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 the 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
1. Tulsi :
Ocimum sanctum L.
2. Krishna
Tulsi: Ocimum tenuiflorum
3. RamTulsi: Ocimum
gratissium
4. Dulal
Tulsi: Ocimum canum
5. Ban
Tulsi: Ocimum basilicum
6. Camphor
basil: Ocimum kilimandscharicum
7. American
basil/ Hoary basil: Ocimum ammericanum
8. Amazonian
basil: Ocimum micranthum
9. 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 the 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)
§ Guna
(qualities) : Laghu / Rooksha/ Teekshna (lightness/dryness/Piercing)
§ Virya:
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.
§ Kushta: It is
useful in skin diseases with pain or in itchiness.
§ Parshvaruk:
It relieves pain in the flanks.
§ Vamihara: It
provides relieves in vomiting.
§ Hidhmahara: It is
useful in repeated hiccups.
§ Kasahara: It is
useful in cough and cold.
§ Shwasahara: It is
useful in the treatment of chronic respiratory disorders like asthma.
§ Hrudya: It is
useful for reducing cholesterol deposition in blood vessels.
§ Agnivardhini/
Vahni Deepani: 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.
§ 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 a painkiller it in 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.
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.
5. It boosts the muscular
system
Tulsi
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 leave
also help to enhance protein synthesis and strength.
Some Facts
§ 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 a 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 its 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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