My Vedic Life

What is Holy Basil?

• Holy basil, "Queen of herbs" is described as a sacred and medicinal plant in ancient literature. It is an important symbol of the Hindu religious tradition. It is also known as "Tulsi"  from "Sanskrit", which means "Matchless one" i.e. there are no substitutions for what tulsi has to offer.
• Holy basil is a herbal product that reducing stress, anxiety, common cold, sore throat, asthma, and headaches. It helps in skin and hair management, prevents Acne and premature Ageing, boosts body stamina and digestive system, cures diabetes, heart diseases, and obesity.
• Composition: Holy basil contains rosmarinic acid (an antioxidant), apigenin and luteolin (flavonoids), and ursolic acid. Ursolic acid is used to inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis in various tumors. It also contains high levels of volatile oils, including eugenol, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic activity. (More Details)

Availability:

• It is available in powder, capsules, fresh juice form. Its leaves, stems, and seeds are used for medication. 
• Basil is most known for its culinary uses. It is a traditional remedy that has been used in various cultures for hundreds of years for many uses besides cooking. 
• General Cooking: Dried basil can be easily added to practically any dish. Basil is used around the world in many different cuisines for good reason. It adds a depth and flavor that is not rivaled by other herbs.

What are its benefits:

• Calming the Stomach: It is thought to have a calming effect on the stomach and 1/2 teaspoon of dried or fresh Basil Leaf in water can often help soothe indigestion and alleviate feelings of fullness.
• Coughing and Common Cold: Basil leaf can be used to help alleviate cough and the common cold. People chew fresh leaves to calm coughing or make a calming tea of dried basil to help soothe illness.
• Facial Steam for Headache: A facial steam with dried basil leaf can help alleviate a headache. Add a tablespoon of dried basil leaf to 2 cups of boiling water in a large pot. Carefully lean over the pot, cover your head with a towel, and breathe in the steam for 5-10 minutes until the headache starts to subside. Bonus, you get to smell like an Italian restaurant for the rest of the day!
• Antibiotic properties: According to Mountain Rose Herbs: "European scientists are investigating the use of basil oil as a treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections with Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas."
• Stings and Bites: If you are working outside and get bitten or stung by an insect and don’t have any Plantain growing nearby, chewing up a basil leaf and applying it to the bite will help relieve the pain and draw out the venom.
• Ear Infections: Basil essential oil is antibacterial, and drops of basil oil can often relieve ear infections.
• Blood sugar: There is some evidence that Basil can help level out blood sugar if consumed regularly and drank as a juice or tea.
• Stress Reduction: It contains vitamin C and other antioxidants like camphene, which minimizes the stress caused by free radicals which help to calm blood pressure, nerves, and inflammation. Adding 2 cups of strong Basil Leaf tea to a warm bath to help reduce stress and facilitate relaxation.

Ayurvedic Properties of Holy Basil (Tulasi):

• Tulsi is classified as "Rasayana", a sattvic herb that nourishes a person's growth to perfect health and promotes long life. Tulsi infuses you with its divine energy, i.e. body, mind, and soul.
• Tulsi has the power to increase "Ojas", i.e. healthier immune system, and "Prana", i.e. our vital life force. "Ojas" protects "Prana"
• It's "Rasa" (Taste) is "Katu" (Pungent), "Tikta" (Bitter). It is good for heart.
• Its "Virya" (Potency) is hot. Hence It generates heat in the body and aggravates "Pitta".
• It helps to balances "Vata" and "Kapha" doshas and helps to increase "Pitta" dosha. It is said to penetrate the deep tissues, dry tissue secretions. It promotes digestive fires and manages skin diseases, dysuria, blood impurities, chest pain.
• It works on the plasma tissue layer "rasa dhatu" which promotes healthy circulation.
• It works on the adipose tissue layer "meda dhatu" which promotes healthy weight management. It helps maintain normal body temperature.
• "Arka" is a liquid preparation obtained by the distillation of certain liquids or drugs soaked in water using the "Arka yantra" or any convenient modern distillation apparatus.
• Tulsi, "Arka" is useful in cough, common cold, dyspnea, hiccups, and also helps with a sore throat, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and malaria. Its regular use will increase the immunity of the body naturally.

Regional Names:

• Kannada: Tulasi; Hindi: Ban tulsi, Jangli tulsi; Malayalam: Thulasi, Sivathulasi, Krishnathulasi; Tamil: Tulaci ilaikal; Telugu: Tulasi akulu; Sanskrit: Thulasha; English: Basilie, Sweet Basil