In India, tulsi , also known as holy basil, is a highly valued plant that is a staple in many homes. Many of us already know that Tulsi is prized for its exceptional therapeutic qualities and applications. Ocimum Sanctum, the technical name for the aromatic oval-shaped leaves of Tulsi, is one of the plants utilized in Ayurvedic and alternative medicine because of its great medicinal properties.
Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is native to Southeast Asia. In Indian medicine, it has long been used to cure a variety of conditions, such as ringworm and eye problems.
Description
Tulsi is widely used in Hindu tradition in India. The word “tulsi” comes from a Sanskrit phrase that means “matchless one”. Not only is tulsi used in Ayurvedic medicine, but it’s also used in Greek, Roman, and Unani medicine.
Botanical Name:
Ocimum Sanctum
Family:
Lamiaceae
Leaves:
The fragrant leaves of tulsi are its most notable characteristic. They have an ovate (egg-shaped) blade that can reach a length of 5 cm (2 inches) and are simple, petioled (bearing a stalk). Depending on the variety, the leaf margins may be completely serrated or just slightly toothed, and their color may differ.
Flowers:
Tiny tubular blooms are produced by tulsi in terminal spikes, or clusters at the apex of the stalk. The flowers have green or purple sepals and they are either white or purple in hue.
Fruits:
Nutlets, which are little, hard fruits that yield a large number of seeds, replace the flowers. Tulsi may spread and maintain its development thanks to these nutlets.
Stems:
The upright, hairy stems of tulsi can reach heights of 30–60 cm (12–24 inches). Square-shaped stems are a defining property of the Lamiaceae family, which includes Tulsi.
Habitat:
It can be found in the Himalayas at elevations of up to 1800 meters above sea level. In addition, it is grown throughout the nation and its islands. Malaysia, Australia, West Africa, and a few Arab nations are among the places where it grows abundantly. Sasangir National Park and Gir Wildlife Sanctuary both contain it.
Parts Used:
- Leaves
- Roots
- Seeds
Dosage:
Decoction – 50 to 100 ml
Powder – 3 to 6 g
Juice – 10 to 20 ml
Chemical Constituents
Tulsi is grown for its essential oil as well as for use in traditional medicine and religion. The main active ingredients in tulsi include cineol, anethol, estragol, thymol, citral, and camphor. Other components include linolen, ocimene, pinene, methylchavicol, and methylcinnamat.
Other Language Names of Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum)
Tamil name – Nalla Thulasi
Telugu name – Tulasi
Arabic name – Raihan
English name – Indian Basil, Sacred Basil, Holy Basil.
Dutch name – Basil Icum
French name – Basilic
German name – Basilïenkraut
Chinese name – Lo-Le
Sanskrit name – Tulsi, Tulasi, Gouri, Bhuteshta, Bhutaghini, Nagamata, Surasah, Mal-Tulasi, Krsiatulasi
Hindi name – Tulsi
Japanese name – Meboki
Malay name – Selaseh, Kemangi
Philippine name – Belanoi, Sulasi
Indonesian name – Selasih, Kemangi
Italian name – Basilico
Sri Lanka Name – Suwenda-Tala, Maduru-Tala
Swedish name – Basilkort
Thai Name – Horopa, Bai Horapa, Manghk, Krapow,
Vietnamese name – Rau Que
Portuguese name – Man Jericao
Russian name – Bazilik
Spanish name – Albahaca
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Subkingdom | Viridiplantae |
| Infrakingdom | Streptophyta |
| Superdivision | Embryophyta |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder | Asteranae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Ocimum |
Ayurvedic Properties
Hindi/Sanskrit
- Rasa -Katu,Tikta
- Guna -Laghu,Rooksha,Teekshna
- Virya -Ushna
- Vipaka -Katu
English
- Taste -Pungent, Bitter
- Physical Property-Light, Dry,Piercing
- Potency- Hot
- Metabolic Property (After Digestion)-Pungent
Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum) Uses
Tulsi tea:
Combine ten parts tea powder with one part tulsi powder.Use the amount of powder mentioned above to make the tea.But you should drink this tea without milk.
Tulsi herbal tea:
Herbal tea is a good option for people who don’t normally drink tea.Tulsi is combined with other herbs in this mixture. Combinations like liquorice and lemon grass are common.
Tulsi Water Preparation:
Soak three to five Tulsi leaves in one cup of water. It is filtered and eaten after soaking. This water has a mild effectiveness.
Oil:
Holy basil seed oil is suitable for external application on the hair and other body areas in addition to oral use.
Don’t miss: Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri) – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum) Benefits
Reducing headaches:
Tulsi helps lessen headaches and migraines because of its analgesic qualities. Both drinking Tulsi tea and breathing in its essential oil can help reduce headache pain and induce calm.
Heals Infections:
Because of the plant’s unique combination of antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, and antifungal qualities, Tulsi has been used for millennia to treat wounds and infections. Moreover, it possesses anti-inflammatory qualities that promote rapid wound healing and inflammation reduction.
Reducing fever:
Additionally, tulsi lessens fever and its accompanying symptoms. When suffering from a fever, consuming Tulsi tea or decoction might help reduce body temperature and provide comfort.
Purifies the Blood:
The holy plant is also said to reflect healthy skin by purifying the blood. Additionally, the benefits of Tulsi tea can greatly improve one’s general health by eliminating toxins and cleaning the digestive tract. If we consistently drink Tulsi water, there are also many advantages.
Eye health:
By lowering oxidative stress, antioxidants like vitamin C and other elements found in tulsi leaves help support eye health. Applying cooled Tulsi tea to the eyes or cleaning them with Tulsi-infused eye drops will help to soothe and nourish the eyes.
Cures Insect Bites:
Fresh Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum) leaves are an easy way to cure ringworm and insect bites, among other skin problems. Apply Tulsi leaf juice on the injured area. Holy basil helps reduce inflammation and discomfort and contains natural analgesic properties.
Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum) Side Effects
Upset stomach:
Eugenol, an active ingredient in Tulsi, can induce nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea when taken in high dosages or over an extended period of time.
Low blood sugar:
Tulsi may have affects on blood sugar levels. For those who have diabetes, this may be helpful, but it’s crucial to be informed and keep a careful eye on your blood sugar levels, particularly if you take diabetes medication.
Bleeding risk:
Blood clotting may be slowed down by tulsi. Bleeding may become more likely as a result, especially before or after surgery.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
The safety of Tulsi for expectant or nursing mothers is not well-established. If a medical expert doesn’t suggest using it during these periods, it’s better to avoid doing so.
Allergic reactions:
Tulsi allergies can occur in people who are allergic to other mint family members. Rashes, swelling, and itching are possible symptoms.
Conclusion
In India, the tulsi plant is considered sacred. The close relationship between this sacred plant’s spiritual status and therapeutic qualities can be explained by the fact that it is a blessing to mankind, much like God is in our life. Humanity has long been aware of the benefits of Tulsi, both medicinally and spiritually, and these uses are still applicable in the modern era. As a result, it is a traditional plant whose effects and uses are becoming more and more clear. Therefore, using holy basil correctly will guarantee a safe and healthy existence. While most people may use it without any problems, please speak with your healthcare provider before using it.
FAQS
Is it beneficial to drink Tulsi water?
It’s good to drink Tulsi water since it helps with digestion, strengthens immunity, and prevents a number of disorders. It also delivers the therapeutic benefits of Tulsi. Including Tulsi water in your regular routine can be a revitalizing and health-promoting practice.
What is a tulsi side effect?
While there is a long range of medical applications for Tulsi, excessive Tulsi use in certain persons might cause mild digestive discomfort, including symptoms like nausea or diarrhea. Both male and female reproductive health may be impacted by tulsi overdosing. In males, it might result in decreased testicular weight, sperm count, and sperm mortality. Side effects in females can include bleeding, cramps, back pain, diarrhea, and contractions that result in an abortion.
Can you take tulsi every day?
Taking a few Tulsi leaves with honey strengthens the immune system and helps with cough and flu relief. Regular consumption of Tulsi tea has a relaxing effect and aids in stress reduction. According to Ayurveda, Tulsi’s ability to balance the kapha dopamine in the body helps lessen asthmatic symptoms.