☘ Ayurvedam - Tulasi

Tulsi has a special place in Ayurveda as well as the home of Hindus in India. It is considered sacred by Hindus and worshipped by them.Ayurveda refers to tulsi or Holy Basil as “the incomparable one,” “mother medicine of nature” and “the queen of herbs”. It is revered as an elixir of life for both its medicinal and spiritual properties. It belongs to the mint family.

Three main types of Tulsi are seen growing in India:

• Bright green leaves called Ram Tulsi

• Purplish green leaves called Krishna Tulsi

• Common wild Vana Tulsi.

In Hinduism, tulsi is worshipped as a goddess and every part of the tulsi plant is revered and considered sacred, including the leaves, stem, flower, root, seeds, and oil.

Ganesh Chaturthi : many herbs and leaves have been a part of Ganesh Puja prayers and surprisingly, it is for various health reasons.

It is a practice to offer prayers with 21 different kind of herbs and leaves (Eka Vimsanthi Patra Pooja) and Ayurveda vouches by the therapeutic benefits of these herbs, especially in fighting common cold, cough and flu, in rainy season. Tulsi leaf is also one of them.

Every Hindu household has a tulsi plant which is used as raw leaves or as a leaf tea for spiritual and religious practices. Its strong eugenol laden smell is believed to repel mosquitoes, flies, and insects.

Tulsi (Holy Basil) Properties:

Holy basil has a pungent, bitter taste, as well as light, dry and sharp properties, and a hot potency.

It pacifies Vata and Kapha dosha and aggravates Pitta. Both green and dark green (greenish-black ) varieties have similar properties.

Nutritional Value:

Tulsi leaves are rich in vitamins A, C and K and minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and potassium. It also has a good amount of protein and fibre.

Tulsi benefits and uses in Ayurveda : 

• Tulsi balances Kapha dosha and as such is useful to relieve excess sputum production.

• It is anti-microbial. The tulsi plant is one of the most potent anti-viral herbs of Ayurveda.

• It improves taste and relieves a lack of appetite by stimulating the digestive fire due to its hot and sharp properties.

• It is a cardiac tonicand helps to relieve cholesterol deposits in the arteries due to its anti-Kapha and sharp properties.

• Due to its Kapha and Vata balancing effect, it is useful in the treatment of asthma and chronic respiratory disorders, cold and cough and also repeated hiccups.

• It relieves vomiting.

• Due to its Vata pacifying effect, it relieves gas accumulation and thus relieves resultant pain in the flanks.

• It is useful in skin diseases marked by itchiness due to its Kapha pacifying effect. Kapha dosha is responsible for itching in many skin diseases.

• It is a natural detoxifying herb.

• It is useful in kidney and bladder stones.

• It is useful in infectious eye disorders.

• It is an adaptogenic herb and is useful in stress-related disorders.

How To Take Holy Basil : 

Part used: Leaf, Root, Seed

Dosage: Fresh Juice 5-10 ml, Root decoction 50-100 ml, Seed powder 3 g. Extract 300mg-2000 mg. Please note, the extract, roots, and seeds should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

For wheals, itching: For itching or wheals, tulsi leaves are made into a paste and applied over the skin.

For sinusitis and headache: Holy basil’s fresh leaves are crushed to extract the juice. Two drops of this juice are put into both nostrils on an empty stomach. This helps to relieve sinusitis related headaches.

For bad breath (halitosis): Chewing one or two holy basil leaves daily helps to relieve bad breath by improving digestion.

For cold, cough and fever: Tulsi tea can be made to combat these conditions.

Side Effects of Tulsi :

Tulsi is a beneficial herb that has many health benefits. But it comes with its share of side effects and hence you might want to exercise caution when you consume it.

• Thinning of blood: Eugenol is an important compound present in tulsi which has many benefits for the health. However, when taken in excess, eugenol can thin the blood and result in blood in urine or bleeding during coughing.

1. Hypoglycemia: Tulsi is beneficial in reducing the blood sugar levels in the body without any side effects. But people who are suffering from low blood pressure and take Tulsi regularly can find themselves in trouble as Tulsi can bring down the glucose count in their body rapidly.

2. Nausea and vomiting: Tulsi consumption can lead to nausea, vomiting, light headedness, dizziness and retching.