Tulsi Leaf

Ocimum Tenuifolium is the Latin name of the plant called Tulsi, also known as ‘Holy Basil’. It is an aromatic plant from the genus ‘Lamiaceae’. The foliage of this plant has a strong smell and is often green or purple in color. The leaves are toothed and can grow up to 5cm long.

Difference between Tulsi and Thai Basil

The Holy Basil or Tulsi plant is often confused with the Thai Basil. But the fragrance and flavors of both these plants are distinctly different. While the flavor of holy basil is comparable to clove, the flavor of Thai basil is comparable to aniseeds. Also, the leaf of the Tulsi plant has fine hair on the surface. In comparison, the leaf of the Thai Basil plant is smooth.

Tulsi in Hindu religion

Tulsi plant has many medicinal uses besides being used as a culinary ingredient. According to the Hindu religion and the old scriptures, the meaning of the word ‘tulsi’ means ‘the one who cannot be compared’. It is also one of the main plants in the Hindu Religion as it is worshiped in many forms since it is considered to be a deity. In india, the Holy Basil has two types, based on the color of the leaf. The darker tulsi plant is called shayam tulsi and the lighter one is called rama tulsi. The shyam tulsi is said to be more potent and is used for worship as well as medicinal purposes.

Cosmetic properties of Tulsi

Tulsi has great potential owing to its valuable cosmetic properties. It is used in various forms like powder, pulp etc. Due to its anti-inflammatory property, it is crushed used on the face as an anti-blemish pack. It is mixed with various other ingredients to create packs for different skin types. Tulsi is also added to hot bathing water prior to bath, because of its anti-bacterial elements. Tulsi powder is also used as a body scrub.

The essence of Tulsi is used in face washes as well. Tulsi oil is used as a key ingredient in many types of herbal soaps. Tulsi oil is also mixed with coconut oil and used for hair and scalp massage to fight dandruff and other scalp related problems.

Use of Tulsi in ayurveda

Tulsi is known in ayurveda as a ‘Queen of Herbs’. It is known for its innumerable medicinal properties. Extracts of Tulsi are used in Ayurveda to treat common diseases such as fever, cold and cough, stomach and digestive problems etc. Holy basil eaten with ghee is used to battle acidity etc. It is also used to cure sore throat.

Holy Basil leaves, eaten in the morning are also used for blood purification. It is said to relieve the body from toxins. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, Tulsi is also said to be a good medicine for inflammations of any kind. It can be used as a topical medication or can be ingested.

Dry Tulsi leaves mixed to food grains are also said to keep insects away. It is also used to treat many kinds of poisoning. Tulsi extract is used to treat diseases like malaria and dungue as well.

Holy basil is also known to be a good stress buster. It is normally taken in the form of herbal tea after a hard day’s work to relieve tension and eliminate stress. Taken before going to bed, it gives restful sleep as well. Tulsi is also known to keep depression away. Ayurveda also uses Tulsi to treat headaches.

Modern medicinal uses of Tulsi

The Tulsi plant has found wide acceptance in the field of modern sciences as well. Its healing properties are now recognized in the field of allopathic cures as well. Research shows that effects of radiation poisoning can be eliminated or at least treated to a certain extent by effective use of this plant extract.

Tulsi is gaining fast acceptance in the area of cancer research as well. Known for its anti-oxidant properties, it is known to prevent certain types of cancers. Due to this property, it is also said to have positive effect on the blood sugar level and is now used to control the same in diabetic patients. Further research is on to study complete effects in the cure of this disease.

Tulsi is also known to fight cholesterol and is considered very effective in the cure of heart diseases. This herb is also known to keep the kidney in shape. In case a patient is suffering from diseases like kidney stone, it is said that regular administration of the extract from this plant will help eliminate kidney stone by slowly eroding it, without the need for surgery.

Recent studies prove that this herb has high levels of Eugenol and thus can be used as an effective pain-killer. Furthermore, this herb is also known to improve eyesight and prevent eye diseases like cataract etc.

This herb is also known to give longevity to the person who ingests it.