Tulasi, Tulsi or Holy Basil.

Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum

A herb for all reasons

Classification

Kingdom : Plantae

Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Magnoliopsida
Order : Lamiales
Family : Lamiaceae
Genus : Ocimum
Species : O. tenuiflorum
Scientific Name : Ocimum Sanctum

Basil Or Tulsi

Common names : It is known as Holy Basil in English and Tulasi in Sanskrit. Other names used for the Tulsi are Manjari, Krishna Tulsi, Trittavu, Tulshi and Thulsi.

Yanmoole sarva tirthaani yannagre sarva devataa Yanmadhye sarva vedaascha Tulasi taam namaamyaham.

Meaning: I bow down to the Tulasi, at whose base (the roots) are all the holy places, at whose top reside all the deities (divinity), and in whose middle are all the Vedas.

Description

Tulsi has a heavy branched having hair all over. It attains the height of about 75 – 90 cm. It has round oval shaped leaves which are up to 5 cm long. The leaves are 2- 4 cm in length. Its seeds are flat. Its flowers are purple – creamish in colour. The Tulsi with the green leaves is called the Shri Tulsi and one with the reddish leaves is called the Krishna Tulsi. Its seeds are yellow to reddish in colour. Leaves of Tulsi contains very essential oil. It's a hardy annual but can grow as a perennial if the flowers are cut before blooming. Sow tulsi seeds after the last frost in a well-drained, fertile, lightweight soil and cover with a thin layer of soil. Allow tusli to receive at least four hours of sunlight and protect from harsh afternoon sun and high heat. Water the holy basil thoroughly and allow to dry out between waterings. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the active growing period and discontinue during the cooler months when the tulsi plant goes dormant.

Several varieties of holy basil grow throughout the Himalayan foothills to areas of the Middle East. Purple-leafed tulsi, also known as Krishna or Shyama tulsi, has a sharp peppery taste and is harder to find than other varieties. Rama tulsi, or green leaf tulsi, has a mild taste with a strong aroma. It's found in southern areas of India and in some parts of China and Nepal. Wild tulsi, or Vana tulsi, grows wild around the Himalayan Mountains and in the plains of India.

Ayurveda and Tulasi

As a science of life and the world's oldest medical system, Ayurveda has a holistic approach to health and disease that focuses on preserving and promoting good health and preventing disease through healthy lifestyle practices. These practices include consumption of fresh, minimally processed foods, the use of Rasayanas (formulas) that eradicate ageing and disease, sophisticated detoxification practices and regular consumption of adaptogenic herbs that enhance the body's capacity to maintain balance in the midst of a variety of stressors. Ayurveda's use of medicinal and culinary herbs draws upon India's incredible biodiversity with a variety that is unsurpassed by any medical system; yet, of all the herbs used, none has a status comparable to tulsi or holy basil (Ocimum sanctum).

Tulsi is an aromatic shrub in the basil family Lamiaceae (tribe ocimeae) that is thought to have originated in north central India and now grows native throughout the eastern world tropics. Within Ayurveda, tulsi is known as “The Incomparable One,” “Mother Medicine of Nature” and “The Queen of Herbs,” and is revered as an “elixir of life” that is without equal for both its medicinal and spiritual properties.Within India, tulsi has been adopted into spiritual rituals and lifestyle practices that provide a vast array of health benefits that are just beginning to be confirmed by modern science. This emerging science on tulsi, which reinforces ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, suggests that tulsi is a tonic for the body, mind and spirit that offers solutions to many modern day health problems.

Tulasi and Ayurveda from prehistoric times the earliest inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent held plants in great reverence. Nature was worshipped by India’s primitive tribes, just as she was worshipped by primitive peoples all over the world. Hindu mythology says that the God of Death, Yama, himself gives way to this most ‘holy’ of India’s plants – the sacred Tulasi. However, India is unique in that it has maintained this reverence right up to the present day. As early as 3000 BC, worship of actual plants was turning into reverence for Nature as a source of medicine. Plants were being regarded less as simply ‘holy’ in themselves than as the home of divine spirits with powers beneficial to mankind. By the time Ayurveda became an established science, these beneficial plants had long been acknowledged in the vast medicinal pharmacopoeia contained in plants. Tulasi, which was once worshipped as a plant with ‘magical powers’, was analysed by the Ayurvedic physicians for its physical properties. Although this dispelled much of the superstition connected with Tulasi and other plants, it did not diminish the reverence in which plants were held by Ayurveda. Tulasi is known as the Mother of Ayurveda.

The remarkable thing about Tulasi is that, unlike other medicinal plants, she is effective even if she is not consumed. Just her close proximity is enough. In Sanskrit it is said, Tulanaa naasti athaiva Tulasi – that which is incomparable (in its qualities) is the Tulasi plant. Along with her brother, the bael tree of Lord Shiva, she is considered to be the most powerful of all medicinal plants. Her leaf’s quality is heating. She contains mercury, and is an antibiotic or antibacterial. All respiratory tract problems such as coughs and colds, sore throats, whooping cough in children, etc. are helped by her. Infusions of Tulasi tea are most effective in all such cases. Boil ten to fifteen leaves and three to five black pepper corns in one hundred milligrams of water until the liquid reduces to half, add a pinch of salt and drink as hot as is comfortable. Tulasi is also effective in fever, insomnia, mental tension, skin problems, and the treatment of cancer and diabetes. Hormonal imbalance is regulated in both men and women by the consumption of Tulasi.

For all-round protection and physical strength, ten to fifteen leaves should be taken daily in the morning on an empty stomach, preferably during brahmamuhurta (the two hours before sunrise when the vibrations are sattwic or subtle and healing), after bathing and worshipping the Tulasi plant. Children can take five to six leaves. The leaf should not be chewed, as the mercury affects the teeth, but swallowed with fresh water. Tulasi leaves can also be crushed or ground into a paste and applied externally to wounds and skin problems. For some skin problems she is mixed with salt. Sadhus in Gangotri drink green tea mixed with Ganga Tulasi (Artemisia cina) which is very good for health.

Many Ayurvedic medicines are made from Tulasi and every part of her is useful. Even the smell of Tulasi has a positive and soothing effect on the mind. In the early morning her leaves emit a type of oil. If you sprinkle water on her and then remain near her, preferably chanting a prayer or mantra, you will receive the benefit of this. Tulasi purifies the air day and night. Most plants take in oxygen during the night, but Tulasi gives out oxygen during both day and night, so you can keep her inside at night, especially when you are doing your japa, chanting and other sadhana.

When the Tulasi plant dies, it is dried and kept by many Hindu families, and placed on the funeral pyre when someone in the family passes away. In Siddha Prarthana, there is a bhajan entitled ‘Itna to karna swami’ – O God, do at least this for me. The third verse asks, “When the prana leaves this body may it be in Vrindavan. And in my mouth may there be Tulasi leaves and the water from Lord Vishnu’s feet.” This illustrates the great faith and reverence Hindus have for Tulasi Mayi. The dried Tulasi wood is also ground into a paste and used for tilak, the dot placed at the eyebrow centre to purify this area and awaken the ‘inner eye’.

Tulsi is perhaps one of the best examples of Ayurveda's holistic lifestyle approach to health. Tulsi tastes hot and bitter and is said to penetrate the deep tissues, dry tissue secretions and normalize kapha and vata. Daily consumption of tulsi is said to prevent disease, promote general health, wellbeing and longevity and assist in dealing with the stresses of daily life. Tulsi is also credited with giving luster to the complexion, sweetness to the voice and fostering beauty, intelligence, stamina and a calm emotional disposition. In addition to these health-promoting properties, tulsi is recommended as a treatment for a range of conditions including anxiety, cough, asthma, diarrhea, fever, dysentery, arthritis, eye diseases, otalgia, indigestion, hiccups, vomiting, gastric, cardiac and genitourinary disorders, back pain, skin diseases, ringworm, insect, snake and scorpion bites and malaria.

Medicinal value of basil (Tulsi)

Holy Basil is very important herbs and has many medicinal applications. Tulsi is used in the treatment of various diseases. Basil plant and its various parts are used in case of insect bite, fever, cardiac diseases, gynecological disorders, respiratory problems, skin disorders, etc. Basil has been used since the ancient times for different ailments. Holy basil is used as voice improver and acts as a germicide and bactericide. It is good to prevent malaria and an effective pain killer. In some texts, it is also known as healer of all diseases. 

Holy Basil Nutrition

Holy basil is highly nutritious and according to USDA it is a good source of potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin C. It also contains iron, sodium, zinc, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and vitamin B6, A, and K.

Tulsi tea health benefits

Tulsi tea is a very important component of herbal teas and organic teas, which enhances a sense of well-being. Tulsi tea is a great stress buster and develops resistance against anxiety, tension and stress. It has good amount of antioxidants that helps to contend free radicals. It is one of the important alternatives of coffee and tea. Tulsi Tea good for vision, respiratory system, boost your immune system and stamina and maintain blood sugar level. There is no as such side-effects of Green Tea.

Basil seeds control sugar

In facts, all parts of basil are important for health and medicinal aspects so the seed part. The decoction of seeds is beneficial for urinary infections. In a study which is at the initial stage, it has been seen that basil seeds are useful in controlling of blood sugar and management of diabetes. Weight reduction may also be observed if one takes regularly the drink of basil. Nutritionally, basil seeds contain vitamin, minerals, fat and carbohydrate.

How to make basil recipe?

Basil is used for many dishes such as tomato sauce, pizza, salads, desserts, cocktails, Thai curry, Pesto, etc. Basil can be used for more or less in all types of dishes. To make recipes with Basil, one has to use the smaller leaves of basil or cutting it into small pieces. Grinding of seeds or other parts may also be used with salads. Tulsi leaves should be preferably used in making different types of recipes. The combination of basil and tomato is wonderful for recipes, especially for the Mediterranean region.

Nutrition facts of basil

Basil is known as king of herbs and rich in phyto-nutrients. Basil is one of the herbs that is widely grown across the world. Basil has many nutritional benefits too. It is full of anti-oxidants. Tulsi contains minerals like Vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, and magnesium. The bio-chemical compounds such as orientin and vicenin act as anti-oxidants. Basil leaves contain eugenol, citronellol, and limonene, which are used in anti-inflammatory.

What is basil herb?

Basil Herbs are very important plant for health point of view, especially for women who devote their time in kitchen. The basil plant has moderate height and good source of oxygen. It is one of the best sources of oxygen. It is said by ancient Indian philosopher that a house without Holy Basil, is considered as dry and unhealthy as a crematorium. Growing of basil plant is extremely useful in cleaning the surrounding.

What is Tulsi-ginger?

The combination of Tulsi-Ginger is very good for health purposes. When Tulsi, Ginger and other herbs are used in combination, useful for many ailments. If somebody experienced cough and cold, it is recommended that the persons should take the decoction of basil, ginger, black pepper with honey three times a day. The mix of holy basil leaves, onion juice and ginger juice are used for dry cough. The symptoms of high fever can be considerably reduced when a person take the mixture of basil leaves, neem leaves, powder of ginger and powder of long pepper. Have stomachache, take the juice of Basil leaves (10 ml) + Lime juice (20 ml) +and ginger juice.

Top 10 wonder benefits of basil leaves

1. Tulsi is used as germicide, bactericide, deodorant, and anti-oedematous,  It is also known as adaptogen.
2. Fresh juice of basil is instilled in ears to get relief from earache.
3. Paste of basil and black pepper are used in case of insecticide.
4. As a first aid, the paste of fresh leaves is used in case of bleeding.
5. Basil juices along with honey remove hiccups.
6. Basil extracted oil is used for painkiller.
7. Basil leaves juice with honey is good for obese person. Obesity person should take this combination for a period of 2 to 3 months.
8. The mix of Tulsi leaves and honey eases sore throat.
9. Basil is very important for children as it acts like as weapon against cough, cold, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.
10. Tulsi is good for sore eyes and night-blindness. To have good result, 1 to 2 drops of basil juice are put into eyes.

(Spiritual Symbol)

Tulasi Vivaha mythologically, in the Vishnu Purana, Tulasi is referred to as Vrindavati Devi, goddess of the forest, and also as Sati Vrinda. (‘Sati’ is the title given to a wife who is totally chaste and devoted to her husband. This one-pointed devotion makes her very powerful, and therefore no one can harm her husband.) It is said that in her previous birth Tulasi Devi was called Sati Vrinda. Her husband, who was named Jalandhara, was a very cruel man, because he took birth at the time Lord Shiva burnt Kamadeva, the god of love. Jalandhara used to harass the rishis and munis and destroy their sacrifices. In this way he was becoming very powerful, and the gods were worried.

Lord Vishnu therefore had to set about killing him, but due to the purity of his Jalandhara’s wife, Sati Vrinda, and her devotion for her husband, he could not do so. So Vishnu took the form of Jalandhara and stole her virginity. Only after doing this was he able to rid the world of Jalandhara and restore peace and harmony. When Sati Vrinda discovered the trick Lord Vishnu had played on her, she cursed him to become a shaligram, an oval stone used in sadhana and worship, in his next incarnation. Vishnu then gave Sati Vrinda the boon that in her next birth she would incarnate as Tulasi, and be worshipped everywhere. That is why Tulasi is virtually married to Shaligram.

Tulasi Vivaha in the akhara  the Sanskrit word vivaha means ‘marriage’. The marriage of Tulasi and Shaligram is celebrated in the Paramahamsa Alakh Bara every year on Ekadashi (the eleventh day after amavasya, the no-moon night) in the month of Kartik (October/November) with full ceremony, just like a human marriage. This is also the day of Deva Utthana. Deva means ‘god’ and utthana means ‘to rise up’ or ‘awake’, so it is the day when the gods, or certain dormant energies, awaken. In this marriage the Tulasi plant is symbolic of the energy of goddess Tulasi, while the Shaligram is symbolic of the energy of Lord Vishnu. Sindoor, mangala sutra, bangles, sweets and marigold malas are offered. A yellow cloth, symbol of Vishnu, and a red cloth, symbol of Tulasi, are tied together and offered. Arati is performed and Tulasi and Shaligram are enclosed in a special bamboo structure or mandap covered with a brightly coloured cloth while they have their honeymoon, which lasts for a few days.

Tulasi mala

Japa malas are also made out of the dried wood, stem and branches of Tulasi, and are sattwic, calming, and cooling in nature. Tulasi is the only wood mala used in yoga because it holds and concentrates energy, and tranquillises the mind. Followers of Vedanta or Samkhya also use the Tulasi mala. The quality of vibration emitted by Tulasi wood is very passive, tranquil and balancing. One who uses the Tulasi mala should have a light sattwic diet, and preferably be a complete vegetarian. Meat, wine and tobacco should not be taken by those who wear or use the Tulasi mala for japa and sadhana. The Tulasi mala is the most commonly used mala because it is an all-rounder.

Tulasi pooja

In the Devi Bhagavatam it is written that, “One who worships Tulasi with the mantra Om Shreem, Hreem, Kleem, Aim, Vrindaavanyai Swaahaa attains all siddhis.” Goddess Tulasi, who dwells in the Tulasi plant will appear and grant this boon. For it is said that goddess Tulasi is a benevolent force presiding over all the lokas, or planes of existence. From ancient times, many cultures have worshipped plants and trees, and regarded all flora and fauna as sacred. This reveals the sensitivity, foresight and refinement of such cultures. Those who wish to be righteous and live a happy and prosperous family life worship Tulasi. Virgins pray to her for good husbands. Either in the front, back or central angan (courtyard) of most Indian homes there is a Tulasi-chawra or altar bearing a Tulasi plant. Pooja or worship of Tulasi is part of the daily morning ritual of most Hindus, whether they understand the scientific purpose behind this worship or not. The common belief is that where Tulasi always resides, auspicious vibrations, peace and prosperity always dwell.

Tulasi is especially worshipped during the months of Baisakh (April/May), Shravan (July/August), Kartik (October/ November) and Magh (December/January). After bathing, the worshipper offers water, flowers, kumkum, sandal paste, naivaidya (food) and incense to Tulasi, who is then circumambulated. In the evening her arati is performed, along with pooja of the household deities. Arati is performed by waving incense and a deepak (lamp containing ghee or clarified butter) before her in a clockwise direction. Vaishnavites (followers of Vishnu) in particular worship Tulasi with full reverence and due observance of scriptural injunctions. Traditionally, before she is worshipped, she is nurtured for a period of three months. Side by side with Tulasi, it is customary to have a pot of either kusha grass or sugar cane which, like the shaligram, are symbols of Lord Vishnu.

Krishna and Tulasi

It is said that Lord Sri Krishna lived in Vrindavan because he wanted to be near Vrindavati Devi. In fact, Tulasi Devi is said to be one of the 16,000 wives of Krishna. In Vrindavan there is a Tulasi forest where the Tulasi trees are ten and twelve feet high! It is here that Krishna is believed to have performed his Rasa Lila with the gopis or milkmaids. It is such a powerful place that anyone who stays there in the night is found mad in the morning. They are no longer in any state to speak of what happened there, so it remains a mystery as to what takes place in the Tulasi forest at night. How highly Krishna thought of Tulasi is revealed in the following story.

Tulasi leaf

Once Satya Bhama, one of Krishna’s wives, weighed him against her legendary wealth. She asked him, “My Lord, I value you so deeply that I wish to take your weight in gold.” Krishna agreed, and a large set of scales was brought. With an amused smile dancing on his lips and a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Krishna sat on one side of the scales, and Satya Bhama began to place her gold on the other side. However, no matter how much gold she placed on the scales they would not move at all! She placed all she had on the scale, but to no effect. Satya Bhama became distressed because she had completely run out of gold and no more would even fit on the scales.

Then another of Krishna’s wives, Rukmini (‘one who is full of gold’), who understood the lila, or play, of Krishna, took a single Tulasi leaf and placed it on top of the pile of gold with her full devotion. Immediately, the scales began to move and Krishna’s weight was measured. The priceless Tulasi leaf represents devotion, and this story shows that even a small leaf offered with devotion means more to the Lord than the wealth of the whole world. This is the greatness of Tulasi.