| Tchai-Ovna is known primarily as a specialist in loose leaf varieties and blends made from the tea plant (camellia sinensis). However, we also stock a fine selection of other loose herbs and herbal blends, which not only make for tasty cuppas, but also offer a wide range of health benefits. One of the most fascinating herbal brews in our selection is tulsi, or holy basil (Ocimum sanctum). |
| Tulsi, a revered member of the mint family, originates from the Indian subcontinent and holds immense cultural significance. For over 5,000 years, it has been valued in religious and spiritual contexts, earning poetic nicknames like “The Incomparable One,” “Mother Medicine of Nature,” and “The Queen of Herbs.” Beyond its spiritual legacy, tulsi is widely cherished for its health benefits and has been a cornerstone of herbal healing in the ancient Ayurvedic tradition, a medicinal system still widely practiced in India and beyond. Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to health, emphasizing prevention through balanced living and herbal remedies. Central to Ayurvedic practice is the maintenance of “doshas”—comparable to the Humours in historical Western medicine—which must remain in harmony for optimal health. Adaptogenic herbal remedies, such as tulsi, play a key role in this balance, helping the body withstand daily stressors while supporting overall health benefits. |
| Tulsi is one of the most highly regarded adaptogenic herbs, with a wealth of attributed health benefits. It is said to nurture the body, mind, and spirit, fostering clarity and relaxation—much like the practice of yoga. Its restorative properties extend beyond relaxation, with emerging clinical studies suggesting that tulsi may enhance endurance, support wound healing, lower blood sugar and cholesterol, and ease inflammation. Additionally, it has been linked to protection against toxins like heavy metals and pesticides, while also promoting better dental health. Add in its reputed ability to repair damaged cells and slow the growth of cancerous tumours, and you can see why tulsi has earned such a swanky selection of sobriquets. Incomparable indeed! |