March 17 & 24
5 PM PT / 8 PM ET (90 min class)
Holy basil, also known as tulsi, has held a central place in Ayurvedic medicine and daily life in India for centuries. Revered both culturally and therapeutically, this aromatic plant has traditionally been used to support resilience, balance, and overall vitality. In this two-part course, you will explore holy basil as a foundational herb within Ayurveda, examining both its historical significance and its practical applications in modern wellness contexts.
The course introduces you to the origins of tulsi, its symbolic and cultural roles across different traditions, and the ways it has been incorporated into daily routines, spiritual practices, and herbal preparations. You will also gain a clear, accessible overview of the plant’s phytochemistry and naturally occurring compounds, helping you understand why tulsi is considered such a versatile and widely used herb.
Rather than focusing on isolated remedies, the course presents holy basil as part of a broader herbal framework, emphasizing traditional patterns of use, formulation types, and thoughtful application.
This class is for members of the general public, herbalism students, and nutrition or wellness practitioners seeking a grounded introduction to holy basil within an Ayurvedic and traditional herbal context.
This class is included in our Global Herbalism Academy Foundations Membership. Get access to this class PLUS our over 200+ classes and more for only $47/month!
Or just purchase this class for
$97.00
March 17 & 24
5 PM PT / 8 PM ET (90 min class)
This two-part course offers a structured exploration of holy basil (tulsi) as one of Ayurveda’s most respected and widely used plants. Drawing on traditional knowledge and modern botanical understanding, the course presents tulsi as both a cultural symbol and a practical herbal ally.
You will begin by examining the origins of holy basil and its role in Indian culture, where it has long been associated with daily household use, spiritual practice, and seasonal wellbeing. The course explores how tulsi’s significance extends beyond symbolism into everyday herbal applications that support balance and resilience.
Building on this foundation, the course introduces the phytochemical profile of holy basil, explaining how its naturally occurring compounds contribute to its traditional uses. You will learn how different varieties of tulsi are classified, how they differ in aroma, energetics, and traditional application, and why these distinctions matter when selecting or working with the plant.
The course also reviews the many ways holy basil is traditionally prepared and used, including teas, powders, extracts, and compound formulations. Attention is given to how tulsi is combined with other herbs, how it fits into daily routines, and how it is approached within Ayurvedic dietary and lifestyle frameworks. Rather than prescribing specific protocols, the course emphasizes understanding, context, and informed use.
By the end of the two sessions, you will have a clear, well-rounded understanding of holy basil as a core plant in Ayurvedic herbalism and how it continues to be used thoughtfully in contemporary wellness practices.
What you’ll learn:
The cultural and historical significance of holy basil across traditions
Basic phytochemistry and naturally occurring compounds in tulsi
Key varieties of holy basil and their traditional distinctions
Common traditional applications and patterns of use
An overview of available preparations and formulations
This class is ideal for:
Individuals interested in traditional Ayurvedic herbs
Herbalism and nutritional therapy students
Wellness practitioners seeking foundational plant knowledge
General learners exploring culturally rooted herbal traditions
Anyone wanting a deeper understanding of tulsi beyond surface-level use
Get access to this class PLUS our entire Foundations Library (200+ classes!) for only $47/month. Members also get access to all new Foundations classes taught live every month!