Plant Spirt Medicine

Tulsi, also known as Sacred Basil, Holy Basil or in latin Ocimum sanctum,  is one plant that I use in my daily life and in my practice for many reasons and is one of the few non-native or naturalized plants that I use. It does grow quite nicely in upstate New York , but must be brought in when Fall comes, or the seeds saved for the next season.  I was introduced to Tulsi several years ago when I was in class taught by Kate Gilday on the use of Ayurveda as a healing modality and I fell in love with the taste and smell of Tulsi immediately. I had used Italian or Sweet Basil for years, but had never heard of Sacred Basil. Kate had it growing in her garden and so I tried growing it my self and have been very successful. It is an annual so I save my seeds from year to year and start it indoors each Spring as it is not particularly fond of cold or frost.