MAGICAL HERBS AT YOUR HOME – THE TULSI LEAF - AVN REVEALS ALL

Tulsi (holy basil)

Botanical name - Ocimum tenuiflorum

Ayurvedic name - Tulsi

Curry leaves in Tamil - Tulasi

Curry leaves in Hindi – Tulsi

Features of the tulsi plant

The plant is native to the Indian subcontinent. It usually grows well in in regions where the winter is mild and also in cold, temperate climates. It can grow to an average height of around 50 cm and maximum up to 60 cm. The leaves have a strong flavour and smell.

The tulsi is revered as a consort of Krishna in Hindu mythology. It is also worshipped as a form of Goddess Lakshmi by Hindus.

In olden days and even now in independent houses or even apartments, it is customary to have a place for the tulsi plant.

There are four varieties of the tulsi plant. They are:

• Krishna tulsi which has leaves that have a purple tinge
• Rama tulsi which has green leaves with an oval shape
• Vana tulsi which has green leaves, elongated in shape
• Kapoor tulsi which has dark green leaves, small in size and sharply ridged at the edges 

Main constituents present in tulsi

• Vitamin A
• Beta-carotene
• Potassium
• Iron
• Copper
• Manganese
• Magnesium
• Orientin
• Vicenin
• Eugenol
• Citronellol
• Limonene 

Health benefits of the tulsi leaves

• Eating tulsi leaves reduces inflammation by reducing vata dosha level in the body. Even applying a paste made from tulsi leaves on the swollen areas will ease the pain and swelling
• As a paste, it works well on
• insect bites
• skin rashes
• itching
• ring worm infections
• leucoderma
• Nasyam done with fresh tulsi juice helps to relieve headache and aids in sorting out neck related issues as well.
• Eating tulsi leaves sharpens the memory.
• Juice of the tulsi leaves is an excellent tonic for the nerves.
• The paste or juice of the tulsi when applied on the face is useful in reducing pimples and also its scars.
• Tulsi leaves are useful in relieving digestion issues, stomach worms and also constipation.
• It helps in effectively relieving cough, fever, bronchitis and also various diseases of the lungs. It is an excellent expectorant (aids to remove mucus from the trachea, bronchi and the lungs). For this, the fresh tulsi juice is to be had with ginger and honey.
• Tulsi leaves juice purifies blood and protects the heart.
• Tulsi seeds are effective in increasing quantity of semen.
• The tulsi leaves, if eaten regularly (around 10 leaves) reduce stress level.
• The tulsi leaves also have the power to reduce blood sugar levels from going up.
• It is good for high blood pressure patients, as it is effective in lowering the blood pressure.
• Tulsi leaves in decoction/ tea form are effective in treating dengue fever and malaria.
• The tulsi leaves decoction can be used a s a gargle to get relief from throat pain.
• Mouth ulcers can be cured by rinsing the mouth often with tulsi leaves decoction.

Tulsi and Ayurveda

As per Ayurveda, tulsi is

• Very light and easy to digest
• It helps in drying out any secretions from tissues
• The bitter, spicy taste of the tulsi makes it possible for effective tissue penetration
• Tulsi has deworming properties
• Tulsi has the power to correct the imbalances in the vata dosha and kapha dosha levels in the body, thereby eliminating the probability of diseases that can be caused by the imbalances in these two doshas

The seeds, roots, leaves and flowers of the tulsi plant are used in Ayurvedic medications.

The right way to prepare tulsi juice as per Ayurveda

As per Ayurveda, all parts of the tulsi plant are used in the preparation of fresh tulsi juice. Wash the tender roots, tender branches, leaves, seeds and flowers well.

Chop them into small pieces and grind them to prepare a soft paste, using water minimally. Tie the paste in a soft and thin cotton cloth and extract the juice.

Reference

www.organicfacts.net