Tulsi is used in the treatment of various diseases. Many indian families keep a living holy basil plant in their homes, and tend to it with great care and reverence. Tulsi holy basil plant medicinal benefits and pictures. Ocimum sanctum linn tulsi is a wellknown plant used in the indian system of medicine. Holy basil, also called tulsi, is highly revered in hinduism. Depending on the species and cultivar, the leaves may taste somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent, often. The clinical efficacy and safety of tulsi in humans. Discover holy basil, a herb that has a range of medicinal uses. Due to the presence of compounds like camphene, eugenol, and cineole. Carmen natural health 32 comments print this article basil is a common herb in most of our kitchens, but did you know that, besides tasting good in our chicken and pasta dishes, it can be of use toward having more healthy bodies. While fresh basil leaves are a tasty addition to many recipes, this herb has medicinal qualities as well. Tulsi extracts and lukewarm concoction acts as a detoxifying, cleansing. Holy basil essential oil is sometimes known as tulsi essential oil.
Ayurvedas use of medicinal and culinary herbs draws upon indias incredible biodiversity with a variety that is unsurpassed by any medical system. Holy basil is possibly safe when used by mouth for short periods of time, up to six weeks. A holy plant with high medicinal and therapeutic value. Supplements of holy basil extract are available in pill or capsule form. The key constituents identified in holy basil may explain some of the traditional remedies and offer some possible uses for the future. Note that holy basil will sometimes selfseed itself the following year, which explains the holy basil plant growing at the end of my calendula bed, which was. Many indian families keep a living holy basil plant in their homes, and. Another type of basil is tulsi, or holy basil ocimum santum. In temperate regions, holy basil can be grown as an annual, and strictly medicinal seeds 2016 suggests that kapoor is the easiest holy basil cultivar to grow in temperate climates. In addition to sanctifying the home, tulsi is used ceremonially in hinduism and some greek orthodox churches to create holy water. African blue basil is characterised by a strong camphor smell, which is as a result of camphor and camphene scent in it. But this potent plant lives up to its special names. Tulsi holy basil, an annual shrub of 24 feet high, is called as the queen of the herbs and is famous for its religious, spiritual and medicinal value.
Medicinal plants are a s ource of g reat economic value all over t he world. Uses, side effects, interactions, dosage, and warning. Holy basil essential oil holy basil essential oil or holy basil tincture can be found in many health food stores or online. Medicinal plants are a source of great economic value all over the world. Indian holy basiltulsi the journal of phytopharmacology. Nature has besto wed on us a very rich bota nical wealth an d a large number of diverse t ypes of plants grow in different parts of the c ountry. Holy basil has been shown to have positive benefits for people with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Feb 03, 2018 holy basil is a medicinal powerhouse that goes by a lot of different names hot basil, indian basil, tulsi, krishna tulsi, ocimum sanctum, ocimum tenuiflorum, red holy basil, and the incomparable one just to name a few. Holy basil destroys the bacteria that are responsible for dental cavities, plaque, tartar, and bad breath, while also protecting the teeth. Holy basil is used to treat many conditions, including h1n1 swine flu, diabetes, the common cold, headache, fever, stress, upset stomach, earache and more. Health benefits of tulsi for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Review article chemical constituents and pharmacological. 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. The herb contains high levels of volatile oils, including eugenol, which has been shown to have antiinflammatory and. The holy basil herb is one of the oldest and most used medicinal herbs. It has a history within indian medicine as a treatment for many. Holy basil contains vitamin c and antioxidants such as eugenol, which protects the heart from the harmful effects of free. A 2016 study showed that young people taking 250 mg of holy basil extract twice a day on an empty stomach for eight weeks had significant improvements in lipid profiles and insulin levels. Basil is the main ingredient of pesto sauce but is also used to flavor other sauces and soups. The herb contains high levels of volatile oils, including eugenol, which has been shown to have antiinflammatory and antiseptic activity and can deter insects. More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of holy basil for these uses. It has provided the backbone of many treatments among ayurvedic physicians from thousands of years ago, as it was used to treat numerous disorders.
In the hindu religious tradition, the tulsi, or holy basil, plant serves both as an important symbol and also as a popular medicinal remedy. However, basil represented hatred in ancient greece, and european lore sometimes claims that basil is a symbol of satan. Its genus ocimum contains more than 150 species and is considered one of the largest genera of its family, lamiaceae mints. Holy basil is very important herbs and has many medicinal applications. It acts principally on the digestive and nervous systems, easing flatulence, stomach cramps, colic and indigestion. Basil plant and its various parts are used in case of insect bite, fever, cardiac diseases, gynecological disorders, respiratory problems, skin disorders, etc.
Josephwort, krishna tulsi, vana tulsi, rama tulsi, queen of herbs. Chemical constituents and pharmacological action of ocimum sanctum indian holy basiltulsi sunita verma abstract oscimum sanctum commonly known as tulsi, belong to lamiaceae family. Basil is a popular herb, and some people use it for medicinal purposes. Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is indigenous to the indian continent and highly revered for its medicinal uses within the ayurvedic and siddha. Basil is commonly used for stomach problems such as spasms, loss of appetite. Sweet basil has a unique clove scent, which comes from eugenol while the lemon basil has a stong citrus scent that comes from limonene and aldehyde citral. I will cover benefits, side effects, varieties, different names and importance of tulsi the holy basil for indian culture. Oct 20, 2017 holy basil has been dubbed the queen of herbs in india, where the spice originated, and by a multitude of users who herald its natural healing properties. Holy basil has been dubbed the queen of herbs in india, where the spice originated, and by a multitude of users who herald its natural healing properties.
Though it is closely related to the sweet basil ocimum basilicum frequently used in cooking, holy basil has a much richer history. Holy basil essential oil uses and benefits aromaweb. Used extensively in india and within ayurvedic practices, holy basil is grown and distilled for. Pdf therapeutic benefits of holy basil tulsi in general and oral.
The suggested dosage ranges from 300 mg to 2,000 mg per day for general preventative purposes. Krishna tulsi, shyam tulsi, rama tulsi, amrita tulsi, etc. It is mentioned in the indian collection of vedic sanskrit hymns. Health benefits of holy basil tulsi ocimum tenuiflorum. Holy basil is a powerful antioxidant with demonstrated antibacterial, antifungal, and antiinflammatory properties. It is native to the indian subcontinent and widespread as a cultivated plant throughout the southeast asian tropics. The medicinal uses of holy basil and tulsi tea the health. Learn more about tulsi uses, benefits, and ayurvedic properties. Basil used in your cooking or taken as a nutritional supplement can assist in combating common viruses like colds, flu, and the herpes family of viruses in a manner similar to that of echinacea. Basil ocimum basilicum, lamiaceae is also known as albahaca, st. As the name would imply, holy basil has spiritual as well as medicinal significance in ayurveda.
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. Feb 18, 2015 discover holy basil, a herb that has a range of medicinal uses. Ocimum tenuiflorum synonym ocimum sanctum, commonly known as holy basil or tulsi, is an aromatic perennial plant in the family lamiaceae. This green leafy plant, also known as ocimum sanctum l. Holy basil ocimum sanctum is a member of the mint, or labiatae, family. Tulsi the wonder herb pharmacological activities of. The use of medicinal plants in the united states is increasing. Holy basil tea can be used to clear up congestion and respiratory conditions, while also boosting the strength of your immune system. It is native to the indian subcontinent and widespread as a cultivated plant throughout the southeast asian tropics tulsi is cultivated for religious and traditional medicine purposes, and for its essential oil. The medicinal antistress health benefits of holy basil. Medicinal uses and health benefits of basil off the grid news. It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. Dec 16, 2019 basil is a popular herb, and some people use it for medicinal purposes. The best known species are the strongly aromatic herb ocimum basilicum thai basil and ocimum gratissimum african basil as well as the medicinal herb ocimum tenuiflorum, also known as ocimum sanctum holy basil or tulsi in hindi.
What isnt as well know are the various other herbal uses of basil. Benefits of holy basil holy basil is packed with antioxidants, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiinflammatory properties. Basil has religious significance in the greek orthodox church, where it is used to sprinkle holy water. The legend says it came into being as the incarnation of the hindu goddess tulsi. Here, learn about the possible health benefits and how to add basil to the diet. In hindu mythology, the plant is an incarnation of the goddess tulsi, offering divine protection. Holy basil is a common name of a worldrenowned herb tulsi which can be found almost in very home in india. Holy basil tea you can use holy basil as a relaxant, typically in the form of a tea. There are two main morphotypes cultivated in india, greenleaved and purpleleaved. Holy basil, a plant that is gentle and healing to body, mind and spirit should bring happiness, not confusion. The essential oil is extracted from the holy basil plant and is used in lotions, soap, perfume, shampoo and conditioner. Chemical constituents and pharmacological action of. Holy basil is commonly used to treat symptoms associated with the common cold, the flu, fever, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, and an upset stomach.
This plant plays a therapeutic role in tamil and ayurvedic medicines, which are predominantly practiced in southeast asia. Basil has been used since the ancient times for different. Home page essential oil profiles holy basil essential oil. Sweet basil has been used for thousands of years as a culinary and medicinal herb. It acts principally on the digestive and nervous systems, easing flatulence, stomach cramps, colic and. Holy basil is cultivated for religious and medicinal purposes, and for its essential oil. It has also been used as a mosquito repellant and topically on the skin to treat ringworm. Ocimum sanctum holy basil and its extract possess lipoxygenase inhibitory, antihistaminergic, immunomodulatory, chemoprotective, radioprotective, and antisecretory activities. Tulsi is just not implicated in the ayurvedic medicine but also in other medicinal systems like in greek, roman and unani. Basil is commonly used for stomach problems such as. Linn tulsi is a wellknown plant used in t he indian system of medicine.
Sharpen memory, use as a nerve tonic, and remove phlegm from your bronchial tubes. Tulsi is a tropical plant which is both cultivated and found wild. Holy basil is commonly used by mouth to help with anxiety and stress. The tropical basils intergrade hybridize freely, will vary in name and appearance depending on location and gardener, and have been called by many common names. Holy basil is a medicinal powerhouse that goes by a lot of different names hot basil, indian basil, tulsi, krishna tulsi, ocimum sanctum, ocimum tenuiflorum, red holy basil, and the incomparable one just to name a few. Different parts of the plant are used of many illnesses like cough, influenza, axonomy. Tulsi the holy basil or the sacred basil is an ancient plant, which has tremendously aromatic, thin oval leaves, and purplepink flowers. Ayurvedic texts categorise tulsi as stimulant, aromatic and antipyretic.
Medicinal uses and health benefits of basil written by. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Some of its phytochemical constituents include eugenol, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, apigenin, myretenal, luteolin. Medicinal uses and health benefits of basil off the grid. But there is limited scientific research to support these and other uses. Not enough is known about the use of holy basil during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The leaves and flowering tops are antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, digestive, galactogogue, stomachic and tonic. As a symbol, the plant is worshiped in the morning and evening by hindus everywhere. Known as tulasi, the plant is worshipped as dear to vishnu in some sects of vaishnavism. The medicinal uses of holy basil and tulsi tea the. Ocimum sanctum, holy basil, tulsi, hydrodistillation, eugenol. Medicinal uses tulsi os linn, commonly known as holy basil has been used for the treatment of a wide range of ailments in many parts of the world. Side effects holy basil is possibly safe when used by mouth for short periods of time, up to 8 weeks. Some folks even refer to holy basil as the elixir of life, due to its reputation for promoting both longevity and overall physical wellbeing.
Tulsi is a natural mouth freshener and an oral disinfectant. Tulsi is derived from a sanskrit word, which means matchless one. For the purpose of identification, the presence of eugenol oil of clove seems to be the ruling factor. Health benefits and medicinal uses of eating basil tulsi.
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