Holy Basil! Conscious Health Choices in Communal Living

Vanita on the “Goddess Among Plants” in Communal Living

While most of my gardening happens in Priya Living’s communal garden, I also keep several indoor gardens going all year long. In autumn, you’ll find me tending to my herbs.

I love my herbs. So do my neighbors! But one herb box seems to get the most use out of all of the plants I grow. And that’s the one reserved for my all-time favorite perennial: tulsi, also known as holy basil.

My grandmother used to call tulsi a “goddess among plants.” When I was growing up, my family often used tulsi in religious ceremonies. I’ve always loved its fresh, minty aroma and I still feel protected by this sacred plant with its tiny lavender flowers when I grow it around the house.

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) isn’t like the basil we sprinkle onto pasta and pizza. It’s a medicinal herb from India and Southeast Asia that has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine.

There are many reasons why my tulsi is so popular here at Priya. Here are just some of its incredible uses, and how you can incorporate into your conscious choices to stay healthy. Getting older means continually learning new ways to do so.

The Healing Powers of Tulsi

In India, tulsi has been used as a treatment for various health conditions like headaches, digestive issues, sore throat, ringworm and much more. Mounting evidence suggests that it can also help relieve physical and psychological stress, and that it has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and adaptogenic properties.

Tulsi as a Delicious Treat

I love using tulsi in the kitchen. On chilly nights, I make a steaming pot of tea with a generous pinch of fresh or dried leaves. This has become a comforting post-dinner ritual that I love to celebrate with my neighbors. In the summertime, I add tulsi to the juicer along with pineapple for a fresh drink to sip with friends by the poolside. I also like to add it to all kinds of salads and soups for an extra little kick. And sometimes I’ll even chew on a leaf or two instead of chewing gum: yes, it’s that delicious!

Tulsi as a Mood-Lifter

Tulsi has been scientifically proven to lower stress and anxiety in the long term. It elevates your mood, improves stamina and helps with relaxation. Just having tulsi in the house, with its soothing scent wafting through the rooms, makes me happy! Beyond that, the plant absorbs harmful gasses to literally cleanse the air. I sometimes add a handful of tulsi leaves to my bath for a nice, relaxing detox at the end of the day. The sense of calm is immediate!

Are you interested in communal living? Get in touch to find out more about our community gardens, communal meals, and unique programming.