Surround yourself with a sweet and spicy smell this summer: discover the aroma and healing potential of holy basil with Courtney Fincher and Mimi Middleton.

Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) is also referred to as tulasi or tulsi, which translates in Sanskrit to "that which is incomparable." Indeed, anyone who has spent time in a patch Of holy basil plants will testify to its "incomparable" scent--a scent that weaves together the sweet aroma of classic basil with the characteristic scent of spicy clove. This native and deeply revered mint of India has a history of use that dates back over two thousand years; with that kind of track record, Western science has decided to take a closer look at this sacred plant.

Tulsi is mentioned by Acharya Charak in the Charak Samhita, the central teaching of Ayurvedic medicine written at least two thousand years ago. In the Ayurvedic tradition, holy basil is revered as a "rasayana," or an herb that on its own nourishes a person's growth to perfect health and enlightenment. Today, tulsi enjoys its well-deserved reputation as an adaptogen, or herbs thought to balance different bodily processes and assist in the body's response to stress.

Almost every Hindi individual cultivates tulsi in their courtyard or in pots symbolizing the goddess Vrinda Devi, another name for tulasi. Holy basil is also found at Hindu temples. It is believed to protect from misfortune, open the heart and mind, bring serenity, harmony and good health. The religious use of the plant is generally linked with medicinal actions. For instance, holy basil is considered sacred and useful for cleansing. There is a tradition in many Hindu homes to have a bowl of water containing leaves and flowers of tulsi for their guests to wash their hands. Holy basil is known for treating skin conditions and deterring insects, including malaria-carrying mosquitoes. This is an especially helpful practice during the rainy season, when mosquitoes and dengue fever are more common.

In fact, there is now scientific evidence to validate this ritual. A 2005 review of holy basil in the Indian Journal of Physiological Pharmacology indicates that eugenol, the clove-scented active constituent present in holy basil, has been found to be largely responsible for the therapeutic potentials of tulsi. The presence of this compound could explain holy basil's use to deter insects and kill germs. Another study featured in the Indian Journal of Exploratory Biology concludes that "the antibacterial activity combined with anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the oil (eugenol), could make it useful in inflammatory disorders resulting from staphylococcal infections." This is interesting given that holy basil is probably most well known for its use with respiratory conditions and has been trusted for centuries as an effective expectorant.

Holy basil's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory aspects support its well-known use in Ayurvedic medicine as a plant for the skin. And, as expected, holy basil has been known to expedite wound healing. But the impressive antioxidant potential of holy basil hails this herb as more than just skin deep. Many modern-day ailments are derived from some type of oxidative, inflammatory condition, and there have been studies on holy basil with positive results for cardiovascular health, cognitive disorders, impacts of radiation, diabetes and even pain. One particular study published in Phytomedicine reports that the activities of the compound found in holy basil were comparable to ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. This may be in part to holy basil's affinity for the adrenal glands that may help modify the cortical response, an effect that can also be of value in diabetes prevention. Indeed, modern research published in the Journal of Endocrinology suggests that holy basil possesses glucose-balancing and insulin-supportive effects. This also explains the recent emergence of holy basil supplements touted for weight management.

To experience the full sensation of holy basil, try planting some and clipping the leaves just before flowering for use in a lovely tea or as a culinary herb in place of sweet basil. The growing conditions of holy basil are very similar to that of garden basil, and, like the garden variety, holy basil is also a wonderful addition to pesto, dressings, marinades and steamed seafood dishes.

TRY THESE HOLY BASIL RECIPES:

* A juice or infusion of the leaves mixed with honey, ginger and onion juice can be used to treat coughs, bronchitis and children's fevers.

* A juice or infusion of the leaves with powdered cardamom mixed with sugar and milk is a popular remedy to bring down a fever.

* A mix of four parts holy basil with one part black pepper can be used for a fever with stuffiness.

* A honey preparation offers tasty support for issues such as vomiting, skin disorders, or kidney stones. To make an infused honey, simply pour honey over a jar full of fresh or dried holy basil leaves. Cover and let this steep for three weeks, then strain.

* Use powdered leaves in homemade toothpastes and gum powders.

Sources:

Prakash P, Gupta N. Therapeutic uses of ocimum sanctum Inn (tulsi) with a note on eugenol and its pharmacological actions: a short review. Indian Journal of Physiological Pharmacology, 2005, Apr; 49(2): 125-131/ Singh S, Malhotra M, Majumdar DK. Antibacterial activity, of ocimum sanctum 1. fixed oil Indian Journal of Exploratory Biology. 2005 Sept; 43(9): 835-837/ Kelm MA. Nair MG, Strasburg GM, DeWitt DL. Antioxidant and cyclooxygenase inhibitor' phenolic compounds from ocimum sanctum linn. Phytomedicine, 2005 Mar: 7(1): 7-13/Hannah JM, Marenah L, Ali L, Rokeya B, Flatt PR, Abdel-Wahab YH. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&amp:Cmd=Sho wDetailView&TermToSearch=16614387 Ocimum sanctum leaf extracts stimulate insulin secretion from perfused pancreas, isolated islets and clonal pancreatic beta-cells, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed& Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=166114387> J Endocrinol. 2006 Apt; 189(1): 127-36.

Courtney Fincher is an herbalist and licensed massage and bodywork therapist. She is promoting health and sustainability by growing her own food and medicine and is completing a wildcrafting and clinical internship at the Mountain Spirit School of Herbalism. She can be reached at [e-mail] or 828-777-7768.

Mimi Middleton, MS, is the director of the Mountain Spirit School of Herbalism at the NC School of Natural Healing, where her herbal teachings balance scientific understanding with traditional reverence and intuitive awareness. More information about her classes and herbal medicine consultation services can be found at www.ncsnh.com, or she can be reached at [e-mail].