Medicinal uses of Tulsi (Basil)

Optimize your life with the power of Tulsi—Nature’s ultimate gift!

Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Ocimum sanctum L.
Family: Lamiaceae

Names in Different Languages

English: Holy Basil
Sanskrit: Vrinda, Sugandha, Amrita, Patra Pushpa
Hindi: तुलसी/Tulsi
Gujarati: તુલસી (Tulsi)
Marathi: Tulsi, Black Basil
Bengali: Tulsi, Kural
Punjabi: Tulsi
Telugu: తులసి చెట్టు (Tulasi Chettu),Vrinda, Gagera, Krishna Tulsi

Introduction

Tulsi, revered as the "Queen of Herbs," holds immense religious and medicinal significance. Known by sacred names such as Vishnu Ballabha, Sukhvallari, Shri Krishna Ballabha, and Vaishnavi, Tulsi is regarded as a direct goddess for its ability to cure diseases and enhance life force.

Tulsi plants are commonly found in the courtyards of Indian households due to their religious and medicinal importance. Several species of Tulsi exist, among which white (Shweta Tulsi) and black (Krishna Tulsi) are prominent. Krishna Tulsi, with its purple-black leaves and branches, is especially revered. Additional species include Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum gratissimum

External Appearance

Tulsi is a fragrant shrub that grows 2-4 feet tall and is covered in fine hairs.
Its rectangular, lacy leaves are aromatic.
The inflorescence measures 6-8 inches in length and is purple in colour.
Seeds are spherical, smooth, and either brown or black.
Flowers and fruits bloom during the winter season.

Chemical Composition

The leaves contain a yellowish-green oil that crystallizes upon drying, referred to as Tulsi camphor (Caryophyllene oxide and Eugenol as active components). Tulsi contains an array of bioactive compounds that contribute to its health benefits:
1. Eugenol (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene): Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.
2. Apigenin: Antioxidant, that reduces oxidative stress.
3. Ursolic Acid: Anti-inflammatory and anticancer.
4. Rosmarinic Acid: Antioxidant, that helps in managing allergies and infections.
5. Essential Oils: Rich in linalool, camphor, and eucalyptol, offering therapeutic benefits.

Properties and Benefits

Tulsi is known for the following medicinal properties:

Cough reliever
Insecticide
Odor reliever
Digestive aid
Analgesic
Anthelmintic (expels parasitic worms)
Phlegm reliever
Heart stimulant
Blood purifier
Sweat-inducing (diaphoretic)
Antipyretic (fever reducer)
Anti-inflammatory

Specific Parts:

Seeds: Diuretic and tonic.
Leaves (Patra): Juice or decoction treats colds, mucous fever, and intermittent fever.

Properties

Taste (Rasa): Bitter and pungent.
Potency (Virya): Heating.
Post-Digestive Effect (Vipaka): Pungent.
Effect on Doshas: Balances Kapha (mucus) and Vata (air) doshas, mildly aggravates Pitta (fire).

Medicinal Uses

Specific Ailments and Treatments

Chronic Diseases

Licking 1-2 grams of dry Tulsi bud powder mixed with honey is beneficial.
Consuming 5 Tulsi leaves daily with water improves intelligence, wisdom, and brain power.
Chronic headaches and head-related issues can be treated by applying Tulsi oil to the nose.
Tulsi oil applied to the head eliminates lice and nits.
Applying Tulsi oil on the face helps clear the complexion.

Dental and Oral Issues

Place a tablet made of black pepper and Tulsi leaves under the tooth to relieve toothache.
Gargling with lukewarm water mixed with Tulsi juice is effective in curing throat diseases.
Mixing turmeric and rock salt in Tulsi water and gargling cures oral, dental, and throat disorders.

Vision and Eye Problems

Night blindness can be cured by applying 5-10 mg of Tulsi leaf juice to the eyes several times a day.

Respiratory Issues (Cold, Cough, Flu, Asthma)

Tulsi Syrup Recipe:
- Boil 50 grams of Tulsi leaves and buds, 25 grams of ginger, 15 grams of black pepper in 500 ml of water until one-fourth remains.
- Add 10 grams of cardamom powder and 200 grams of sugar to make a one-string syrup. Filter and store.
- Dosage:
  - Children: ½ - 1½ teaspoons.
  - Adults: 2-4 teaspoons.
Tulsi syrup mixed with hot water is effective for cold and asthma.
Chronic cough can be treated by boiling 10 Tulsi leaves, 3 yellow Vasa leaves, 1 black pepper, 6 inches of giloy stem, and a small piece of ginger in water. Add jaggery and consume in three doses.
Mixing Tulsi leaf juice (5-10 mg) with black pepper powder reduces the intensity of cough.
A mixture of Tulsi buds, dry ginger, onion juice, and honey helps in dry cough and children's asthma.

Fever and Flu (Swami Ramdev's Remedy)

Boil 7 Tulsi leaves and 5 cloves in a glass of water until it reduces by half. Add rock salt and drink hot. Wear warm clothes to induce sweating.
For children, mixing 5-7 drops of Tulsi and ginger juice in honey helps cure cold and cough.

Vomiting and Nausea

Consuming a mixture of Tulsi leaf juice, small cardamom, and ginger juice is effective.

Pneumonia

Mix 5-10 grams of black Tulsi leaf juice with lukewarm cow ghee and consume to cure pneumonia in 2-3 days.

Postpartum Issues

Mixing old jaggery and sugar candy in Tulsi juice and consuming it immediately after delivery cures postpartum colic.

Other diseases

1. Diarrhoea and Dysentery

Grind 10 Tulsi leaves and 1 gram of cumin seeds, mix with honey, and consume 3-4 times a day for relief from diarrhoea and dysentery.
2. Leprosy Treatment

Juice Remedy: Consuming 10-20 grams of Tulsi leaf juice every morning is beneficial.
Topical Remedy: Grind Tulsi leaves with lemon juice and apply to affected areas for ringworm, gout, and leprosy.
Combination Remedy: Mix Tulsi leaf juice, lime, and cow ghee; apply on skin for relief.

3. Respiratory Health

Tulsi leaves are an excellent remedy for common cold, cough, and bronchitis.
Acts as an expectorant, clearing phlegm and relieving respiratory congestion.

4. Immunity Enhancer

Tulsi boosts immunity, making the body more resistant to infections.
Regular consumption helps protect against flu and viral infections.

5. Stress and Anxiety Relief

Tulsi reduces cortisol levels, helping combat stress and improve mental clarity.
Acts as a natural adaptogen, enhancing resilience to physical and emotional stress.

6. Skin and Hair Care

Tulsi paste is effective in treating acne, eczema, and skin infections.
Tulsi oil nourishes hair and prevents dandruff.

7. Digestive Aid

Chewing fresh Tulsi leaves alleviates indigestion, bloating, and loss of appetite.
Stimulates digestive enzymes, ensuring smoother digestion.

8. Anti-Diabetic

Tulsi helps in lowering blood glucose levels by enhancing insulin sensitivity.

9. Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief

Tulsi’s compounds reduce inflammation and provide relief from joint pain and arthritis.

10. Anti-Aging Properties

Rich in antioxidants, Tulsi fights free radicals, slowing the ageing process.

11. Cardiovascular Health

Improves blood circulation and reduces cholesterol levels.

12. Antibacterial and Antiviral

Tulsi inhibits the growth of harmful microbes, protecting the body from infections.

How to Use Tulsi for Health Benefits

1. Tulsi Tea

Boil 5–10 fresh Tulsi leaves in water.
Add honey and ginger for enhanced benefits.
Drink daily to boost immunity and relieve stress.

2. Tulsi Decoction

Prepare a decoction using Tulsi leaves, black pepper, and a pinch of rock salt to alleviate cold and cough.

3. Tulsi Paste

Grind fresh leaves into a paste. Apply on skin to treat acne and wounds.

4. Tulsi Oil

Extracted oil can be used for massages, aromatherapy, or mixed into hair oils for added benefits.

5. Raw Chewing

Chew 2–3 leaves daily to maintain oral hygiene and overall health.

Cultural and Spiritual Importance

Tulsi is not just a plant but a divine entity in Indian culture. It is often planted in courtyards and worshipped as a symbol of prosperity, purity, and spiritual enlightenment. Tulsi Puja, a ritual involving the plant, is believed to bring peace, harmony, and health to families.

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