Often called the “The Queen of the Herbs,” Tulsi is one of the most sacred plants in India. tulsi is known to the western world as Holy Basil and has been widely used for its rejuvenating and spiritual capabilities. Tulsi also spelled Thulasi and Tulasi, has been used for over thousands of years to help reduce stress, encourage our bodies’ natural detoxification process, and supports our bodies’ normal functions.
Botanical Name of Tulsi
Tulsi is known botanically as Ocimum sanctum L. (also known as Ocimum tenuiflorum) and has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing capabilities. Tulsi has often been called the ‘Incomparable One’ in India, as it is one of the holiest and most cherished herbs for its many healing and health-giving qualities.
Botanical Family of Tulsi
Tulsi belongs to the Lamiaceae (mint) family of herbs and is alternatively called the Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn, Tulasi, or Holy Basil (a direct translation from the Latin Ocimum sanctum).
What Is Tulsi?
Tulsi is an aromatic perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and is widespread as a cultivated plant throughout the Southeast Asian tropical region. It’s utilized in India in ritualistic worship and is an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine (the traditional medicine of India). It is especially known as an adaptogen which is an herb that supports the body’s stress response (chemical, physical, metabolic, or psychological).
Different parts of the plant, including the leaves, seeds, roots, flowers and the stem, can be consumed and are recommended because of their healing and stress-reducing capabilities.
Active Ingredients Found in Tulsi
Tulsi contains an essential oil that contains several biologically active compounds, including the following:
- Eugenol
- Thymol
- Beta-caryophyllene
- Beta-elemene
- Carvacrol
- Ursolic acid
- Rosmarinic acid
Health Benefits of Tulsi
Tulsi has been recommended in traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments, including the following:
- Helps improve respiratory disorders
- Fight and prevents acne
- Reduces fever
- Helps fight cancer
- Aids in dental and oral health
- Regulates our hormones and lowers stress levels
- Protects against diabetes
- Relieves headaches
- Supports eye health
Studies have found this herb to possess anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, anti-fertility, hepatoprotective and analgesic effects. Tulsi is widely recognized for its adaptogenic properties.
Different Ways to Consume Tulsi
Tulsi leaves may be consumed through stir-fry dishes and soups. To deal with a cough, tulsi leaves may be added to boiling water to prepare an herbal tea that can be consumed as such or flavored with honey. This tea may also be made into a paste and applied externally to soothe irritated or itchy skin.
The juice from crushed tulsi leaves can be mixed with ginger juice and a little honey to be used for a cough and cold; a teaspoon of this mixture used thrice a day should provide effective relief.
Side Effects of Tulsi
As stated earlier, Tulsi has often been referred in Ayurvedic medicine as an herb that can heal a large variety of conditions. Used for more than thousands of year, this super-herb is available in the form of a powder, leaf, and an essential oil. By utilizing the varieties of Tulsi, you can reap the full benefits of holy basil and make this herb a part of your daily routine.
Tulsi is generally safe for consumption, however, it has a tendency to slow down the blood clotting process. Those who are on anti-coagulants or those who have a surgery scheduled should consult with their doctor and inform them about their use of this herb.
Quick FAQ
How much Tulsi tea should I drink a day?
For optimal health benefits, drink three to five cups a day. Tulsi tea can be enjoyed throughout the day from morning to the afternoon, but even just one cup of tulsi tea is beneficial.
How many Tulsi leaves should be taken daily?
Two to three leaves a day should be sufficient. Consuming tulsi leaves can clear your mouth, throat, and stomach of excess mucus and can reduce the risk of mouth ulcers, seasonal flu, teeth disorders, and respiratory disorders.
How is Tulsi good for your health?
Consuming tulsi has an array of health benefits ranging from improving respiratory disorders to regulating our hormones and reducing stress.
How is Tulsi grown?
Tulsi is cultivated throughout the warm Southeast Asian tropic region. But if you choose to grow tulsi yourself, place your tulsi seeds on top of the soil and lightly press down on them for the soil and seed to have contact. Cover the seeds with a 1/4 inch layer of compost or soil. Water the seeds with a sprayer and place them where they can absorb the morning sun. Keep the soil constantly moist until germination, which will take around 1-2 weeks.
What is Tulsi called in English?
Tulsi is called Holy Basil in English. It’s also referred to as sacred basil.
References
1. Prakash P, Gupta N. Therapeutic uses of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) with a note on eugenol and its pharmacological actions: a short review. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2005 Apr;49(2):125-31. Review. PubMed PMID: 16170979.
2. Baliga MS, Jimmy R, Thilakchand KR, Sunitha V, Bhat NR, Saldanha E, Rao S, Rao P, Arora R, Palatty PL. Ocimum sanctum L (Holy Basil or Tulsi) and its phytochemicals in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Nutr Cancer. 2013;65 Suppl 1:26-35. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2013.785010. Review. PubMed PMID: 23682780.
3. Kamyab AA, Eshraghian A. Anti-Inflammatory, gastrointestinal and hepatoprotective effects of Ocimum sanctum Linn: an ancient remedy with new application. Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2013 Dec;12(6):378-84. Review. PubMed PMID: 24266685.
4. 7 Ways To Use Tulsi Everyday – Herbal Academy. (2018, February 12). Retrieved from https://theherbalacademy.com/use-tulsi-everyday/
5. Jamshidi, N., & Cohen, M. M. (2017). The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, 1-13. doi:10.1155/2017/9217567
