The Amazing Tulsi Plant
Since ancient times, the Tulsi plant has been treasured in Asia. Tulsi, called ‘Ocimum Sanctum’ in Latin and Holy Basil in English, is considered a sacred botanical plant and an astounding remedial herb.
‘Tulanaa naasti athaiva Tulasi’
translation
“That which is incomparable in its qualities is the Tulsi Plant.”
– A famous Sanskrit saying
History of Holy Basil
Since ancient times, the Tulsi plant has been treasured in Asia. Tulsi, called ‘Ocimum Sanctum’ in Latin and Holy Basil in English, is considered a sacred botanical plant and an astounding remedial herb.
According to the ancient Vedas and Puranas, Tulsi is deemed the most sacred plant on earth. It is worshipped for its mystical qualities by many schools of natural healing and is greatly used in Ayurvedic medicine, on account of its astounding curative properties.
Cultures and Traditions linked with Tulsi
Tulsi plants are commonly kept in Indian households, and considered a symbol of Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance. In India, many offer reverences to the plant each morning. In the evening a lamp is lit in front of the plant as a gesture of gratitude.
Tulsi leaves are often used in herbal teas due to their unique properties.
Tulsi is also venerated in Thailand, Indonesia and Greece. It is deeply rooted in Christianity as it is said to have greeted Christ’s disciples at his tomb after the crucifixion. Legend has it, that Constantine of Rome, found a hill covered in the aromatic plant under which the cross of Jesus was hidden. Holy basil immediately became a symbol of holiness and spirituality in the west. It is sometimes seen in households in the Greek countryside, as it plays a significant role in the Greek orthodox tradition of preparing holy water.
Varieties of Tulsi Plant
There are two main varieties of Tulsi:
1. Shyama Tulsi or Krishna Tulsi which is purplish-black in colour.
2. Rama Tulsi or Swarna Tulsi which is light green in colour.
The purplish-black tulsi is considered to be more powerful than the light kind.
Properties of Holy Basil
Tulsi contains about 27 different minerals and is used in multiple Ayurvedic and Homeopathic medicines.
It is a sattvic herb which infuses the mind and body with energy. It provides mental clarity, awareness, wisdom, calmness, and helps to get rid of numerous mental and physical diseases. Tulsi increases Prana or vital energy, and Ojas which leads to a healthy immune system.
Tulsi also balances the doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It helps cure respiratory problems, insomnia, diabetes, and skin problems to name a few, and promotes healthy blood circulation and hormonal balance.
Home Remedies with Tulsi
1. Purifying the blood with Tulsi
According to Ayurveda, Tulsi helps purify the blood due to its antibiotic and antibacterial properties. Eat 4-5 leaves every day early in the morning to cleanse the blood.
2. Tulsi for respiratory problems:
Boil 10-15 leaves in 500 ml of water. Mix black pepper and a teaspoon of honey into it. Drink it when the liquid reduces to half. This improves respiratory problems such as coughs, colds, sore throats, etc.
3. Tulsi for skin problems:
Crush Tulsi leaves and add a few drops of lemon juice into them, turning them into a paste. Apply the Tulsi paste to the affected area. Alternatively, boiling the leaves in hot water and drinking as a herbal tea can yield even greater results.
4. Tulsi for digestive problems:
Prepare a mixture of Tulsi leaves, ginger, fennel, and cardamom with hot water. Drinking this before meals promotes healthy digestion. It helps remove toxins and germs from the digestive system.
5. Tulsi for weight loss:
Drinking green tea infused with tulsi helps develop a healthy and well-proportioned body.
6. Tulsi oil for ear pain:
According to Ayurveda, 2-3 drops of warm tulsi oil in the ear can help remove ear infections.
7. Tulsi for cholesterol:
Drinking warm water infused with Tulsi leaves is said to lower cholesterol levels in Ayurveda.
8. Tulsi for malaria:
Keeping Tulsi plants in the house, can help get rid of mosquitoes. This indirectly reduces the chances of mosquito bites and the spread of malaria, and is a strategy used in certain parts of South Asia.
In addition to these amazing benefits, Tulsi also helps recover from inflammation, lassitude, snake poison, sinusitis, asthma, stress, anxiety, teeth problems, hiccups, hysteria, stomach pain, leprosy and vomiting.
Tulsi has a warming effect on the mind and body. It should be used mostly in cooler times of the year. During the summer, it is best to combine Tulsi with cooling herbs before consumption.