Stress-Relief Help for the Winter

Note: These articles are not meant as a substitute for proper medical advice. Please consult with your medical practitioner before using any type of remedy, herbal or otherwise.

The winter can be a stressful time for many, from traveling to hosting and cooking for holiday get togethers to fewer sunlight hours.  During this time of the year, it’s important to remember to slow down, give thanks, and breathe deeply.  However, if you find your heart beating fast, your mind never ceasing to wander, or not being able to fall asleep at night, have you considered giving tulsi a try?

In some religions, tulsi is considered a sacred plant (hence it’s other name, holy basil). In Ayurveda, tulsi is considered the “elixir of life” and is used to treat a number of different ailments. It is considered to calm Kapha and Vata doshas, but may slightly increase the Pitta dosha. It is a good source of vitamin K, and the scent is a useful repellent of mosquitos and flies.

Tulsi has a light lemon-mint scent and pretty purple-pink flowers.  Tulsi is an adaptogen, which means it increases our ability to resist the effects of stress on our bodies and help restore our bodies to normal functioning by regulating the adrenal stress response.  Adaptogens also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that help protect cells from damage.  Adaptogens are generally non-toxic, even with prolonged use. Tulsi has a relaxing, calming, and soothing quality, which makes it a great tea to sip on during the winter season.

Tulsi can be grown in Vermont, usually as an annual, but if taken care of, it can turn into a bushy perennial.  It is sensitive to heat variation and tough weather conditions, and it likes to be grown in nutrient rich soil in full sun and likes to be watered often. It works well as a companion plant for tomatoes (may help the tomato plant produce more fruit) and potatoes (may help to keep potato beetles away).  To encourage more branching, snip back the sprouting tops. Leaves and flowers can be harvested throughout the growing season and used fresh, or dried for future use.

If you would prefer to purchase dried tulsi, we carry it as a tea in our Bulk Department, and you can find some packaged tulsi teas in Aisle 1 as well. Prepare a cup, sip slowly, and enjoy!