Tulsi - Healing Herb

                   Ocimum Sanctum(Holy basil) is commonly known as tulsi. The name Tulsi means “Incomparable one”. It is considered as one of the sacred plant in India. Water mixed with the petals is given to the dying to raise their departing souls to heaven. It has many medicinal properties. Medicine is made from the leaves, stems and seeds. Its leaves sharpen our memory. Hindus used to grow tulsi  palnt in homes,temples.It is also mentioned in many Indian puranaas. It is found growing in natural soils around the world. This plant serves as a repellant in fighting against flies,mosquitoes and insects. Tulsi was mostly used in ayurvedic  preparations for treating many kinds of ailments.

             The leaves of tulsi are extremely useful during rainy seasons. The leaves are effective for ulcer and infections in the mouth. Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat  and also used as a gargle. The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol. Its leaves dried in the sun and should be powdered which can be used for brushing teeth. There are many varieties of tulsi.   They are

Krishna Tulsi

•  Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum  tenuiflorum)

It  has a purple tinge to its leaves. This Krishna variety is probably used in making delicious tea and is the most potent,being tested highest in concentrations of adaptogenic  triterpenoic  compounds.

 
•  Rama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

Rama Tulsi

Aromatic species that is used as an incense and for flavouring. It is also called as Holy Basil.This herb is warming,reduces fever and inflammation. It is native to India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Holy Basil is applied to skin for ringworm. It is also used for asthma, headache, stomach upset, tuberculosis, earache etc. In cooking it is added to stir-fry dishes and spicy soups for its peppery taste. It is also sometimes referred as “Hot Basil”. It is the most common type found in cultivation in the U.S

• Vana Tulsi(Ocimum Gratissimum)

Vana Tulsi

             This type is very high in eugenol – a great adaptogen fromo the ayurvedic tradition. The plant is handsome and highly aromatic, slightly hairy, woody-stemmed and green leaved . It is the original wild bush basil. Its natural habitat is throughout India and across North Africa and down into East Africa