Ocimum sanctum is commonly known as Tulsi it is also spelled as Tulasi or sometimes Tulsai. Tulsi is a Sanskrit word which means “matchless one,” in English Tulsi is known as Holy Basil. It is a most worshiped plant in Hindu culture due to its mythological background. It is believed that Tulsi is lord Krishna’s wife; it has a property that is matchless with any other herb. For this reason, it became a culture of planting tulsi in the center of a courtyard in Hindu homes.

There are varieties of tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), and most of their chemical constituents are similar. There are about 50 to 150 species of Ocimum genus’ herbs and shrubs that are found in the tropical regions of Asia. Below is the tulsi plant information that is most commonly found around the world.

Types of Tulsi Plant with Ocimum Scientific Name

Tulsi : Ocimum sanctum L. Krishna Tulsi: Ocimum tenuiflorum RamTulsi: Ocimum gratissium Dulal Tulsi: Ocimum canum Ban Tulsi: Ocimum basilicum Camphor basil: Ocimum kilimandscharicum American basil/ Hoary basil: Ocimum ammericanum Amazonian basil: Ocimum micranthum Lemon Basil: Ocimum africanum

Importance of Krishna Tulsi in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, Tulsi is titled as the “Queen of all herbs” a most powerful and adaptive herb that can be applicable and morphable to almost any condition just like a queen does. It is a magical herb that can be used in many ailments such as in lung conditions, asthma, including bronchitis, congestion, and colds.

It is furthermore known to heal the damaging effects of smoking. The medicinal use of Tulsi plants is very old; the Ayurveda Literatures indicate that the therapeutic use of plants is as old as 4000-5000 B.C. The other references are available is in RigVeda, which is said to be written between 3500-1600 B.C also mentioned the medicinal use of tulsi.

It is an herb important not only in Ayurveda or Siddha but it also had importance in a medicinal system of Roman and Greek as well. It is so because of its several medicinal properties having been attributed to the Tulsi

Ayurvedic Properties

Rasa Taste : Katu/ Tikta (Pungent/Bitter)

Katu/ Tikta (Pungent/Bitter) Guna (qualities) : Laghu / Rooksha/ Teekshna (lightness/dryness/Piercing)

Laghu / Rooksha/ Teekshna (lightness/dryness/Piercing) Virya : Ushna(pungent taste)

: Ushna(pungent taste) Vipak: Katu (sharp)

Tridosha Effect

Balances Vata And Kapha Dosha (Kaphahara, Vatahara)

Increases Pitta Dosha (Pittavardhini)

Parts of the plant used

Seed

Leaf

Root

The species of genus Ocimum generally grows in different parts around the world and are known to have medicinal properties. There are varieties of tulsi such as Ram Tulsi, Krishna tulsi Vana Tulsi among them Ram Tulsi, and Krishna tulsi are most commonly found in India and have been used for daily life, from worship to cure diseases.

Different Varieties of Tulsi

1. Rama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): Rama Tulsi is also known as Green Leaf Tulsi, it is a green tulsi that has light purple flowers and an aromatic flavor just like other spices. It is due to its chemical properties of eugenol in it, which contribute aroma and mellower flavor into it.

2. Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum): Krishna Tulsi is also known as Shyama Tulsi or Kali Tulsi or Purple Leaf Tulsi, it looks purple it does have an aroma and peppery flavor a live Ram Tulsi.

3. Vana Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum): Vana Tulsi is also known as Wild leaf Tulsi it is a bright and light green tulsi plant that grows wild and is indigenous to Asia and North East Africa it does have an aroma flavor, but it is similar to the taste like lemony. It is a tulsi plant that is found in most parts of the world.

Chemical constituents

Essential Oils

Carbohydrates

Flavonoids

Proline

Linalool

Methyl Chavicol

Nerol

Geraniol

Citral

Ursolic Acid

Medicinal uses of tulsi in Ayurveda

Ashma : It is useful in kidney and bladder stones.

: It is useful in kidney and bladder stones. Kushta : It is useful in skin diseases with pain or in itchiness.

: It is useful in skin diseases with pain or in itchiness. Parshvaruk : It relieves pain in flanks.

: It relieves pain in flanks. Vamihara : It provides relieves in vomiting.

: It provides relieves in vomiting. Hidhmahara : It is useful in repeated hiccups.

: It is useful in repeated hiccups. Kasahara : It is useful in cough and cold.

: It is useful in cough and cold. Shwasahara : It is useful in the treatment of chronic respiratory disorders like asthma.

: It is useful in the treatment of chronic respiratory disorders like asthma. Hrudya : It is useful for reducing cholesterol deposition in blood vessels.

: It is useful for reducing cholesterol deposition in blood vessels. Agnivardhini/ Vahni Deepani : It promotes digestion strength.

: It promotes digestion strength. Ruchikrut: It improves taste and relieves anorexia.

Medicinal Properties of Tulsi

Many scientific studies have been performed on the medicinal properties of tulsi on vitro, animal as well as on humans. The studies reveal that tulsi has an inimitable fusion of actions, below are some of the medicinal value of tulsi :[1]

Antibacterial

Antiviral

Antifungal

Antiprotozoal

Antimalarial

Anthelmintic

Anti-thyroid

Anti-fertility

Anti-ulcer

Anti-emetic

Anti-spasmodic

Anti-arthritic

Adaptogenic

Anti-stress

Anti-cataract

Anti-leukodermal

Anti-asthmatic

Anti-tussive

Anti-diabetic

Anti-hypercholesterolemia

Anti-hypertensive

Anti-carcinogenic

Analgesic

Anti-pyretic

Anti-allergic

Anti-diarrheal

Anti-oxidant

Anti-cataract

Anti-inflammatory

Chemopreventive

Central nervous system depressant

Cardio-protective

Diaphoretic

Hepato-protective

Immunomodulatory

Mosquito repellent

Memory enhancement

Neuro-protective

Radioprotective

Krishna Tulsi Medicinal Uses



According to Ayurveda Tulsi is hot and bitter in taste, it is said that it penetrates into the deep tissues or dry tissue secretions and normalizes kapha and vata. It is said that regular consumption of tulsi can prevent multiple diseases and also promote general health.

Tulsi has health-promoting properties that are recommended for treatment in a variety of conditions such as cough, anxiety, diarrhea, asthma, dysentery, fever, eye diseases, arthritis, otalgia, vomiting, hiccups, cardiac, gastric, disorders, back pain, genitourinary, ringworm, malaria, skin diseases beside this insect, snake and scorpion bites also. Below are some details of Krishna tulsi’s benefits.

1. It helps in Worms and Parasites

The Anti Microbial properties of tulsi inhibit the growth of E. coli. This way Tulsi be the best medicine for worms and parasites. One can use it by taking fresh juice or making tea with Honey, the sweetness excites the parasites drawing them out of their hiding places.

2. It aids the Digestive System

Tulsi has an antioxidant property that can be beneficial for the stomach, intestine, esophagus. Tulsi is an herb that naturally supports digestion, using tulsi with combining ginger work excellent. All the three sacred varieties of Tulsi such as Vana, Krishna, and Rama can be used ginger, cinnamon, licorice, or peppermint.

3. It helps to reduce Fevers

The analgesic properties of tulsi work as painkiller it to some instances completely eliminate the pain or sensation. So it can be the best medicine that helps to prevents and reduces fevers even in the conditions of viral encephalitis, typhoid, and malaria. The Imperial Malarial Conference has also declared Tulsi herb to be a genuine remedy for malaria fevers. [2]

4. It boosts Cardiovascular and Circulatory System

Tulsi can also be the best medicine for heart health and overall blood circulations. It is known to be cardiotonic that can prevent heart attack and lowers stress-related high blood pressure.

The properties in Tulsi help to normalize blood pressure vascular and protect the heart and blood vessels. It promotes circulation by mild blood-thinning qualities, thereby decreasing the possibility of strokes.

Tulsi has vitamin C and other antioxidants such as “Eugenol” that can protect the heart from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also reduces the total cholesterol levels so it can be useful for heart disease patients.[3]

5. It boosts muscular system

Tulis can be the best remedy for bodybuilding and the person trying to gain weight. It is due to its Anabolic properties that act as a steroid, popularly known as anabolic-androgenic steroids in short (AAS).

The tulsi leaves have a steroidal androgen which has natural androgens like testosterone, a synthetic androgen that is structurally related and have similar effects to testosterone. The anabolic elements increase the protein within cells, particularly in skeletal muscles; it also has been differing from degrees of androgenic effects.

It additionally develops and maintains masculine secondary sexual qualities such as the growth of the vocal cords and body hair. The Antiarthritic properties of tulsi leaves also help to enhance protein synthesis and strength.

In India, people have a strong belief that those who plant tulsi in their houses never get ill. They believe that tulsi is very lovable to lord Krishna and lord Krishna has blessed this herb with wealth of health. Scientifically, the reason behind the story is true as tulsi contains a chemical composition that no mosquitoes and flies can come near the plant because of it s peculiar odor. Secondly planting tulsi in a courtyard can be beneficial as they can get valuable remedies that can be used in multiple ailments.

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