Spirit Food – Basil

BASIL

Origin

Basil known as Holy Basil or Tulsi is a sacred plant with strong roots in India. It is worshipped in the morning and evening by Hindus all over the world. It is associated with Vishnu and Krishna and is used as a prime herb in their ayurvedic system of healthcare. In Sanskrit “Tulsi” means “the incomparable one”. It is believed the plant is an incarnation of  Lakshmi, the Hindu God Vishnu

Physical

Basil really is a super herb in the herb family. Its healing properties are exceptional. Consuming 12 basil leaves twice a day will prevent stress due to the adaptogens and de-stressors present in basil. The leaves serve as a natural nerve tonic. Basil is believed to stimulate the neurotransmitters responsible for our happiness and energy. It is also a great way to sharpen the memory and increase alertness.

It has been used over time to aid digestion and it has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe arthritis.

Basil has long been associated with detoxing the body. Regular consumption may help prevent the fat build up around your liver which can promote a healthy metabolism.

In ayurvedic medicine, basil is used to treat fever, colds, coughs and sore throats. In other cases, basil juice combined with honey, if taken regularly for 6 months will expel kidney stones from the urinary tract.

Spiritual

It is one of the few herbs that is known to bring all oil the chakras into balance. Holy Basil assists in purifying the mind and body.

It is said that the Tulsi plant is an incarnation of the Goddess Laksmi and chanting with the beads of the plant can bring stability to a household. Chanting with these beads has been known to strengthen the mind and increase willpower.

Work with basil to bring balance and connection between the mind, body and spirit. It is especially good to calm down chaotic energies within your space.

Connect with the plant

Take a basil bath to clear bad habits and negative energy. Mix together basil, rosemary and eucalyptus into some Epsom salts. Light two black candles at each side of the tub. Put 1/4 cup of the salt mixture into a bucket of warm water and pour over your head allowing it to drip to your feet.

Get a Tulsi mala, these rosary beads are used in Hinduism and Buddhism. These people chant and meditate with Tulsi mala to evoke the divine force for increasing greater spiritual connection and the purifying of the soul. Leaving the people with a healthily balanced aura.

Keep a basil plant in your house to bring good fortune and nibble a few leaves each and every day.