Tulsi is best known for its calming and soothing effects on the nervous system. According to modern science, Tulsi is named as “Holy Basil” which is an adaptogenic herb. In Ayurvedic tradition, the Sanskrit word tulsi is translated as ” the incomparable one” and it is also called “Mother medicine of Nature” and revered as “elixir of life”.
In Hindu mythology, it is the most sacred herb which is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, wife of Vishnu. It is said that tulsi sprouted from the tears of Lord Vishnu on Samudra Manthan. Women plant and worship tulsi daily in their houses and Vaishnav temple and many christian churches offer this as holy water.
Furthermore, let’s discuss the components, healing properties, health benefits , dosages and side effects in detail.
Characteristics of Tulsi:
The biological name of Tulsi is “Ocimum Sanctum” or “Ocimum Tenuiflorum”. It belongs to the mint family. The three main morphotypes of this herb are :
- Rama tulsi or green leaf basil is the common type with green leaves and it emits a strong aroma and has a cooling effect when tasted.
- Krishna tulsi or shyama tulsi or purple leaf basil has dark purple coloured leaves and shoots that have a crispy and peppery taste.
- Vana tulsi or wild basil has light green leaves that have smooth edges and are more lengthy than other varieties. It contains strong aroma and strong antioxidant properties.
There is one more type ” Kapoor Tulsi” or heavy flowered Basil which has a sweet fragrance that can keep insects and mosquitoes at bay. It is widely used in treatment of malaria, diarrhoea, skin disease, eye disease and insect bites.
In Ayurvedic Practice, this herb is sattvic herb and classified as rasayana with a pungent, bitter and astringent taste that has a hot potency.
Constituents of Tulsi :
This Herb contains bioactive components Eugenol (a volatile oil), Ursolic acid (tripenoid), rosmarinic acid, carvacrol, glycosides, Caryophyllene , Vitamin C, traces of Citric and tartaric acid.
Healing properties of Tulsi:
- Anti microbial
- Anti viral
- Anti bacterial
- Anti fungal
- Anti diabetic
- Adaptogenic
- Anti inflammatory
- Anti carcinogenic
- Anti ulcer
- Anti tumor
- Radio protective
- Immunomodulatory
- Neuro protective
- Anti stress
- Anti depressive
- Anxiety regulating
Therapeutic Benefits Of Tulsi
Stress Reliever
This adaptogenic herb reduces the physical, metabolic and mental stress through balancing the pituitary and adrenal glands which controls the stress hormone cortisol levels. Eugenol and Ursolic acid are responsible for reduction of cortisol.
In Ayurvedic Practice, Imbalance in Vata Dosha causes fear, mood swings, irritation, depression and stress. Tulsi balances the Vata Dosha, helps in reducing stress.
Respiratory Health
Antimicrobial and immunomodulatory benefits of Tulsi fight against cold, influenza, Asthma and Bronchitis and promote the secretion of mucus in bronchitis. The anti-inflammatory property reduces the inflammation of mucous membranes in bronchial tubes.
In Ayurvedic approach, the respiratory disorders are aggravated Kapha because of cold, Swas Roga (imbalance of Kapha and vata) that cause Asthma and Tridoshic imbalance cause of Influenza. Tulsi balances all three doshas and improves the respiratory functions.
Cardiovascular Disorder And Diabetes
The antioxidant protects the heart from free radical damage. Eugenol acts as cardio tonic which reduces cholesterol deposit in the heart.
As a detoxifier, Tulsi eliminates the Ama (toxic in the human body) that lowers the bad cholesterol and helps in controlling the blood sugar level.
Effects On Skin
Ursolic acid in Tulsi used to treat the appearance of wrinkles and ageing spots. It also restores skin’s collagen and increases elastic secretion which tightens the open pores and retains the elasticity. Tulsi balances the Kapha Dosha that is responsible for skin itchiness.
Other Benefits:
Wound healing : Antibacterial, anti oxidant, analgesic and anti inflammatory properties of Tulsi increases wound’s breaking strength and contractions. Plant flavonoids as free radical scavenging helps in healing of wounds.
Pain Reliever: With Analgesic property Tulsi acts as a pain reliever.
Cancer : The phytochemicals in Tulsi prevent radiation induced DNA damage. The aqueous extract of Tulsi protects normal tissues against tumor effects of radiation.
Dental health: Anti-bacterial and antifungal property of Tulsi acts as oral disinfectant and mouth freshener. It helps in the treatment of all gum diseases.
Kidney: Tulsi eliminates the Ama (toxins accumulated) from the ureteral path and reduces the uric acid level and dissolves the kidney stones.
Tulsi- Immune Booster: Rich in vitamin C and zinc, tulsi acts as a natural immunity booster and protects against infections from virus, bacteria and fungus.
Dosage:
The leaf, root and seed parts of tulsi are extracted for medicinal purposes.
It can be obtained in various forms: capsules, tablets, Powder, Juice and oil.
Tulsi capsules or tablets – 1- 2 nos twice a day.
Tulsi powder – 3 to 6g per day
Fresh Juice – 5 – 10 ml once a day
Tulsi oil – 3 or 4 drops 4-5 times a day.
Side Effects:
On high dosage, Tulsi can
- Increases pitta dosha cause excessive hunger, burning sensation in stomach and heavy bleeding.
- An experimental research says it decrease sperm count in male reproductive.
- People with nasal bleeding, heavy periods and bleeding disorders should avoid it.
- Pregnant women and lactating mothers should avoid as it is unsafe.
FAQs
✓ What are the ways to intake Tulsi?
- Chewing fresh leaves
- Taking supplements
- Adding this herb in tea
- Holy basil water
- Tulsi oil
✓ How Does Tulsi help in spiritual health?
Firstly, tridoshic rasayana characteristics, removes the stress, anxiety, dear and grief and balances the hormones. Secondly, the balanced effect helps alighting the spiritual mind and maintain the balance of chakras.
Disclaimer:
Probably, many have experienced positive benefits from herbal medication. Also, We hope that our program and blog articles will assist you in arriving with good tools for a healthy lifestyle. However, kindly be aware that our staff could not provide personal health advice due to legal and time constraints. Please consult an Ayurvedic Practitioner before using this herb.
