Tulsi

The Tulsi or holy basil, considered sacred by the Hindus, has small leaves with a strong smell and purple flowers. There are two varieties: a red - and a green one. Red holy basil has a stronger smell. This plant  is originally from India.  Apart from the religious significance, it also has substantial medicinal meaning and is used in Ayurvedic treatment. 

Tulsi has anti-microbial properties since it is also anti-inflammatory due to the oil eugenol present in the leaves.It is useful in respiratory tract infection. The Ursolic acid present in tulsi has anti-allergic properties. The plant can play a role in the management of immunological disorders such as allergies and asthma.

This plant also has a place in traditional medicine. The juice of the leaves is used against fever and as an antidote for snake and scorpion bites. Its anti-spasmodic properties, relieves abdominal pains and helps in lowering the blood sugar level.

Tulsi (pronounced "tool-see") is identified by botanists as Ocimum  sanctum or, more recently, Ocimum tenuiflorum (Rama and Krishna Tulsi varieties), and Ocimum gratissimum (Vana Tulsi variety). Belonging to the Lamiaceae/Labiatae mint family, these and other closely related varieties are cousins of the familiar sweet basil cooking herb, Ocimum basilicum. Tulsi is native to tropical Asia, likely having originated in India; the robust Vana Tulsi readily grows wild in many areas of Asia and Africa. Tulsi is a bushy perennial shrub, usually cultivated annually from seed, although it can also be propagated from tip or root cuttings. It is usually planted (or transplanted) immediately when the rainy season begins. In good soil and hot sunny weather, Tulsi may grow to a meter in height and be ready for harvest in a few months.

Leaf color ranges from light green (Vana) to dark purple (Krishna); the tiny flowers range from white to reddish purple. The leaves of Tulsi are most commonly used for their health benefits,  although all parts of the plant, including the roots, stems, flowers and seeds, have significant and differing medicinal and symbolic properties. In addition, Tulsi beads, made from the woody stalks, are commonly strung in necklaces, bracelets, belts and meditation malas or rosaries, which are thought by many to have symbolic spiritual as well as physical protection benefits.

Tulsi or basil is a herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. Here's a list of some medicinal uses of Tulsi, from Healthlibrary:The juice of Tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever.  Extract of  Tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is very effective in bringing down the temperature.

Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma attacks. Chewing Tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.  For ear ache a few drops of Tulsi extract, if instilled, relieves the symptoms promptly.  The juice of fresh leaves, flower tops and slender roots is a very good antidote for snake and scorpion bite.  (I wouldn't bet on this, fully.) Its oil is rich in vitamin C, carotene, calcium and phosphorus. Besides, it has antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties. Ayurvedic Tulsi preparations have significantly reduced the symptoms of viral hepatitis. In diabetics it helps in lowering the blood sugar level.  Its anti-spasmodic property can be utilized to relieve abdominal colic. The extracts are also helpful in digestive disorders.  Tulsi leaves have properties similar to the currently available anti-TB drugs like Streptomycin and Isoniazide.

Oil of Tulsi has been used as a potent anti-malarial drug. It also has mosquito repellent properties.  It raises the human body immunity by increasing the antibody production. Experimental studies on animals have shown anti-stress activity with Tulsi extract. Tulsi has anti-fertility effect by reducing the estrogen hormone levels in females and decreasing the sperm count in men.  It is also used to treat ringworm of the skin.

Why do we worship Tulsi?

Either in the front, back or central courtyard of most Indian homes there is a Tulsi-matham, an altar bearing a Tulsi plant. The size and the tiles (marble) used are in proportion to the wealth.  In the present day apartments, many maintain a potted Tulsi plant. The lady of the house lights a lamp, waters the plant, worships and circumambulates it, known as Tulsi Pooja.  The stem, leaves, seeds, and even the soil, which provides it a base are considered holy. A Tulsi leaf is always placed in the food offered to the Lord. It is also offered to the Lord during poojas especially to Lord Vishnu and His incarnations.  In Sanskrit, 'tulanaa naasti athaiva Tulsi' - that which is incomparable (in its qualities) is the Tulsi.  For Hindus, it is one of the most sacred plants. In fact it is known to be the only thing used in worship, which, once used, can be washed and reused in poojas - as it is considered as self-purifying.

As one story goes, Tulsi was the devoted wife of Shankhachuda, celestial being. She believed that Lord Krishna tricked her into sinning. So she cursed Him to become a stone (shaaligraama?). Seeing her devotion and adherence to righteousness, the Lord blessed her saying that she would become the worshipped plant, Tulsi that would adorn His head. Also, that any offerings would be incomplete without the Tulsi leaf - hence the worship of Tulsi.She also symbolizes Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Those who wish to be righteous and have a happy family worship the Tulsi. Tulsi is married to the Lord with all pomp and show as in any wedding. This is because according to another legend, the Lord blessed her to be his consort.  Satyabhama once weighed Lord Krishna against all her legendary wealth. The scales did not balance till a single.  Tulsi leaf was placed, along with the wealth, on the scale by Rukmini, with devotion. Thus the Tulsi played the vital role of demonstrating to the world that even a small object offered with devotion means more to the Lord than all the wealth in the world.The Tulsi leaf has great medicinal value and is used to cure various ailments, including the common cold.

Source: Internet.  Compiled by James Fernandes, USA.  Barkur.com is not responsible for the medicinal claims mentioned in this article, if they do not take place!  Please consult a doctor, Dr. Adiga, or use at your own risk!