tulsi, or holy basil

Plants for sale!!! I started these from seed in September. They are now ready for planting. I am trying to sell them to raise money for an environmental organization. $2 - $3 a plant... http://www.amma.org/humanitarian-activities/nature/green-friends.html

So far I have sold some. I am leaving town in a month so will be looking for homes for them.

A close up of a medium sized tulsi plant in my yard, sans flowers. I keep it pinched back so the leaves get bigger.

A fully mature tulsi in a neighbor's garden, with beautiful flowers that bees love.

Tulsi has myriad medicinal uses. I did a little research and have found out more about this amazing plant. Since it is a native plant of India, these references were Indian medical journals and research.

The leaves contain alkaloids, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, glycosides, phenols, saponins, tannins, terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals. The leaves also contain vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese, selenium, chlorophyll, and sodium.

Tulsi has so many health benefits. It is adaptogenic (increases body's resistance to stress), anabolic, analgesic, anti-allergy, anti-asthma, antibacterial, anti-cancer, anticoagulant, anti-depressant, anti-fertility (not good if trying to get pregnant), anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, anti-protozoal, antipryetic (reduces fever), anti-stress, reduces cough, anti-viral, helps in treatment of ulcers, lowers blood pressure, modulates the immune system, repels insects, can protect against radiation, and reduces cholesterol.

It can be used to treat hypertension, many central nervous system symptoms, diabetes, cataracts, helps the gastrointestinal system, helps arthritis and inflammation, helps wounds heal, and helps eczema and psoriasis.

It is considered a safe herb. There are no know contraindications, toxic side effects or documented herb/drug interactions. It may worsen hypoglycemia, although this is not verified. And avoid large doses if trying to conceive.

Other than that, looks like it helps just about every ailment I have come across.

Let me know if you would like a plant. Once established in the ground they thrive in tropical weather.

Read more about this project on my GreenMama blog. tulsi