonly heard of in western medicine, eastern medicine makes wide use of herbs like tulsi to help with the adaptation to stress and the promotion of homeostasis. Western science has revealed that tulsi does actually possess many pharmacological actions that fulfill the purpose of adaptation to stressors. So, what does this really mean? What is it that tulsi is able to do for the human body and its overall wellness?
In eastern medicine tulsi is considered a hot and bitter herb that penetrates the deep tissues, dry tissue secretions and normalizes kapha and vata – Ayurveda doshas (life force). The pharmacological properties of tulsi are wide, from detoxification, increased energy, internal heat for those who suffer from dampness and in this regard helping digestion, and also stress support. It’s no wonder that tulsi has been called holy basil in the eastern medicinal practices.
In eastern medicine, tulsi is often considered a spiritual herb because of how beneficial it is to the human body. Daily consumption of tulsi is considered a disease preventative, promoting general health and well being. It is more commonly known for its ability to help mediate stress by working with the endocrine system (hormones), and primarily the adrenal glands to modulate (or adapt) to stress. By helping the body adapt better to stress, tulsi has become known for its ability to be a natural anti-anxiety herb. When the adrenal glands under preform or over preform, tulsi will help modulate our stress hormones and work to help keep us in the very healthful state of homeostasis.
This is so important for everyone in this fast-paced, toxin-laden world. Tulsi can help detoxify and support the liver and kidneys. It helps the adrenal glands by modulating the secretion of cortisol, epinephrine and nor-epinephrine. Cortisol is our primary stress hormone, and though it is important to keep us alert and safe, excess secretion of cortisol is a problem. Epinephrine and nor-epinephrine are our adrenaline hormones, they move us from a state of rest and relaxation to fight or flight. When we are constantly in a world that is stressful, an herb like tulsi can be one tool in our arsenal to help us stay calm, collected and in control while also helping our body in a myriad of other ways.
Natasha Haesen is a practicing Registered Holistic Nutritionist who lives in Beaverton, Ontario. She specializes in gut wellness, detoxification and digestive education. She also develops all-natural products and sells them at various healing Fairs and markets throughout Ontario. You can find her at www.lifeforcenutritioncanada.com
Photo credit: © vm2002 via Canva.com
