Are you wondering what is the sweet-smelling herb in the baggie in your CSA share? It is Tulsi, also known as holy basil. Boil water and steep this herb in the hot water for 5-10 minutes. It makes a refreshing and calming hot or iced tea.
The properties of Tulsi or Holy Basil: diaphoretic, febrifuge, nervine, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antiseptic.
Next to the Lotus, Basil is perhaps the most sacred plant of India. It’s quality is pure Sattva. Basil opens the heart an dmind, bestowing the energy of love and devotion (bhakti)…Basil gives the protection of the divine by clearing the aura and strengthening the immune system.
Basil is an effective diaphoretic and febrifuge in most colds, flus and lung problems. Basil may be taken as a beverage with honey for promoting clarity of mind. The fresh leaf juice is used externally for fungal infections on the skin.
Taken from: The Yoga of Herbs An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad