TULSI ( HOLY BASIL) AND ITS USES

  Ocimum tenuiflorum, Holy Basil( Tulsi), is an aromatic plant in the family Lamiaceae which is native throughout the Old World tropics and widespread as a cultivated plant and an escaped weed.

The tulsi or holy basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshipped in the morning and evening by Hindus at large. The holy basil is also a herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. It is considered as India’s Queen of herbs. They are largely used in ayurvedic medicines. It has got medicinal properties as well as cosmetic properties. Tulsi is grown in almost all Indian homes.

Tulsi’s main Ayurvedic quality as a healing herb is its ability to enhance the energetic resonance between the body and the environment. Tulsi helps to decrease Kapha. The channels open, ama is cleared out of the body and the body’s agni–the fire element in the physiology–becomes strong again. Balance is restored among the three doshas, and the immune system is restored to a healthy state. The qualities of Tulsi is mentioned in Charaka Samhita.

The varieties of tulsi are Krishna Tulsi, Rama Tulsi and Vana Tulsi. Of the three varieties Krishna tulsi & Rama Tulsi are widely used in ayurvedic medications.

The uses of tulsi are:

 

• The tulsi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the mucous matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce profuse sweating
• During cold and fever the tulsi leaves can be boiled with tea, it acts as a prevention against malaria and dengue. If the fever is high , prepare a decoction of the leaves with powdered cardamom in half 2 glasses of water , mix this to sugar and milk. This preparation will bring down the temperature.
• When children are having fever, tulsi leaves helps in bringing down temperature. Crush tulsi leaves and collect 2 to 3 spoons of tulsi juice, mix this to 1 cup of water. Keep feeding the child with 4-5 tspns in regular intervals. This is very effective in bringing down the temperature.
• Tulsi leaves is a basic ingredient for many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.
• Tulsi is used in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza ( flu), cough and cold. They should be boiled in 2 cups of water till only half the water is left . This can be consumed when luke warm. Add little salt or sugar to enrich taste.
• Tulsi relieves sore throat. Boil water with tulsi leaves, when luke warm the mixture can be consumed. This can be used to gargle mouth also. The leaves are quite effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. Chewing a few leaves will cure these conditions.
• Tulsi leaves has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of Kidney stone , if the juice of tulsi leaves mixed with honey is taken for 6 months, it will expel the stone via the urinary tract.
• Tulsi is highly beneficial for patients with heart problems and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol. Tulsi leaf when eaten in the morning purifies blood.
• Tulsi leaves juice and ginger juice cures stomach ache, cramps and also gets relief from stomach worms.
• Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache and for providing coolness in general.
• Tulsi juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black tulsi juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime.
• Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma. It helps in controlling dandruff. Tulsi can be used by mixing with coconut oil.
• The herb is a protective, preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.
• Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting respond quickly to the juice of basil leaves. It is very effective in restoring heath during conditions like convulsions and cholera.
• The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustard oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums.
• Tulsi leaves are regarded as an ‘adaptogen’ or anti-stress agent. Leaves provide significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 10 to 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements.
• The leaves are very effective for the ulcer and infections that develop in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.
• The stems are dried and made as garland beads, considered very holy.