Tulsi

A warming herbal adaptogen for inner harmony and nervous system regulation. It is uplifting to the mind and body and has an affinity for the digestive and circulatory systems.

Tulsi tastes pungent, bitter, and sweet all at the same time. It is an ally that brings a sense of wholeness and harmony to your spirit. It is a nervine sedative that brings an overall sense of relaxation without causing drowsiness, thus, useful throughout the day. As an adaptogen this plant supports stress marked by low cortisol and situational depression. Not for those who have hit burnout and have prolonged elevated cortisol (ashwagandha is for you!).

The person who may find support from tulsi is one who is melancholy and oppressed. For those walking through grief or heartbreak and have low energy and spirit. They may be clinging on to something, unable to let go; have excess thinking without clarity and focus. Physiologically there is a lack of blood going to the brain and digestive systems.

As a strongly warming plant, it supports stagnant digestion marked by bloating, gas, constipation, or nausea after eating. It increases circulation to your gut and helps increase secretions. It is known to be blood sugar regulating and supports metabolism in the liver. Specifically, for diabetes and/or high cholesterol levels.

Tulsi has a specific use for mild fevers with chills or irritation. It helps increase peripheral circulation and relax capillaries to induce a sweat, ultimately getting the fever to disperse. Not for use with a high fever marked by sweats (Yarrow is great here). This herb may not be for you if you run hot, irritable, agitated or spaced out. It may make you feel MORE of these things. A cooling nervine like blue vervain may be more suited for you, which is found in my Come to Shore blend.

Made from fresh, cultivated aerial parts, extracted in alcohol and glycerin.

Pregnancy: It's been said to avoid in pregnancy as it increases circulation to the pelvis/uterus. I have seen some literature around tulsi supporting blood flow to the baby. I have not seen this plant mentioned in any herbal resources that discuss abortifacients or labour inducers. Tulsi is taken in many parts of the world during pregnancy, usually in tea form. Like any medicinal herb, you can become aware of side effects long before they cause serious effects, especially when taking drop doses. It takes extreme high doses of even the strongest herbs to cause serious negative effects on pregnancy. For me this is a yes.

Postpartum: yes

Children: yes, however I find that kids tend to run ‘hot’ and overstimulated or spacey which is not the profile of the person needing Tulsi.

Note: Look up drug-herb interaction if you are on anticoagulants. It may slow blood clotting and is to be avoided pre/post-surgery.