Tulsi (commonly known as Holy Basil) is a revered plant in India and holds a special place in households, Ayurveda, and religious traditions. Known for its extraordinary medicinal properties and spiritual significance, this herb has been used for thousands of years to promote health and well-being.
This blog explores the health benefits, vernacular names, and the rich history of Tulsi.
Latin Name: Ocinum Sanctum
Vernacular Names:
Tulsi is recognized globally and across India under different names:
- Sanskrit: Gouri, Gramya, Surasa, Surabhi, Svadugandha
- Sumanjari,Devadundhubhi
- Haripriya ( beloved by lord Vishnu)
- Hindi: Tulsi
- Tamil: Thulasi
- Telugu: Tulasi
- Kannada: Tulasi
- Malayalam: Thulasi
- Marathi: Tulsi
- Gujarati: Tulsi
- Bengali: Tulsi
- English: Holy Basil
Historical & Spiritual Significance of Tulsi
Tulsi has deep roots in Indian tradition:
Religious Importance: In Hinduism, Tulsi is worshipped as an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and is considered sacred. It is often planted in the courtyard of homes and temples as it symbolizes purity, positivity, and devotion.
- The “Tulsi Vivah,” a ceremonial marriage of Tulasi with Lord Vishnu or Krishna, marks the onset of the wedding season in Hindu culture.
Ayurvedic Legacy: Tulsi is described in ancient Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita for its ability to balance the body’s doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Global Recognition: Over time, Tulsi has gained recognition in traditional Chinese medicine and modern herbal practices worldwide for its remarkable healing powers.
Tulasi Health benefits and Ayurvedic Description
Tulsi also known as vishnupriya, the one liked by lord vishnu or krishna holds a special place in Ayurveda as a rejuvenative tonic (Rasayana) that balances all three doshas Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, with a primary focus on calming Kapha and Vata. It is especially prized for its effects on the, digestion, respiratory systems and improving immunity.
Rasa (Taste):
- Katu (Pungent)
- Tikta (Bitter)
Virya (Potency):
- Ushna (hot)
Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect):
- Katu (Undergoes pungent taste after digestion)
Guna (Qualities):
- Laghu ( Light)
- Rooksha (Dry)
- Tikshna ( Piercing)
Benefits of Tulsi -Ocinum Sanctum
Tulsi is a multiutility herb with wide-ranging benefits for the body and mind. It is a powerhouse of nutrients and antioxidants, which make it a natural remedy for several health conditions. Here are some of its key health benefits of tulsi:
Boost Immunity
- Tulsi is rich in antioxidants and essential oils that strengthen the immune system and help fight infections.
- Regular consumption of Tulsi tea can reduce the risk of viral and bacterial illnesses like the common cold and flu.
Detoxify the body
- Tulsi helps cleanse the liver and kidneys, flushing out toxins from the body.
- It also promotes blood purification, which enhances overall well-being.
Respiratory Health
- Tulsi is an effective remedy for respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, cough, and congestion.
- Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties clear respiratory pathways and soothe irritation.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
- Tulsi is an adaptogen, which means it helps the body cope with stress.
- Drinking Tulsi tea or chewing fresh leaves calms the mind and reduces cortisol levels, combating mental fatigue.
Improves Skin and Hair Health
- Tulsi has antibacterial and antifungal properties that prevent skin infections and acne.
- A paste made from Tulsi leaves can treat blemishes, while its juice promotes scalp health and combats dandruff.
Anti-inflammatory and Anticancer Properties
- Tulsi contains compounds like eugenol, ursolic acid, and rosmarinic acid, which have potent anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
- It inhibits the growth of cancerous cells, making it a valuable addition to a cancer-preventive diet.
Health Benefits of Tulsi & Medicinal properties
Kapha vinashini : Balances kapha dosha, helps in relieving excess mucous production
Krumihara : It is one the best anti viral herbs of Ayurveda.
Ruchikrut: Help in improving taste, relieves anorexia.
Agnivardhini: Improves digestion strength.
Hrudya : Good for heart,lowers cholesterol in blood vessel.
Medhya : Improves memory and concentration.
Shwashara : Help ease congestion in lungs & wind pipe providing relief in asthma and respiratory disorder.
Kasahara: Useful in common cold & viral fever.
Vishahar : Anti toxic.
Kushtahar : Useful in skin diseases with pain & itchyness.
Varieties of Tulsi
Bhavparkash and Raj nighantu have reference of two varietes of tulasi
Shukla Tulasi : White variety ocinum americanum linn.
Krishna Tulasi : Black variety Ocinum sanctum
Health benefits of tulsi black variety ( krishna tulasi) is superior than white variety of tulsi. Therefore it is used for medicinal purposes.
How to use Tulsi
Tulasi can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Tulsi Powder (Churna): Dry leaves powder mixed with honey or warm water, often with a pinch of cardamom for taste.
- Dosage : 2 to 4 gms
- Capsules or Tablets: Now a days tulasi is also available in capsules or tablets form are convenient for daily supplementation.
- Dosage : 1 to 2 tablet/ capsule
- Tulsi Fresh Juice: 10 to 20 ml .
- Decoction: Prepared by boiling the tulsi ocinum santum leaves in water, useful for digestive or respiratory issues
- Dosage : 20 to 30 ml .
Cautions And Contraindications
While Tulasi ( ocinum sanctum)is generally safe, excessive consumption may cause:
- Burning sensation in chest or body..
- May cause nasal bleeding, excessive menstrual bleeding especially in people with pitta prakriti.
Pregnant or lactating women and those on medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homoepathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina.
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does Tulasi take to start showing result ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly shatavari work. However it is observed that results are usually visible in 1-2 weeks or even months.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this product.
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been adviced with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Home Remedies of Tulasi
For sinusitis and headach: Take black tulasi leaves and make juice about teaspoon from it, then add a pinch of black pepper powder to it. Two drops of this juice is put in both the nostrils daily morning .
Dysentary with blood : When dysentary is severe there is blood discharge with loose motion. For this condition tulasi seeds are very beneficial.
Take 1 teaspoon of tulasi seed and soak it 1 glass of water. Keep this overnight then strian it in morning. Drink this water in the morning empty stomach.
Unlock the Ayurvedic secret to treat acidity permanently
For Joint pain ( Vata rog) : Take 1 teaspoon fresh juice of tulasi leaves ,then add half teaspoon of fresh ginger juice to it. Now add half teaspoon ghee ( clarified butter) , half teaspoon of honey and lastly a pinch of black pepper powder to it.
Consuming this mixture two times a day will help relieve all types of joint pain.
Relieves Urticarial rashes : Make fresh juice of tulasi leaves. Apply this juice on the skin rashes. This home remedy is very effective in relieving skin rashes.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains Shatavari
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is main ingriedients in following medicines
Tribhuvankirti ras : This medicine is used in ayurveda for treatment of fever.
Manasmitra Vadakam : A very useful ayurvedic medicine for managing lack of sleep, stress and anxiety. Also it is very useful in treating depression.
Bilvadi gulika: Very famous anti viral medicine of Ayurveda.
Conclusion
Tulsi (Ocinum sanctum) is a one of very important of Ayurvedic medicine, revered for its immuno modulating properties and kapha vata balancing properties. Whether for respiratory health, stress relief, or overall wellness, Tulsi continues to be a trusted herb for promoting health and well-being in a natural and holistic way.
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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