Nov 18 • Herbal Haven
More Ways to Work with Tulsi
Recipes, Medicine Making & Plant Wisdom
Now that we've introduced our November Herb of the Month, let's dive deeper into the wonderful world of Tulsi! I'm excited to share more recipes, some fascinating plant facts, and how you can make your own herbal medicines with this sacred herb.
Understanding How Tulsi Works Tulsi is what we call an adaptogen—a special class of herbs that help your body adapt to stress and find balance. The magic happens through compounds called eugenol, rosmarinic acid, and ursolic acid. These work together to:
- Lower cortisol (your stress hormone)
- Support healthy inflammation response
- Protect your cells from oxidative stress
- Help regulate blood sugar naturally
- Support your immune system's natural defenses
What's really beautiful about Tulsi is that it's both calming AND energizing—it won't make you drowsy like some relaxing herbs, but instead helps you feel centered and clear.
More Delicious Tulsi Recipes
Golden Tulsi Latte
- 1 cup plant milk of choice
- 1 tsp dried tulsi (or 2 tsp fresh)
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of black pepper
- Honey to taste
Simmer all ingredients for 5 minutes, strain, and enjoy this warming, anti-inflammatory treat.
Tulsi Honey Syrup (perfect for coughs)
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup dried tulsi
- ½ cup raw honey
Simmer tulsi in water for 15 minutes, strain, then stir in honey while warm. Take 1-2 teaspoons as needed for throat comfort.
Refreshing Tulsi Iced Tea
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup dried tulsi
- 2 tbsp fresh mint
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Stevia or honey to taste
Steep herbs in hot water for 20 minutes, strain, add lemon and sweetener, then chill. Perfect for hot days!
Making Your Own Tulsi Tincture Want to make your own concentrated Tulsi medicine? Here's how:
Fresh Plant Tincture (1:2 ratio)
- Fill a jar ⅔ full with fresh tulsi leaves and flowers
- Cover completely with 95% alcohol (like Everclear)
- Label with date and herb
- Shake daily for 4-6 weeks
- Strain and store in dark bottles
Dried Plant Tincture (1:5 ratio)
- 1 part dried tulsi to 5 parts liquid (60% alcohol/40% water)
- Combine in jar, shake daily for 2-4 weeks
- Strain and bottle
Dosage: 30-60 drops, 2-3 times daily
Fascinating Tulsi Facts
- There are three main varieties: Rama (green), Krishna (purple), and Vana (wild forest tulsi)
- In India, it's traditional to water tulsi plants every morning and evening
- The plant can live for several years and gets more potent with age
- Tulsi leaves contain natural compounds that can help purify the air
- It's one of the few herbs considered both a medicine and a spiritual practice
Harvesting Tips If you're growing your own tulsi:
- Harvest in the morning after dew dries
- Cut stems just above a leaf node to encourage new growth
- The flowers are especially potent—don't remove them all if you want seeds
- Dry in small bundles hung upside down in a warm, airy space
Different Ways to Use Your Tulsi
- Morning ritual: Start your day with tulsi tea for calm energy
- Stress support: Keep a tulsi tincture at your desk for stressful moments
- Respiratory support: Steam with tulsi leaves when you feel congested
- Meditation aid: Hold dried tulsi while meditating—it's traditionally used to enhance spiritual practice
- Cooking: Add fresh leaves to soups, curries, or salads
Have you tried making your own herbal medicines before? What's your favorite way to use tulsi? I'd love to hear about your experiences and answer any questions about working with this amazing plant!
Next week, I'll share how to create a tulsi-based chest rub for respiratory support—perfect timing for cold season! 🌿✨
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More Ways to Work with Tulsi
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