Tulsi Plant AKA Holi Basil

Tulsi AKA Holi Basil

The Tulsi plant, also referred to as the Holy Basil, is known in India for its many medicinal purposes. With its Sanskritic meaning ‘the incomparable one’, the tradition of having a tulsi plant in the home was brought to Trinidad and today, in almost every Hindu home, this miracle plant can be found. But exactly why is the tulsi plant referred to as the holy basil and what are its benefits? The holy basil, with its pungent smell, is used by Hindus when performing puja. 

Medicinal benefits

So what other benefits can someone gain when tulsi is included in their diet? The plant is greatly used in Ayurvedic Medicine. It is said to help calm symptoms of the common cold and because of its hot nature, tulsi helps in bronchitis and respiratory tract infections. It is an effective treatment for women with menstruation problems. 

Ayurvedic Medicine claims that the tulsi contains adaptogens which are chemicals that help in reducing and fighting stress and stress related problems like high blood pressure and heart problems. Thus, it eases tension and removes the negative effects of stress. There are claims that the holy basil also has helps with arthritis and stomach problems. However the list does not end here. According to other Web sites and books the tulsi is also effective in the treatment of skin diseases and disorders associated with the eyes, ears and throat. It helps to relieve toothache and gets rid of bad breath. 

For those suffering from migraine and allergies, tulsi has proven to be a successful cure.   Those who have attended pujas or any other Hindu ceremony would have noticed a green/purplish leaf in the parsad. That is the tulsi. It can be eaten raw—the most beneficial way to have it—or with milk. Boiling or cooking the tulsi, is not highly recommended, since it takes away from the natural chemicals of the leaves.

Tulsi Benefits Help To:

• Enhance energy and physical stamina
• Stimulate the mind
• Balance cholesterol levels
• Support eye health
• Promote healthy metabolism
• Normalize blood sugar levels
• Relieve and protect from everyday stress
• Boost the immune system
• Heighten awareness and increase mental clarity

Other Tulsi Nutrients: 

eugenol triterpenoids B-caryophyllene sesquiterpenes monoterpenes ascorbic acid  carotene (vitamin A) rosmarinic acid

ursolic acid apigenin calcium iron selenium zinc manganese trace elements

Tulsi Tea Recipe

This tulsi tea recipe is particularly refreshing in the heat of summer as an iced cold beverage.  It has a lovely fragrance and blends particularly well with the other herbs used.

Ingredients:

• 1 quart  water
• 4T tulsi leaf or 2T powder
• 2T lemon grass
• 1T coriander seeds
• 1t anise seeds
• 1/4t vanilla powder or vanilla stevia
• 1/2t dried ginger root pieces or 1t fresh
• 1T coconut sugar or raw honey

Directions:

1. Infuse the above ingredients in boiling hot water for 20 minutes in a 1 quart jar with a lid.
2. Strain, then add sweeteners and vanilla.  
3. Drink as a hot cup of tea or serve iced.  
4. You can store in the refrigerator for several days.

You can add almond milk or other natural sweeteners.

Cite: guardian (2012)