

Queen of herbs(Tulsi)



The plant which is seen in everyone house, it is basil which is also called as Tulsi. It is common Indian homes plant. Every married women worship to this plant for healthy life of all family. It is one of the best medicinal herb. It has many medicinal characteristics such as antibacterial, antifungal, antipyretic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antiinflammatory, anthelmintic, antiallergic and anticancer. Tulsi is also called as ' QUEEN OF HERBS'

It has different names in different languages Hindi Name (Barbari, Bambari, Vantulsi, Baarbara, Ram Tulsi), English Name (Common basil, Sweet basil), Bengali Name (Babui tulsi, Khubkalam), KannadaName (Kaama gaggare, Kaama kasturi), MalayalamName (Pach-cha-pushpam , pachcha, ram-tulasi, tirunetru, kattuthrithavu), Marathi Name (Bhu-tulasi, Sabaja), Gujarati Name (Ran tulsi, Damaro), Tamil Name (Tirunittru, Chankanirakkarantai,

Chapchavitai, Tirtuthpathachi),

PunjabiName (Baburi, Babari), Urdu

Name (burg faranjmushk, burg firanjmishk)





Biological classification:





Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Asterids Order: Lamiales Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Ocimum Species: O. tenuiflorum



Spiritual value of tulsi in India:



It is the most worshipped plant in India. Every indian women in every morning after the bath do worship to these plant. Tulsi is a sacred plant for Hindus and is worshipped as the avatar of Lakshmi. Traditionally, tulsi is planted in the centre of the central courtyard of Hindu houses. Leaves and flowers of these plant are used to worship the god Vishnu and it's avtar

There is another ceremony related to Tulsi, that is Tulsi vivah which is done after the Diwali in Karthik poornima.















Vitamin and mineral content in basil(Tulsi):



Tulsi consists of lots of vitamin, minerals, essential oil and chemical compounds

• Vitamins : A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, C, E, K, B6, choline



• Minerals : potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus

-Minerals in which are in small amount: sodium (very less than potassium), iron, magnese, copper, zinc, selenium, Mercury



• chemical compounds : Some of the phytochemical constituents of tulsi are oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, eugenol, carvacrol, linalool, β-caryophyllene (about 8%).



• essential oil : eugenol (~70%) β-elemene (~11.0%), β-caryophyllene (~8%) and germacrene (~2%), with the balance being made up of various trace compounds, mostly terpenes. It is the most worshipped plant in India. Every indian women in every morning after the bath do worship to these plant. Tulsi is a sacred plant for Hindus and is worshipped as the avatar of Lakshmi. Traditionally, tulsi is planted in the centre of the central courtyard of Hindu houses. Leaves and flowers of these plant are used to worship the god Vishnu and it's avtarThere is another ceremony related to Tulsi, that is Tulsi vivah which is done after the Diwali in Karthik poornima.Tulsi consists of lots of vitamin, minerals, essential oil and chemical compounds: A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, C, E, K, B6, choline: potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus-Minerals in which are in small amount: sodium (very less than potassium), iron, magnese, copper, zinc, selenium, Mercury: Some of the phytochemical constituents of tulsi are oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, eugenol, carvacrol, linalool, β-caryophyllene (about 8%).: eugenol (~70%) β-elemene (~11.0%), β-caryophyllene (~8%) and germacrene (~2%), with the balance being made up of various trace compounds, mostly terpenes.









Medicinal properties and uses of tulsi



• Kapha Vinashini – balances Kapha dosha, useful to relieve excess sputum production

• Krumidosha, Krumihara – Anti microbial, Tulsi plant is one of the best anti viral herbs of Ayurveda.

• Ruchikrut – improves taste, relieves anorexia

Agnivardhini, Vahni Deepani – improves digestion strength

• Tuvara – astringent

• Tikta – bitter

• Hrudya – acts as cardiac tonic, congenial for heart, useful to relieve cholesterol deposition in blood vessels.

• Dahavardhini – increases burning sensation

• Shwasahara – useful in treatment of asthma and chronic respiratory disorders.

• Kasahara – useful in cough and cold

• Hidhmahara – useful in repeated hiccups

• Vamihara – relieves vomiting

• Parshvaruk – relieves pain in flanks

• Kushta – useful in skin diseases with pain and itchiness

• Visha – anti toxic

• Kruchra –relieves difficulty in urination

• Ashma – useful in kidney and bladder stones

• Druk – useful in infectious eye disorders

• Bhutahara – useful in psychiatric disorders

As per Bhavaprakasha, both white and black varieties have similar qualities.





Some important properties of Tulsi:



• Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogen, balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress.



• Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is regarded in Ayurveda as a kind of ‘elixir of life’ and believed to promote longevity.



• Traditionally, O. sanctum L. is taken in many forms, as herbal tea, dried power or fresh leaf.



• basil has antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties comparable to diazepam and antidepressant drugs.



- Tip: drink holy basil as tea using the leaves daily every morning on empty stomach







1) Medicinal use of Tulsi

whole plant of Ocimum sanctum Linn.( Tulsi) have been recommended for the treatment of bronchitis, malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, skin disease, arthritis, eye diseases, insect bites and so on.





2) Relieves Fever



Tulsi leaves act as antibiotic, germicidal and disinfectant agents; protects you from bacteria and viruses. Tulsi is an antipyretic - it helps fight a fever and recover your health quickly.





3) Relieves Cough and Respiratory Problems



Chewing Tulsi leaves relives cough and flu. Having antibacterial, antiseptic properties, it can fight against many infection and also helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma attacks.



Tip: chew Tulsi leaves regularly.





4) Protects Against Heart Disorder



Tulsi is very beneficial in fighting cardiac disease. It reduces blood cholesterol levels. Vitamin C and other anti-oxidants such as Eugenol present in Tulsi protect the heart from harmful effects of free radicals.





5) Treats Stomach Problems



Stomach problems like acidity, constipation and flatulence can also be treated with Tulsi leaves. Tulsi maintains the digestive and make proper bowel movement.

It naturally increases your stomach’s defense by:

- decreasing stomach acid

- increasing mucus secretion

- increasing mucus cells

- extending life of mucus cells





6) Stress Reliever



Tulsi regulate cortisol levels and keep hormone levels balanced naturally. Tulsi has a physical effect on the body and mental benefits as well.





7) S upports Eye Health



Tulsi can help fight against conjunctivitis (pink eye) and boils; it also has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help. It also soothes eye inflammation and reduces stress. Regular consumption can protect your eyes from the damage done by free radicals, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, vision defects, and ophthalmia.





9) Dental Care



Tulsi has the power to fight bacteria in your mouth that lead to dental issues, such as cavities, plaque, tartar and bad breath. Tulsi leaves acts as a mouth freshener. It has astringent properties which make the gums hold the teeth tighter, thereby keeping them from falling.

-tulsi also has certain compounds like mercury, which has rich germicidal properties. It can harm the teeth if kept in direct contact for too long. Therefore, it is advised to avoid chewing these leaves. According to the Ayurveda, chewing tulsi leaves robs them of their holiness. It is better to consume as a decoction.





10) Lowers the cholesterol



basil targets metabolic stress, it can also help with weight loss and cholesterol levels.





11) Good for the Skin



Tulsi helps clear out the skin of blemishes and acne. It is rich in antioxidants, and that helps it to prevent premature ageing. The essential oils and Vitamin C present in Tulsi leaves help fight off the harmful effect of free radicals- the primary cause of ageing.





12) Good for Kidney Health



Tulsi detoxifies the body and has diuretic properties. It decreases the level of uric acid in the body, which is the main reason why kidney stones are formed. It increases the frequency of urination, thus helps to maintain renal health.





13) Effects on Doshas

• it is vata balancing due to hot, sharp properties

• Pitta increasing due to pungent, hot properties

• Kapha balancing due to pungent, bitter tastes, hot, dry, light qualities.