Ayurveda

Chai tea has become quite common in the US in recent years. While it is still considered a bit of a newcomer here, it has been a staple in India for many generations. Like many traditions, the change from one culture to another is not always smooth. The current view of chai in the US, especially in coffee shops, seems to be a sweet and creamy drink with a few spices thrown in for a mild flavor. It can be served hot or cold. This is very different from its intended use in India. Another difference I have noticed is […] See More

Thoughts on a cold, wet, snowy evening while sitting by our wood stove... Thorough and complete digestion is a foundation to good health in many traditional systems of healthcare, both East and West. While the entire digestive process is quite complex, I want to focus on one key aspect in this article. One of the primary jobs of the digestive system is to take food from the outside world and transform it in a way that our bodies can absorb and benefit from the nutrients. The idea of transformation has long fascinated me. Anyone who has spent time around a […] See More

Stress and its effect on the nervous system was the topic of the day in a recent herb class. One of the areas we focused on was the hidden sources of stress in our daily lives; stressful experiences that have been normalized in our modern routine. Included below are some notes from the class. Sources of Stress Time Our view of time as a culture is one of the primary sources of stress. Cultures that are not tied to a clock or daily calendar are much more relaxed. Clock and calendar time are human inventions and not always helpful. Organic […] See More

Common Name: Tulsi, Holy Basil There are different varieties and chemotypes of Tulsi. A chemotype is a species of plant that changes chemistry and therapeutic actions depending on where it is grown.  This can be due to soil, elevation or climate. Besides the herb of Tulsi, some essential oil plants such as Rosemary and Basil have chemotypes. To make this even more involved, the chemistry of Tulsi changes during its growth cycle - before and after flowering - which can affect its therapeutic actions. Other common names for Tulsi varieties include Rama, Krishna, Vana and Kapoor. There is much regional […] See More

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum, Lamiaceae, also known as Holy Basil) is one of the most revered medical and spiritual plants in India and is becoming increasingly popular in this country. The use of Tulsi as an essential oil is less known. However it is one of my favorite oils and it makes a valuable addition to any home pharmacy or healing practice. Extraction: Traditionally, much of the tulsi on the market has been grown in India. In recent years, more growers in the US are have joined in. It is not considered a difficult plant to cultivate. It is often grown […] See More