Health Benfits of Tulsi-Basil Plant

All About Tulsi - A Holy Basil Plant

Tulsi also Known as Holy Basil:

Tulsi or Tulasi (Holy basil) or Vrinda is a sacred plant in Hindu belief. Hindus regard it as an earthly manifestation of the goddess Tulsi/Vrinda; she is regarded as the avatar of Lakshmi, and thus the consort of the god Vishnu. The offering of its leaves is mandatory in ritualistic worship of Vishnu and his avatars like Krishna and Vithoba.

Origin of Tulsi and Connection with God:

The Devi Bhagavata Purana regards Tulsi as an manifestation of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and principal consort of Vishnu. Once upon a time, King Vrishadhvaja—a devotee of the god Shiva—banned worship of all other deities except for that of his patron god. An agitated sun god Surya cursed him that he would be abandoned by Lakshmi. Upset, Shiva pursued Surya, who fled, finally seeking shelter with Vishnu. Vishnu said to the deities that years had passed on earth. Vrishadhvaja and also his heir-son were dead and his grandchildren—Dharmadhvaja and Kushadhvaja—were now worshiping Lakshmi to gain her favor. Lakshmi rewarded their efforts by being born as their daughters Tulsi (literally "matchless") to Dharmadhvaja and Vedavati to Kushadhvaja, respectively. In time, Tulsi gave up all her royal comfort and went to Badrinath to perform penance to gain Vishnu as her husband. The god Brahma was pleased with her penance but told her that she would have to marry the daitya Shankhachuda before she could marry Vishnu.

Types of Tulsi/Basil are categorized into two categories:

A: Holy Basil:

It is known as Tulsi and is the most revered houseplant, in India it is associated with Ayurveda and Hindu religion as goddess of wealth, health and prosperity. The plants have strong medicinal properties compared to second group species.

1. Rama tulsi (ocimum sanctum)
2. Krishna tulsi (ocimum tenuiflorum)
3. Amrita tulsi (ocimum tenuiflorum)
4. Vana tulsi (ocimum gratissum)

2: Mediterranean basil:

It is known as Sweet basil and is the most popular variety of basil which is found all over the world including Asia, Europe, America and Africa. It is most consumed herb world wide and known by several common names such as king of herbs, royal herb, great basil and Saint-Joseph’s-wort etc, it is used in culinary preparations and used in several types of popular cuisines like Italian, Thai etc.

1. Sweet basil (ocimum basilicum)
2. Thai basil (ocimum thyrsiflora)
3. Purple basil (ocimum basilicum)
4. Lemon basil (ocimum citriodorum)
5. Vietnamese basil (ocimum cinnamon)
6. American basil (ocimum americanum)
7. African blue basil (ocimum kilimandscharicum)
8. Italian genovese basil (ocimum basilicum)
9. Lettuce basil
10. Green ruffles basil
11. Cardinal basil
12. Greek basil
13. Spicy globe basil
14. Summer long basil

 

This herb is widely used and ayurvedic remedies to treat numerous health as well as beauty problems. Other than that, this ancient herb is known to have a huge significance in the Hindu culture. It is considered to be a holy plant and is worshipped by the Hindu people.

While some of us may not be aware of the significance of worshipping this plant, we do understand why most Indian households grow this plant. The Tulsi plant is known to have medicinal properties and is said to have the power to cure a number of ailments. Most people believe that it's just the tulsi leaves that have health benefits but the fact is that nearly every part of this holy herb is known to have health benefits, including the seeds. It has a high nutritional value and works as a great health supplement to keep your body healthy and fit. But if you're unaware of its health benefits and want to know more about it, then read on.

Health Benefits of Cumin Seeds

Introduction:

Cumin is the dried seed of the herb Cuminum cyminum. The cumin plant grows to 12–20 in tall and is harvested by hand. It is an annual herbaceous plant, with a slender, glabrous, branched stem that is 8–12 in tall . China and India are the main producers of cumin, which produces 70% of the world supply and consumes 90% of it(which means that India consumes 63% of the world's cumin). Mexico is another major producer. Around 300,000 tons of cumin per year are produced worldwide. Cumin Seeds are very Popular in Asian, North African and Latin American Cuisines as it's use as essential ingredient in many mixed spices,sauce(Chutney) and curry powders.Cumin has a warm, earthy flavor and aroma with a bit of both sweetness and bitterness.

It is used to flavor rice, stuffed vegetables, many savory dishes and curries. It combines well with cilantro and is widely used in dishes.

Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

All About Magical Aloe Vera:

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe. it originates from the Arabian Peninsula but grows wild in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates around the world. Aloe Vera is a natural product that is now a day frequently used in the field of cosmetology. It is also used for decorative purpose.

Aloe Vera is found in many consumer products including beverages, skin lotion, cosmetics, or ointments for minor burns and sunburns. Aloe Vera is also available in many of the hand sanitizers.

Two substances from Aloe Vera – a clear gel and its yellow latex are used to manufacture commercial products. Aloe Vera gel typically used to make medication for skin conditions, such as burns, wounds, frostbite, rashes, cold sores and dry skin.