HOLYBASIL (TULSI) – THE AIR PURIFIER, ENERGIZER, STRESS BALANCER, BEAUTIFIER

Holy Basil is also known as Tulsi. This herb was discovered more than 3,000 years ago in India, where the plant was used for worship by the Vaishavitic traditions of Hinduism.  In the ancient times, it was also used in Greece and Rome.  It is scientifically known as Ocimum Sanctumor Ocimum Tenuiflorum belonging to the Lamiceae family.

This herb is grows in Asia, England, United States, Brazil, and Africa where it has different names like Basilic Saint, Basili Sacre and many more.

Holy Basil is related to Basil scientifically called Ocimumand the ‘Thai Basil’ known as Ocimum Basilicum.

Tulsi is also called ‘incomparable one’because of it medicinal and herbal value such as:

      1.   Air Purifier and Energizer – Tulsi releases a special kind of essential oil which frees the air from bacteria and substances that cause diseases.  It also releases ozone which contains 3 atoms of Oxygen (O3) compared to the atmospheric Oxygen that produces 2 atoms of Oxygen (O2) per molecule.  These are the findings of a study at S. V. University, Trupati, India, as reported in the issue of ‘Gujarat Samachar’ dated March 25, 1988.

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These properties of Tulsi give great energy to the lungs.

Outdoors, this herb releases essential oil and ozone (O3) reaching up to 200 meters away.  Its electrical energy keeps the air fresh.  To care for this plant, it is important to keep it moist and exposed to the sun daily. Once these requirements are met, some pots can be placed indoors for the family’s protection from pollution and diseases.  At night, it should be brought outside for overnight exposure.  I do this at home.

       2.       Stress Balancer – Tulsi contains a compound called Adaptogen which is associated with mental clarity.   When stress occurs, the response from the body is to’ fight or flight’.  Then, adrenaline glands automatically produce stress hormones. With the presence of Adaptogen in Tulsi, the hormone level of Corticosterone is lowered to help balance the stressful situation. 

Drinking of Tulsi decoction (boiled) or chewing fresh leaves daily relieves mental stress according to Dr. Narendra Singh, Assistant Director of Pharmacology in King George Medical College, Lucknow, India.

       3.       Beautifier – Some of the easy ways to use this herb are:

To have a clear skin:  In sitting position, inhale deeply in front of a Tulsiplant and hold your breath.  The aroma inhaled purifies the blood.  The aromatic herb is astringent but pleasant.

Also,   chewing a few leaves purifies the blood and makes the skin color glow.  The taste is like chili and black pepper.

4.       Medical Properties – A valuable research was made on Tulsi by Dr. Upendrari, a physician from Ahmadabad, India. According to Dr. Upendrari’s research, Tulsi can be used to treat cancer, heart disease, kidney, skin and mental retardation.  It was given state honor by Gujarat government.

 5.       Repellant – The strong aroma repels mosquitoes especially mosquitoes causing malaria. It also repels insects, snakes and scorpions.

Get your Holy Basil at https://herbalandherbs.wordpress.com/ at Php60-80/seedling bag.

Here are some herbal preparations:

A.      Eat 5 leaves of Tulsi a day as protection from many diseases.

B.      For Cough and Colds:

a.       Boil one (1) cup of  water;

b.      Mix 11 fresh leaves of Tulsi;

c.       Add 3 black pepper seeds, a small ginger and a pinch of salt;

d.      Keep boiling until it becomes half a cup. Divide into 3 portions to be taken morning, afternoon and night.

C.      Fever, malaria, and other ailments: Take 11 fresh leaves and 4 black pepper seeds. 

D.      Strength, memory and impressive personality: Ground fresh Tulsi leaves and squeeze the juice.  For children use 5 to 7 leaves, for adults use 25 to 100 leaves depending on the constitution, capacity and disorders. 

          Tulsi leaf juice can be taken in the morning at 2 to 3 spoonful on an empty stomach or divided   

           3 times a day.

CAUTION:

Tulsi leaves can be used regularly for four (4) weeks. But note that these cannot be taken under the following circumstances below.

1.       Do not use for pregnant and breast feeding women.

2.       Do not use 2 weeks before surgery.

3.       Do not use when taking aspirin or medications related to slow blood clotting.

Holy Basil is also used for food especially in the Thai Phat Kaphrao, a dish of meat, seafood and stir-fried rice.  Tulsi also has a preservative property that lessens spoilage when exposed to the aroma.

Holy Basil or Tulsi is such a blessing.  It is an ancient plant with great relevance to our challenging modern lifestyle.

Get your Holy Basil at https://herbalandherbs.wordpress.com/ at Php60-80/seedling bag.

EM-EM

The Gardener, MBA

Sources:

     1.       medicine hunter.com,  Holy Basil/Tulsi-Adaptogen

     2.       rxlist.com and webmd.com,  Holy Basil/Tulsi

     3.       Wikipedia, Holy Basil Tulsi

     4.       Yash Rai, Holy Basil/Tulsi (a Herb)

Elixir of Life pp. 16 -17

Common Uses pp. 27 – 29,  32

Tested Therapeutic Applications pp. 52, 54

The Beautifier p. 55

Colds, Cough and Other Respiratory Diseases p. 90

Diseases of…  Other Miscellaneous Diseases p. 116

NAVNEET Publication (India) Ltd., Ahmadabad and Mumbai, India

     5.       Botannica’s Annuals and Perennials, Ocimum p. 608, San Diego, California, Laurel Glen Publishing