Tulasi
Tulasi, also known as tulsi is holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) in English. The herb has a lot of significance for mankind, especially in Asian countries like India. It possesses many medicinal properties and in Hinduism, the plant of basil is considered to be very holy and used in almost all regional rituals. The herbal part used of this plant is tulasi leaves, known as tulasipatra in Devnagari Language, the Sanskrit. When the modern science fails with its contemporary medicines in tackling health ailments, especially viral originated, tulasi plays a significant role in relieving signs and symptoms of viral disease.
Holy Plant Tulasi medicinal properties
Tulasi is considered to be a very holy plant as it cures almost all the health ailments that bother the mankind. Since time immemorial, the plant of basil is considered to be the goddess that solves every problem in the family and that is why; most of the Hindu homes will have tulasi in their corridor or balconies.
The grandma’s remedies include the usage of tulsi patra i.e. the leaves of holy basil to cure day-to-day infections such as seasonal throat infection, sore throat etc. It is probably the quickest and easiest available home made remedy one can use to tackle minor infections that the body meets on daily basis.
Tulasi Benefits, "One herb for many health ailments"
Tulsi - A Disinfectant for insects
Tulasi plant acts as very effective repellant in keeping mosquitoes, flies and other insects as it contain the chemical that is believed to be natural disinfectant. In this way, consuming tulsi in any form on a daily basis can help the body to get rid of microorganisms that cause health diseases.
Tulasi is available in many consumable forms such as Tulasi Ghan Vati (the pills made up of tulasi, the holybasil leaves’ extract), tulasi churna (the powdered herb) and tulasi patra (the raw leaves, most popular and adopted consumable form of tulasi herb). The herb has powerful healing substances and hence can be used in almost all the diseases. Right from sore throat to lower respiratory tract infection and from building immunity to strengthening the intestines –the usage of holy basil are plenty.
Fever and Common Cold
This is probably the most common indication where tulasi, in any form, is prescribed. The leaves of holy basil are used to lower down the fever and are very effective in soothing the throat due to any reason. Also, common cold symptoms can be tackled using holy basil leaves. The diseases occurring during rainy season such as flu, dengue fever, malaria etc are prime indications for tulasi.
Cough and Sore Throat
The decoction of tulasi leaves or in that case, Tulasi Ghan Vati or Tulasi Churna (powdered holy basil extract) is very useful in treating common cough and sore throat. The herb is the main ingredient in most of the classical Ayurvedic cough formulae and is also extensively used in patent formula used to treat cough and sore throat. The best part of holy basil or tulsi is it is quite safe and hence used in pediatrics without any hesitation. It helps in mobilizing mucus in respiratory conditions like bronchitis and bronchiolitis.
Immune Builder and Organ Rejuvenator
Tulasi builds immunity and revitalizes organs like kidney, liver, lungs and heart.
