Tulsi or Holy Basil with a Dandelion Root
Health. Herbal medicine and tea
Who doesn’t love a sale?
There is a herb company in Eugene, Oregon called Mountain Rose Herbs. It’s a crunchy type of place, at least it appears that way from their catalog. This placce definitely needs a field trip. In the meantime, the catalog is fascinating with tons of information that I never knew I needed. When ordering, my go to is to look for stuff on clearance, there is always something. This last time it was a big bag of holy basil. It doesn’t matter what holy basil is, it’s on clearance and I like the name.
Yes, I’m a bit of an idiot. Turns out though, holy basil is a bit of a marvel.
Holy basil or tulsi or Ocimum sanctum Linn is an herb used in Ayurveda medicine (medicine practiced in India and Nepal) that has some traditional uses that are being proven with modern research.
Yesterday I was adding it to tea combinations and it turned out to be quite a nice addition to a root tea, which the purpose really was to incorporate dandelion root.
Dandelion root in a minute.
First, holy basil is believed to have various health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety, supporting wound healing, lowering blood sugar, and reducing cholesterol.
Holy basil is not culinary basil (Ocimum basilicum) commonly used in cooking. Holy basil has a peppery taste due to its adaptogenic properties, which help the body cope with stress and promote mental balance.
“There is mounting evidence that tulsi can address physical, chemical, metabolic and psychological stress through a unique combination of pharmacological actions. Tulsi has been found to protect organs and tissues against chemical stress from industrial pollutants and heavy metals, and physical stress from prolonged physical exertion, ischemia, physical restraint and exposure to cold and excessive noise” (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4296439/). That link is helpful for not only what holy basil can do but the cellular mechanisms by which it does them. It is anti microbial and helps the body maintain balance. It is helpful for hyperthyroid conditions, cancer, physical and metabolic stress, the list goes on and on.
Dandelion root is a versatile herb with a rich history of use in traditional medicine and culinary practices. Dandelion root is often used in herbal teas and supplements for its potential health benefits, including supporting blood sugar management, boosting skin, liver, and heart health, and fighting inflammation.
The root is rich in the carbohydrate inulin, a type of soluble fiber that supports the growth and maintenance of healthy gut bacteria in the digestive tract. Dandelion root is also a source of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and polyphenols, which may protect against cell damage and oxidative stress. Additionally, it may have anti-inflammatory properties and could potentially aid in weight management by improving carbohydrate metabolism and reducing fat absorption.
I have yet to eat a dandelion salad but there is no way I’m digging up and eating the root.
Dandelion root is often dried and made into tea, but it can also be consumed whole like other root vegetables. The powder is commonly used to boost digestive system health, enhance the immune system, and promote natural beauty by reducing the appearance of unwanted blemishes and promoting a more youthful, even, and radiant complexion.
Dandelion root is also known for its potential detoxifying effects and support for digestive health. Some studies suggest that it may help prevent liver damage and reduce oxidative stress.
Root tea in this kitchen was a combination of dandelion root, holy basil, cannabis root, ginger root, cannabis, green tea, nettle and spearmint.
Testing it now.
I know Andi likes it.
:)