Holy Basil
is also known as Tulsi. This herb was
discovered more than 3,000 years ago in India, where the plant was used for
worship by the Vaishavitic traditions
of Hinduism. In the ancient times, it
was also used in Greece and Rome. It is
scientifically known as Ocimum Sanctum
or Ocimum Tenuiflorum belonging to
the Lamiceae family.
This herb
is grows in Asia, England, United States, Brazil, and Africa where it has
different names like Basilic Saint, Basili Sacre and many more.
Holy Basil
is related to Basil scientifically called Ocimum
and the ‘Thai Basil’ known as Ocimum Basilicum.
Tulsi is
also called ‘incomparable one’
because of it medicinal and herbal value such as:
1. Air Purifier and Energizer – Tulsi releases a special kind of
essential oil which frees the air from bacteria and substances that cause
diseases. It also releases ozone which
contains 3 atoms of Oxygen (O3) compared to the atmospheric Oxygen that produces
2 atoms of Oxygen (O2) per molecule. These
are the findings of a study at S. V. University, Trupati, India, as reported in
the issue of ‘Gujarat Samachar’ dated March 25, 1988.
These properties of Tulsi give great energy to the lungs.
Outdoors, this herb releases essential oil and ozone (O3) reaching up to
200 meters away. Its electrical energy
keeps the air fresh. To care for this
plant, it is important to keep it moist and exposed to the sun daily. Once
these requirements are met, some pots can be placed indoors for the family’s
protection from pollution and diseases.
At night, it should be brought outside for overnight exposure. I do this at home.
2.
Stress
Balancer – Tulsi contains a compound called
Adaptogen which is associated with
mental clarity. When stress occurs, the
response from the body is to’ fight or flight’.
Then, adrenaline glands automatically produce stress hormones. With the
presence of Adaptogen in Tulsi, the hormone level of Corticosterone is lowered to help
balance the stressful situation.
Drinking of Tulsi decoction (boiled) or chewing
fresh leaves daily relieves mental stress according to Dr. Narendra Singh,
Assistant Director of Pharmacology in King George Medical College, Lucknow,
India.
3.
Beautifier
– Some of the easy ways to use this herb are:
To have a clear skin: In sitting
position, inhale deeply in front of a Tulsi
plant and hold your breath. The aroma
inhaled purifies the blood. The aromatic
herb is astringent but pleasant.
Also, chewing a few leaves
purifies the blood and makes the skin color glow. The taste is like chili and black pepper.
4.
Medical Properties – A valuable research was
made on Tulsi by Dr. Upendrari, a
physician from Ahmadabad, India. According to Dr. Upendrari’s research, Tulsi
can be used to treat cancer, heart disease, kidney, skin and mental
retardation. It was given state honor by
Gujarat government.
EM-EM
The Gardener, MBA
Sources:
1.
medicine hunter.com, Holy Basil/Tulsi-Adaptogen
2.
rxlist.com and webmd.com, Holy Basil/Tulsi
3.
Wikipedia, Holy Basil Tulsi
4.
Yash Rai, Holy Basil/Tulsi (a Herb)
Elixir of Life pp. 16 -17
Common Uses pp. 27 – 29, 32
Tested Therapeutic Applications pp. 52, 54
The Beautifier p. 55
Colds, Cough and Other Respiratory Diseases
p. 90
Diseases of… Other Miscellaneous Diseases p. 116
NAVNEET Publication (India) Ltd., Ahmadabad
and Mumbai, India
5.
Botannica’s Annuals and Perennials, Ocimum p.
608, San Diego, California, Laurel Glen Publishing
