Tulsi - Nature's Gift
In India, the Tulsi herb has been widely known for its health-promoting properties -- for body, mind, and spirit for over 5000 years. Commonly called "sacred" or "holy basil," Tulsi is a principle herb of Ayurveda, India's ancient holistic health system. Ayurveda means "knowledge of life" -- with herbs lying at the very heart of Ayurvedic practice.
Ayurvedic knowledge grew out of the wisdom of ancient rishis (sages) and yogis of India, and initially passed by word of mouth. Apparently, this tradition continued for many generations until the earliest known written texts around 5000 BC. The Rigveda became the first documented scientific record of Ayurveda. Rig means "in verses" and veda means "book of infinite knowledge."
Herbs like Tulsi are at the heart of India's holistic health system. The Rigveda emphasized the importance of herbs for optimal health and well-being. The ancient rishis ensured the integration of Tulsi into daily life by incorporating it into religious rituals. In this way, people at all levels of Indian society routinely consumed Tulsi for health benefits during worship in their temples and homes.
Today, Indians worship Tulsi as a sacred plant. It is a part of Indian households, typically grown in earthen pots in the family home or garden. You already know about many of this herb's amazing health benefits, but here's one that needs additional emphasis...
