Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Holy Basil, Bat Man!

Wedge Worldwide's Organic Auyervedic Shanti Tea has already developed a following from our customers across the country. The main ingredient is Holy Basil, known as Ocimum sanctum in Latin, or as Tulsi in Ayurvedic medicine (an ancient system of natural health care native to India). Holy Basil is a well-known sacred plant in India that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. In fact the Tulsi plant is an important religious symbol in the Hindi tradition. One legend states that this plant was originally the nymph, Tulasi, who was loved and revered by the Indian god, Krishna. To this day many Indian women begin their day by offering blessed water to their Tulsi plants in order to bring blessings from this goddess into their homes. These plants are usually found in Hindu households and temples and the Holy Basil leaves are used in worship practices. The woody stems of the plant are made into prayer beads for rosaries used in the Hindu tradition.

Tulsi has been called “The Incomparable One,” the “Queen of Herbs,” and “The Elixir of Life” for good reason. It has an impressive array of health benefits that westerners and modern scientific research have recently become aware of. Holy Basil is perhaps best known for its ability to regulate and protect the body from stress. This herb supports normal cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that can become elevated when we are continually stressed. This can cause our body to lose it's balance, making it difficult to return to a place of physical and psychological health. Research has shown that Tulsi can aid in returning stressed physiological systems to a normal state. The additional actions of Tulsi are numerous, and I will only mention a few more of them here. Holy Basil improves energy levels, stamina and endurance, it offers significant antioxidant protection and helps the body to protect itself from disease, it boosts the immune system, is anti-inflammatory and gives heart and vascular support which aids in lowering dangerous cholesterol and high blood pressure. It also has been said to be helpful in moderating blood glucose levels in diabetics. This herb falls under the category of an adaptogen, which is a nontoxic herb that helps the body defend itself from stress. Adaptogens have a regulating influence on the body, have the ability to balance the adrenals, the endocrine hormones, the immune system and support the body in maintaining overall homeostasis.*


Organic Auyervedic Shanti Tea is not only good for you, it's a delightful treat for the taste buds. The flavor is mild and pleasant, yet it has an invigorating, herby, spicy aroma and taste. This mildly sweet and cooling blend also contains fennel, orange peel and spearmint. Luckily our Shanti Tea comes in one pound bags so you'll have plenty of nurturing, beautiful cups of tea to look forward to.

Perhaps some of the most compelling aspects of the lore surrounding the sacred Holy Basil plant are that it is not only known for being able to elevate the spirit, it also has been said to assist in balancing the energetic systems of the body and soul known as the chakras. It is reported as being conducive to meditation and in the Ayurvedic tradition has been noted as an herb that helps one to attain enlightenment. For myself, Tulsi is an herb that I have enjoyed for many years and continue to be impressed by. I have noted its calming properties when I have taken it over a period of time and I've been interested in its ability to help me feel a greater sense of openness, peace and interconnection. The Bulk Organic Auyervedic Shanti Tea is is a wonderful way to get to know this special herb and be uplifted by its spiritual and healing powers.


*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product and these statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.