Another important and probably on 1st position plant in India is the plant of Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum). Tulsi is on the top of every plant in respect with religion and medical use. It is also known as Holy Basil in English.
Sanskrit Name
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Tulasi means incomparable
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Scientific Name
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Ocimum Sanctum
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Habitat
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All over the eastern world
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Use
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Multiple use
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Height
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Small bush with avg. height 1m
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Tulsi is found in almost every house in India. It is considered to be a God. Hence in almost every house, women worshipped Tulsi tree in the morning. Tulsi is considered as an avatar of God Laxmi – i.e. god of wealth. There are two types of tulsi worshipped in Hinduism: "Rama tulsi" has light green leaves and is larger in size; "Shyama tulsi" has dark green leaves and is important for the worship of Hanuman.
Tulsi has a very high importance in the religion of Hindus. The wedding season in India is started after marriage ceremony of God Tulsi with God Krishna. Tulsi can be grown any where easily by just spreading its seeds on the soil. Tulsi requires little water and no any fertilizer for growth. Tulsi can be easily cultivated around the house and in the backyard. Tulsi seeds are very small in size and are grown in bunches.
Tulsi leaves have a unique smell and it is due the presence of special chemicals that makes tulsi a strong medicine. In Aayurveda Tulsi is used for treatment in many diseases.
Ayurvedic uses of Tulsi
Tulsi has been used for thousands of years in Aayurveda for its diverse healing properties. It is mention in the ‘Charaka Samhita’ that tulsi is an adaptogen balancing different processes of the body and helpful for adapting stress. Tulsi is a herbal tree. For over the centuries Tulsi has been known for its remarkable healing properties and is considered as Queen of herbs.
The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration.
Tulsi is effectively used for curing Malaria and dengue. Tulsi juice can be used to bringing down the fever.
In case of Cough, chewing tulsi leaves relives cold and flu and is preventing cough. Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma.
The leaves are quite effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.
The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustered oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.
In case of bite of honeybee, if we immediately apply soil under the tulsi, then the injury will immediately get cured without any pain.
In almost every home in India parents recommends their children to eat one leaf of tulsi every day which prevents cough, fever, night blindness, headache and other allergic diseases.
Due to presence of tulsi near house, the environment around the house stays healthy and clean. By taking every day juice of tulsi will remove all impurities from our body. Study for Effects of Tulsi on the cancer tissues are in progress with positive results.
