Tulsi Basil: An Herbal Ally for Our Times

Episode 34: Tulsi is a beautiful aromatic plant with strong medicinal qualities. In this interview with organic farmer Alena Steen of Night Heron Farm we learn how to propagate, grow, harvest, and utilize this lovely and revered plant.

Tulsi is native to India where it is known as Holy Basil. Tulsi is an adaptogen- a plant medicine that helps us with stressors of all kinds.

In this episode Alena shares her favorite ways to use Tulsi in tea, tinctures, herbal honey, and skin care. We learn about annual and perennial Tulsi, how to harvest and dry the leaves and flowers, and why Tulsi is an excellent ally for our times. We also talk about why Tulsi is Alena’s number one herb to grow for beginning gardeners.

Alena Steen grew up in the deciduous jungles of the Southeast US and has spent the last decade as an organic farmer and  native plant gardener. Alena and her partner Danny grow herbs and flowers at Night Heron Farm where they run an Herbal and Flower CSA.

​Alena and Danny believe that growing and producing local medicine is their way to contribute to a more just and  sustainable world, where healthcare is centered first within ourselves. They hope through their work to connect folks more firmly to the magic of plants.

Learn more at NightHeronFarm.org. 

Note: Before consuming herbs, especially on a regular basis, be sure to research or talk to your doctor and make sure that the herb is safe for you. Tulsi may be contraindicated if you have low blood sugar or are on blood-thinning medications.