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.

Climate condition for Tulsi Farming:

Tulsi/Basil plant can be grown in climates like Tropical and sub tropical conditions. Long days with high temperature are best for it's growth and good oil contents.
In ideal conditions, Tulsi/Basil requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Soil Requirement for Tulsi/Basil Plants:

Tulsi Plant can be grown in a wide variety of soils.However,a soil with roughly equal proportions of sand, silt, and clay is best for Tulsi Plant.One should avoid highly alkaline, saline and waterlogged soil.

Here are some health benefits of the Tulsi plant.

1: Benefit for Diabetic Patients:

If you're suffering from type 2 diabetes, then adding tulsi to your diet can help to alleviate the symptoms of diabetes as it helps in regulating your blood sugar levels.

2: Packed with Disease-Fighting Antioxidants:

Tulsi is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and is packed with antioxidants which aid in relieving joint pain and inflammation of any kind. It can be a blessing for people with arthritis. All you need is a cup of tulsi tea or tulsi oil to apply.

Tulsi essential oil has the ability to help fight free radical damage while protecting DNA structure and cells. Tulsi contains two water-soluble flavonoid antioxidants, orientin and viceninare that strengthen the immune system, protect the cellular structure, DNA and delay the effect of skin ageing.

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3: Beneficial for Stomach & Digestive System:

Tulsi has soothing properties and can help soothe your stomach and digestive system. It can improve your gut's health and also reduce the side effects of stress-induced stomach ulcers.

4:  Antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, analgesic & anti-inflammatory properties:

Holy basil has been used to treat wounds and infections over the years. It is known to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and analgesic properties as well as anti-inflammatory properties. It accelerates the process of healing and reduces pain. You can also use it to treat a throat infection or acne or mouth ulcers.

5: Tulsi/Basil prevents heart Disease:

Tulsi leaves show a positive impact in reducing cholesterol level in the body, thereby helpful in preventing cardiac diseases. Tulsi leaves also act as a tonic for the heart. Blood circulation enhances when the juice of fresh leaves is applied locally.

6: Stress Buster:

Tulsi’s essential oil may help manage depression and anxiety too. The herb stimulates neurotransmitters that regulate the hormones responsible for including happiness and energy. Chewing 10-12 fresh Tulsi leaves control stress and manage anxiety. Tulsi tea also helps in reducing stress.

 

7: Tulsi/Basil enters US lab to fight cancer:

Washington: The ubiquitous tulsi in your backyard may be a potent weapon against all kinds of cancer, so believes a team of researchers led by an Indian-origin scientist.

Tulsi or basil has eugenol that helps fight cancer. Now the research team is genetically modifying tulsi in the lab to produce the anti-cancerous compound in abundance.

"When you grind basil leaves, a compound called eugenol comes out. If I could make it produce eugenol in higher amounts, that basil plant would serve as a storehouse of that anti-cancerous compound," said Chandrakanth Emani, assistant professor of plant molecular biology at Western Kentucky University-Owensboro (WKU-O) in the US.

In his lab at the Owensboro facility, Emani and his students are genetically engineering the basil to produce more eugenol, a compound in basil that, in his words, "has a very great pharmaceutical value because it's shown to control breast cancer".

"Eugenol, when they put it on a plate where there are tumour cells, it stopped growth of the tumour cells. That was a proof of concept experiment which was done a long time back," said Emani, in a press release issued by the university.

The next phase in the research project would be to test the compound as an effective cancer treatment.

8: Excellent air-purifying indoor plants:

Tulsi or Basil is one of the excellent air-purifying indoor plants. It gives out oxygen for four hours a day along with the formation of nascent oxygen which absorbs harmful gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide from the environment. This plant is also used as a mosquito repellent. 

6: Helps to Cure Kidney Stone:

Tulsi Ginger Green Tea is also a good detoxifier, which is valuable for the kidneys. It keeps in control the production of Uric acid – a by-product of metabolism as it is the chief component of kidney stones. With the help of essential oils present in this tea, surplus uric acid is thrown out of body, enhancing the function of kidney cells. It also helps to break down the kidney stones and relieves its pain.

How does Tulsi/Basil can boost your immunity and help prevent you from diseases?

1: Chewing Tulsi/Basil leaves:

Fresh Tulsi leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent. It has been proven that chewing 10-12 Tulsi leaves on a daily basis helps keep blood pressure under control and prevents stress. It purifies the blood and helps prevent several common elements. To cure ulcer and mouth infections take a few Tulsi leaves and chew them for some days.

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2: Tulsi/Basil water:

It is a combination of fresh Tulsi leaves, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon and cardamom. All you need to do is boil them together in water and strain. According to experts, drinking ¼ cup of this water daily helps in recovering from dengue and malaria.

3: Tulsi/Basil, Honey and Turmeric:

The combination aids digestion by stimulating the flow of bile and also has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal properties that help protect you from cough and cold. 

4: Tulsi/Basil Tea:

Made with Tulsi leaves, jaggery, water and lemon juice, this caffeine-free tea has a sweet aftertaste and is good for digestion and has anti-bacterial properties that keep you safe from seasonal fever and flu. Make sure that you have it warm for effective results.

Tulsi Green Tea:

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5: Tulsi/Basil Juice:

The Tulsi juice is a magical remedy for eye disorders such as sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. It is suggested to add one drop of black basil juice into the eyes daily at bedtime for effective results.