As a science of life and world’s oldest medicine system, Ayurveda has a comprehensive approach to health and diseases. It focuses on preserving and promoting good health through healthy lifestyle practices. Ayurvedic use of culinary and medicinal herbs relies on India’s amazing biodiversity. Even with this amazing biodiversity and all of the herbs used no herb can be compared to “Tulsi” or “Holy Basil”.
| Name | Tulsi |
| Botanical Name | Ocimum sanctum |
| Other Names | Holy Basil in English |
| Health Benefits of Tulsi | There are numerous benefits of Tulsi :- 1. Helps in Infections 2. Helps in Fever and Cold 3. Helps in Respiratory Problems 4. Helps in Diabetes 5. Good for Heart |
Tulsi
Tulsi is also known as “the incomparable one”, “elixir of life” or “queen of the herbs”. This holy plant is revered by Hindus all over, and is considered to be a manifestation of the Goddess herself. In fact, in many homes it is grown in the center of the courtyard. Its presence is believed to protect and safeguard the home from any kind of harmful influence. Due to its antibacterial powers, the presence of tulsi in the vicinity of the house prevents the spread of germs and helps to keep the atmosphere clean.
Every part of this plant contains some kind of spiritual significance. The leaves are definitely one of the most commonly used ingredients – a remedy for a cough, cold or congested chest.
Types of Tulsi :-
There are four types of Tulsi found in India
Rama (Green Leaf)
Krishna (Purple Leaf)
Vana (Wild Leaf)
Kapoor (Heavy Flowered)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tulsi good for ?
Tulsi has been found to protect organs and tissues against chemical stress from industrial pollutants and heavy metals, and physical stress from prolonged physical exertion, ischemia, physical restraint and exposure to cold and excessive noise.
What is Tulsi called in English ?
Tulsi is called Holy Basil in English.
Why is Tulsi called holy ?
Tulsi is called holy because it is a symbol of purity and used for a range of physical, mental and spiritual purposes.
Why should we not bite tulsi?
You might have heard that you should not bite tulsi leaves. The science behind this ritual is that Tulsi leaves have mercury in them, which is not good for the enamel. When chewed, the mercury content in Tulsi gets released in your mouth, which can damage your teeth.
What happens if we eat tulsi daily?
Tulsi has proved to be highly effective in protecting our body from various infections and diseases of the liver, skin, kidney, etc. It contains powerful oxidants that can help in keeping your blood pressure levels and cholesterol levels under control, making it one of the best heart-healthy foods.
Health Benefits of Tulsi
Helps in Infections
Tulsi have antimicrobial activity against different microorganisms like Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. This property is attributed to its phytoconstituents present in various parts. The oil obtained from the tulsi plant possesses antibacterial activity. Hence, it helps in fighting the infections.
Helps in fever and cold
The leaves of tulsi help with fevers. Tulsi leaves boiled with tea are helpful for malaria and dengue. A decoction of tulsi leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in water and mixed with sugar and milk to help with acute fevers. The juice obtained from tulsi leaves also helps bring down the fever. It might also be effective in reducing fever in children,
Helps in Respiratory Problems
Tulsi is helpful for disorders related to the respiratory system. A decoction obtained from the leaves of tulsi mixed with ginger and honey might help with asthma, cough, influenza, cold, and bronchitis. A decoction of the leaves, common salt, and cloves also provide relief in cases of influenza. The leaves of tulsi might have expectorant properties and helps in expelling mucus from the bronchial tube.
Helps in Diabetes
Tulsi leaves contain a hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effect. Its leaves are used as an adjunct to dietary therapy and drug treatment in mild to moderate noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Tulsi leaf extracts might have a stimulatory effect on insulin production. Tulsi and neem extracts taken together might help to lower blood sugar levels in humans.
Good for Heart
Tulsi is helpful for heart diseases by potentially lowering blood cholesterol levels and also possibly inhibiting ischemia and stroke. Apart from this, tulsi also plays an essential role in platelet aggregation and reduces the risk of pulmonary hypertension. It reduces blood cholesterol levels. Vitamin C and other anti-oxidants such as Eugenol present in Tulsi protect the heart from harmful effects of free radicals.
Conclusion
Daily consumption of tulsi prevents disease, promotes general health, wellbeing and longevity and assists in dealing with the stresses of daily life.
Tulsi is also credited with giving luster to the complexion, sweetness to the voice and fostering beauty, intelligence, stamina and a calm emotional disposition.
In addition to these health-promoting properties, tulsi is recommended as a treatment for a range of conditions. These conditions include anxiety, cough, asthma, diarrhea, fever, dysentery, arthritis, eye diseases, otalgia, indigestion, hiccups, vomiting, gastric, cardiac and genitourinary disorders, back pain, skin diseases, ringworm, insect, snake and scorpion bites and malaria.
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