Spring is here, and with it comes the tender invitation to grow—softly, steadily, and rooted in peace. As the earth begins to bloom again, I’ve been leaning into one of my favorite herbal allies, tulsi. You may know her as holy basil, but to me, she’s more than a plant. She’s a presence. A gentle hand on the shoulder. A breath of calm when the world is too loud.

 

I first discovered tulsi through community. I was part of a beautiful urban farming group during a spring planting season, and I remember the moment I realized—not all basil is the same. I was just beginning to dig deeper into wellness and plant medicine when I came across tulsi seeds. The more I learned, the more I felt connected. Tulsi wasn’t just an herb—it was a healing energy. One that had been honored for centuries. And as I planted her seeds into the soil, I was planting something new in myself too.

 

A Nervous System Nurturer

In our overstimulated world, it’s easy to forget what it feels like to be truly calm. Tulsi reminds the body how to settle. She gently brings the nervous system down from high alert, making space for us to breathe deeper, sleep more soundly, and move through the day with less tension.

 

If you’re someone who carries stress in your chest, in your gut, or between your shoulders—tulsi is for you. She’s like a warm conversation with someone who just gets it.

The Heart-Rooted Medicine

Tulsi is also considered a sattvic herb, meaning she brings harmony and clarity. When I’m working, mothering, creating, or simply just being—I love how she brings me back to myself. There’s a spiritual softness to her. She doesn’t force anything. She invites. She soothes. She reminds me that peace is still available, even when the world is swirling.

My Favorite Way to Sip

At Nava Living, tulsi stars in a couple of my blends (especially in teas made for emotional support or grounding). She plays beautifully with herbs like rose, lavender, and lemon balm. But even on her own, she shines.

 

Here’s a simple way I love to prepare her when I just need to be:

 

Tulsi + Rose Evening Cup

• 1 tsp dried tulsi
• 1 tsp dried rose petals
• 8–10 oz hot water
  Let steep for 7–10 minutes. Sip slowly. Journal. Or don’t. Just rest.

I also enjoy the blends she makes a presence in, such as Deep Chill & Gut Love.

 

A Gentle Invitation

If you’re moving through a season of transformation—or just learning how to be soft with yourself again—I encourage you to spend time with tulsi. Let her in. Let her teach your body the rhythm of rest again.

Your nervous system will thank you. Your spirit will thank you.

 

And if you ever need a moment to ground—she’ll be right there, holding you.

 

Stay groovy, stay wholesome,