Tulsi - Tulasi

Botanical Name: Ocimum Sanctum
Common Name: Holy Basil, African Basil
Sanskrit Name: Tulsi, Tulasi, Vishnu priya, Surasa

Ocimum tenuiflorum:  Also known as Ocimum sanctum, Holy basil, or tulasī, is an aromatic plant in the family Lamiaceae which is native throughout the Eastern World tropics and widespread as a cultivated plant. It is an erect, much branched subshrub, 30–60 cm tall with hairy stems and simple opposite green or purple leaves that are strongly scented. Leaves have petioles and are ovate, up to 5 cm long, usually slightly toothed. The flowers are purplish in elongate racemes in close whorls. The two main morphotypes cultivated in India and Nepal are green-leaved (Sri or Lakshmi tulasi) and purple-leaved (Krishna tulasi).

Tulsi is a well-known sacred plant of the Indian subcontinent. It promotes awareness.
Certain Indian scientists are at the threshold of finalizing their discovery of a reliable medicine against cancer out of Tulsi plant. It helps to overcome the feelings of excessive heat (fever) and has a strong anti - cancerous property. More research is being done in the use of Tulsi leaves, oil and extracts for a large number of medicinal uses and as an organic insecticide.

As its Latin name implies it is considered a very sacred plant. It is high in sattwa, the quality of lightness and spiritual clarity. The tea is often combined with honey to aid its decongesting properties. It is externally used as a poultice for fungal infections and boils. The root and seed are also used- the root in fevers and the seeds as a demulcent.

Part used : Leaves mainly, root, seeds

Medicinal Benefits:

LUNGS: 
Tulsi clears kapha and mucus from the lungs and upper respiratory tract. 
It is also used in fevers and 'flu to encourage sweating and therefore bring the temperature down. Used in asthma, bronchitis, rhinitis and other respiratory allergies Tulsi specifically increases prana and the vital life-force. Its pungency and penetrating nature clears the dampness and toxic ama that can cause chest infections and fevers. Its prabhava or special power is to be used in all fevers regardless of their " cause ".

Gastro Intestinal Tract: 
Helps to move Vata through the intestines and calms a fermentive digestive tract. It moves apanavayu downwards. It also increases the appetite and is a good aromatic stimulant to the digestion.

Nerves: 
Used as a mild nervine for hightening awareness and mental clarity. A tea of the leaves is also used for tension headaches from high vata and for congestion headaches from excess kapha.

Precautions
Holy basil is generally a very safe healing herb. Studies suggested that holy basil might have an anti-fertility effect in animals. Although this has not been scientifically proven, if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, do not take medicinal doses of holy basil.

Dosage : 
5Gram or 1 teaspoon on empty stomach in the morning mixed with hot water or honey





Note: Siddha treatment is based on complete physical examination of the patient, Naadi diagnosis, and other diagnostic criteria of the disease. The content given in this article is purely meant for information and education purpose only. Kindly consult a Siddha physician before any sort of self medication.