Tulsi

Basonym of drug - Tulsi

Tulsi or Holy basil is a widely known herb in the family Lamiaceae. It is native to India and vastly cultivated throughout Southeast Asia.

Tulsi has a special place in Ayurveda as well as the home of Hindus in India. It is considered sacred by Hindus and worshipped by them. Three main types of Tulsi are seen growing in India:

Tulsi has proved to be highly effective in protecting our body from various infections and diseases of the liver, skin, kidney, etc. It contains powerful oxidants that can help in keeping your blood pressure levels and cholesterol levels under control, making it one of the best heart-healthy foods. It is also good for diabetes as it possesses hypoglycaemic properties which are known to help lower blood sugar levels. 

Botanical Name : Ocimum sanctum Linn.

Family : Labiatae; Lamiaceae.

English : Indian Basil/Holy basil

Synonyms :Surasaa, Surasa, Bhuutaghni, Suravalli, Sulabhaa, Manjarikaa, Bahumanjari

Chemical Constituents :eugenol, carvacrol, nerol, eugenolmethylether, Bornyl

Properties :

Rasa- Katu, Tikta

Guna -Laghu, Rüksa

Virya –  Usna

Vipäka-  Katu

Karma Kapha-vãtahara Dipana, Krimighna Putigandhahara

Indications :Hikkä, Kãsa, svãsa, Visaroga, Parvasüla, Krimi, Visama Jvara.

Part Used :Leaf, root, seed.

Dosage :Fresh juice 10-20 ml, root decoction 50-100 ml, seed 3-6 g

Important Yogas or Formations :

Surasadigana Kasaya, Surasãdi taila, Tumburvãdi yoga, Nimbãdi lepa

Research-Backed Benefits of Tulsi are:

1. Boosts Immunity Naturally:

Tulsi is enriched with Vitamin C and zinc, which acts as a natural immunity booster and helps in preventing infections. It has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties that protect us from various infections. Extract of Tulsi leaves increases the activity of T helper cells and natural killer cells, which boosts the immune system.

2. Reduces Fever and Pain:

Tulsi has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that help fight infections, thereby reducing fever. The fresh juice of Tulsi taken with black pepper powder is effective in curing periodic fevers. Boiling Tulsi leaves with powdered cardamom (elaichi) in half a litre of water and mixing it with sugar and milk is also useful in reducing temperature. Eugenol, a terpene found in Tulsi, reduces aches in the body.

3. Reduces Cold, Cough and Respiratory Disorders:

Tulsi contains camphene, cineole and eugenol that help reduce cold and chest congestion. Mix the juice of Tulsi leaves with honey and ginger for effective treatment of bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold.

4. Reduces Stress and Blood Pressure:

Tulsi contains compounds Ocimumosides A and B that reduce stress and balance the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Anti-inflammatory properties of Tulsi reduce inflammation and blood pressure.

5. Anti-cancer Properties:

Phytochemicals present in Tulsi have strong antioxidant properties that protect us from skin, liver, oral and lung cancers.

6. Good for Heart Health:

Tulsi has a profound effect on the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases by lowering blood lipid content, suppressing ischemia and stroke, reducing hypertension and also due to its higher antioxidant properties.

7. Good for Diabetes Patients:

Extract of Tulsi leaves has shown to lower blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 Diabetes.

8. Useful in Kidney Stones and Gouty Arthritis:

Tulsi detoxifies the body and has diuretic properties. It decreases the level of uric acid in the body, which is the main reason why kidney stones are formed. Reduction in uric acid levels also provides relief to patients suffering from Gout.

9. Useful in Gastrointestinal Disorders:

Tulsi leaves help in curing indigestion and loss of appetite. They are also useful for the treatment of flatulence and bloating.

10. Good for Skin and Hair:

Tulsi helps clear out the skin of blemishes and acne. It is rich in antioxidants and helps prevent premature ageing. Tulsi also strengthens our hair roots, thereby preventing hair loss.

11. Acts as an Insect Repellent:

Dried Tulsi leaves have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects for centuries.

12. Insect Bites and Blood Purification:

Apart from repelling insects, extracts of Tulsi leaves can be applied to insect bites and stings to ease the pain. They also reduce swelling or resultant irritation to a great extent. Daily consumption of Tulsi also helps in purifying the blood.

13. Oral and Dental Health:

Tulsi is often used in herbal toothpaste due to its amazing teeth and gum strengthening properties. Moreover, it can act on mouth ulcers and provide comprehensive oral health care.

14. Treatment of Eczema:

Tulsi is commercially available in the form of ingestible pills and topical ointments which can be used for the treatment of skin conditions like eczema. They also provide long-lasting relief from itching and irritation.

15. Reduces Stress and Fatigue:

Research has shown that Tulsi has several physical and mental health benefits. Consuming a Tulsi drink after a tiring day at work can be revitalizing and help relieve stress and fatigue. Similarly, a Tulsi drink during prolonged hours of study can help enhance concentration for students.

Tulsi is known to have many properties like:

• It might be an antipyretic (relieves fever) agent
• It might have anti-inflammatory activity
• It might be an antiemetic (prevents vomiting)
• It might help lower the blood sugar (antidiabetic)
• It might act as a hypotensive (lowers blood pressure)
• It might have hypolipidemic (lowers cholesterol) activity
• It might act as an analgesic (relieves pain)
• It might have anti-asthmatic activity
• It might be a hepatoprotective (liver-protective) agent
• It might help reduce stress (antistress)
• It might be a potent expectorant (expels mucous)
• It might have anticancer potential
• It might be a diaphoretic (induces sweating)