Holy Basil

Ocimum sanctum

Traditionally known as tulsi by Indian Ayurvedic practitioners, Holy Basil has many medicinal properties. It seems that it’s main use has been to treat respiratory disorders as it is a very effective expectorant and remedy for bronchitis, asthma, flu, cough and cold.

Holy Basil is specific for many types of fever. During the rainy season when malaria and dengue fever are prevalent the tender leaves boiled with tea help prevent these diseases. In cases of acute fever the leaves boiled with other herbs are used to bring the fever down. This is a very safe and effective treatment for children.

In more recent times Holy Basil has been used for the relief of stress as it is also a potent adaptogen and treatment for emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression as they can be brought on or aggravated by stress. *note: if you’re taking antidepressants consult with your health care practitioner before stopping your medication in favor of herbal remedies.

Holy Basil is beneficial in treating heart disorders and in lowering blood cholesterol. It is also a blood purifier which helps strengthen all internal organs and protect against common ailments.

The time tested uses listed and many more are very useful in rural areas where there is little health care, but the popularity of these alternative therapies are gaining popularity in the cities also where medical care is out of reach of the indigent, and allergies to standard medical treatments are growing more prevelant.

Mullein

MULLEIN: Latin Name: Verbascum thapsus
Mullein has numerous alternate names including Velvet Dock, Witch's Candle, Hags Taper, Jupiter's Staff, Our Lady's Flannel, Beggar's Blanket, Candlewick, Girl Scouts Toilet Paper, Lungwort.

Though some of them may be a bit humorous, they are very descriptive of the many uses for mullein.

Medicinally, mullein leaves are used primarily for sinus infections, asthma, hay fever and other respiratory ailments. Some people praise it as a remedy for chronic hay fever and sinusitis that lead to bronchitis, and say they have successfully replaced their prescription medications with it.

Flowers can be infused in oil with garlic for a topical treatment of ear infections. Oil infused with mullein flowers has been used for treatment of frostbite, ringworm, hemorrhoids, and bruises.

When using the leaves as a tea be sure to strain it through a very fine filter as the tiny hairs on the leaves can be irritating to the throat.

As with any herbal remedy, be sure to contact your health practitioner before adding mullein to any prescription regimen.

Hyssop

Though not widely used by the herbalist community, hyssop's antispasmodic action makes it an excellent herb to treat asthma, cough and bronchitis. It can be used as a gargle for sore throat, or in a bath for rheumatism or made into a salve for a chest rub to relieve congestion.

It can be blended with herbs more commonly used to treat colds, such as echinacea, elder flowers, mullein or yarrow to make these herbs more effective.