BACK HOME & REFLECTIONS & TULSI

Back Home and Reflecting on a Wonderful Summer!
I’m finally back home after a whirlwind of a summer! It’s been such a joy visiting friends and family across Europe and the US. Our adventures took us from the comforting familiarity of home to extended stays in upstate NY and Boston, filled with everything from babysitting to exploring nature and delving into museums in Cambridge and Boston.
Upon our return from Europe, we were welcomed by a sea of Tulsi and Echinacea in our garden. I’ve never seen so much Tulsi before! While I’m excited about brewing teas, I have to admit I only enjoy Tulsi tea with honey. My favorite way to use Tulsi, however, is by adding its leaves and blossoms to my homegrown heirloom tomatoes and lettuce. I’m also experimenting with making tinctures and freezing the leaves in oil to preserve their aroma for winter stews and soups. The possibilities are endless! Tulsi now finds its way into almost every meal and salad. 😊
Here’s a bit more about Tulsi, also known as Sacred Holy Basil or Ocimum sanctum, often referred to as the Mother of Medicine. This ancient herb, revered in Ayurvedic practices and Eastern and Western herbology, has been used for centuries in sacred rituals and for its therapeutic benefits. Tulsi’s different species can vary depending on climate, nourishment, and soil conditions.
Tulsi is rich in Sattva, which imparts lightness and spiritual clarity. It’s excellent for alleviating the discomfort of fevers, coughs, and colds. By increasing lung capacity and clearing dampness and toxic Ama, Tulsi supports overall vitality. Its aromatic pungency boosts appetite and aids digestion by promoting the smooth movement of Vata through the intestines. The herb’s chemical and nutritional profile includes alkaloids, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, glycosides, phenols, saponins, tannins, and terpenes. Notably, its key pharmacological components—eugenol, methyleugenol, carvacrol, and limatrol—provide uplifting energy without caffeine. Tulsi is also a valuable nutritional supplement, offering Vitamin A, Vitamin C, minerals, flavonoids, and fatty acids.
There’s so much more to explore about Tulsi, but I mainly adore its aromatic and harmonizing benefits. Last night, I enjoyed another delicious salad made entirely from my garden’s bounty!
Wishing you a wonderful end of your summer. I’ll be in touch again soon!
Much Love, Hannelore

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Fresh from the garden with Balsamico and oil. :)