Tulsi (“the incomparable one”.) in Hindi or Tulasi in Sanskrit (holy basil in English) is a highly revered culinary and medicinal aromatic herb from the family Lamiaceae that is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and been used within Ayurvedic medicine (the ancient medical system of India) for more than 3000 years. It is native to South Asia where it has been used for centuries. In the Ayurveda system Tulsi is often referred to as an “Elixir of Life” for its healing powers and has been known to treat many different common health conditions.
Tulsi is one of the most sacred plants in India, dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna. It has an uplifting and strengthening effect on mind and body. Its aroma is traditionally used to purify the atmosphere.
The common name - holy basil- comes from the reverence with which it is regarded in Indian culture. Tulsi is considered to be a Goddess herself, and to serve humanity daily by her presence on the planet.
Tulsi Improves:
*Digestion
*Mental and emotional state
*Respiratory system
*Immune System
*Urinary system
*Endocrine system
The herb helps to soothe the nervous system while tonifying the endocrine and immune systems so that we can move through the stressors of life with grace and wellness.
Tulsi is considered to expand and sharpen awareness, aid meditation, promote compassion and strengthens all the agnis at every level.
In India, three main varieties of tulsi are available. Rama tulsi ("Shukla-white") is actually deep green and used more for digestion. It has a strong clove-like scent and a pleasant cooling mellow flavor. Krishna tulsi ("Shyama-black") is deep magenta, close to purple and is used for its detoxifying action. It has a peppery and crisp taste and possibly has the most benefits to our health as it is also used to cure infections. (its also hotter). Vana ("grove").
-Tree Basil or Wild Leaf Tulsi - It has many of the same properties as Rama and Krishna. Vana is a wild type of tulsi that only grows in the mountains and forests of India and Africa. It has a peppery lemon flavor and is known for its antioxidant benefits.
Traditionally Tulsi was thought to protect against damage from stress. In Ayurvedic herbalism, tulsi is used as an expectorant and anti-mucus herb, for respiratory diseases like cold and flu. It also have fever-reducing property.
A folk fever remedy includes cooking onion and tulsi in coconut oil and applying the infused oil to the head.
Holy basil is also an antioxidant and a muscle relaxant, and kills intestinal parasites.
Its benefits seem to be endless. It helps with shortness of breath, kills microbes - including bacteria and fungi, stimulates the immune system, reduces acid in the stomach.
Tulsi opens the heart and mind, and encourages devotion. Using tulsi supports the energy of attachment, which draws prosperity near and keeps it in our lives. Energetically, tulsi also clears the aura.
From an Ayurvedic perspective,
while tulsi is certainly beneficial to physical health,
it is especially renowned for its ability to benefit the mind and spirit.
Many ways how to use Tulsi:
* AS A TEA
Ingredients
1 cup water 1-2 tablespoons dried tulsi (or a handful of fresh tulsi leaves and flowers)
Directions
*Bring the water to a boil. Remove from the heat and pour over the tulsi in a heat-safe container.
*Allow the tea to steep, covered, for 15-20 minutes.
*Strain tulsi from tea and enjoy daily.
This tea helps support a healthy stress response by balancing different processes in the body including the hormonal cascade, how the immune system functions, and brain chemistry. This helps bring the body back into balance. Tulsi can directly help the body “adapt” to physical, chemical, metabolic, and psychological stressors (Cohen, 2014). This tea can be drank daily or as needed acutely in stressful situations.
*AS A HOUSE PROTECTOR
Used in Indian ceremonies as a holy plant, tulsi is a powerful herb to keep in your home or personal space. A “tulsi puja” is a daily practice performed in Hindu tradition to protect the energy of one’s house and keep it pure. A tulsi plant is grown and maintained in the house and every morning a prayer is said in front of the plant by offering water, smudging, sounds, and burning incense.
You can also wear tulsi as a protective talisman or place on your altar. Just as tulsi can protect against toxic accumulation in the body and protect the energy of your home, it can also be used to protect your own personal energy and physical body.
Try taking a couple sprigs of fresh tulsi, or a handful of the dried leaves, and place them on your altar with an intention or prayer. You can also take a small pinch of tulsi and wear it in a pouch around your neck as a talisman for protection.
*AS A MOUTHWASH
Tulsi’s broad-spectrum of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions make it a truly effective mouthwash.
Ingredients
handful (about 1/2 cup, packed) fresh tulsi leaves (or 2 tablespoons dried tulsi leaves) 1 cup water optional: 1 teaspoon vodka
Directions
*Place tulsi in a jar.
*Bring water to boil, then pour over tulsi in a heat-safe container. Cover and allow the tea to infuse for 20 minutes.
*Strain tulsi leaves from the liquid using a fine mesh strainer into a bottle or jar.
*Allow to cool to room temperature.
*If desired, add vodka to help preserve the mouthwash for up to 5 days if refrigerated.
*Rinse and gargle with mouthwash daily for 20-30 seconds.
*Store covered in the refrigerator. Mouthwash will keep for 2-3 days without adding vodka.
*AS A N INFUSED GHEE OR HONEY
A traditional Ayurvedic preparation of using tulsi everyday is to take dried tulsi powder and mix it into a spoonful of ghee, oil, or honey
*AS A FRESH JUICE
The fresh leaves of tulsi can actually be consumed as a juice! This tasty and refreshing method of using tulsi is rejuvenating for the immune system. Traditionally, the juice is mixed with honey to resolve colds, fevers, and respiratory issues.
*EATING THE FRESH LEAVES
Eating the fresh leaves of tulsi is an amazing way to boost your immunity.
In India, a common practice is to chew 3-4 leaves first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to help boost the immune system.
AYURVEDA AND TULSI
Tulsi is high in sattva—the principle of light, perception, and clarity. Ayurveda encourages us to welcome in sattvic energy whenever possible to promote these qualities within ourselves.
Tulsi is also said to increase and protect ojas and prana, two subtle forces in the body. Ojas promotes joy, vigor, and a healthy immune system, while prana is the body's vital life force, which supports intelligence, communication, and perception.
More ojas means a healthier immune system,
and it also means more joy, vigor, and “juiciness”
infused throughout your life.
Weather you are going to consume Tulsi, plant it in your yard (or house) or use it for ritual purposes this plant is going to uplift your spirit and enhance your life.
Tulsi is not recommended for those who are pregnant or nursing, or those who are trying to become pregnant. It is also best avoided if you have low blood sugar. If you are taking medications, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider before trying tulsi.
Tulsi tea is not recommended for the babies younger than two years.
Use of Tulsi tea has blood-thinning properties. So, if you are planning a surgery of any body parts, then avoid using of Tulsi tea at least three weeks before a scheduled surgery.
RESOURCES:
Vitality and stress manual
Herbal Academy
Living Herbal Tea
The Complete Herbal Tutor
Banyan Botanicals
Ayur Times