Holy Basil - Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

Holy Basil, also known as "tulsi," is a significant emblem in Hinduism. The meaning of the name "tulsi" is "the unparalleled one." Tulsi is a venerated plant and Hindus worship it in the morning and evening. In warm climates and the tropics, tulsi grows naturally. The two primary types of basil are dark or Shyama tulsi and light or Rama tulsi, with the former having a higher therapeutic value. The Krishna or Shyama tulsi is one of the several types that is frequently used in devotion.

Holy basil as a deity:

The presence of Holy Basil or tulsi plants represents a Hindu family's commitment to religion. If there isn't a tulsi plant in the courtyard, a Hindu home is deemed lacking. Many households place the tulsi in a specifically constructed container with four carved-out alcoves for little earthen oil lamps and four deity statues.

Holy basil as an elixir

In addition to its religious significance, this herb has considerable medical value and is a staple in Ayurvedic medicine. Tulsi, which has a potent scent and astringent flavour, is known as "the elixir of life" because it helps people live longer. The extracts from the plant can be used to treat and prevent a wide range of diseases and everyday ailments, including the common cold, migraines, stomach problems, inflammation, heart disease, different poisonings, and malaria. The karpoora tulsi plant yields an essential oil that is mostly used in medicine, though lately it has also been used to make herbal toiletries.

About Holy basil:

Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum), which is closely related to the culinary herb sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), has a long history of usage as a medicinal herb.

Holy basil is a native of India and is also referred to as tulsi, which is a Sanskrit term that means "the incomparable one." Most traditional houses and temples in India include at least one tulsi plant, which is used in prayers to ensure individual health, spiritual purity, and family well-being. Every aspect of this plant has some sort of spiritual meaning; its roots stand for a journey of faith, its branches for divinity, and its crown for a knowledge of the scriptures.

Tulsi or Holy Basil is claimed to come in 108 different variations. Each type of tulsi differs slightly in appearance, flavour, and aroma; when combined, they provide a perfectly balanced herbal infusion that offers a range of health advantages. We use the three types that are most potent in terms of adaptogenic properties, abundant in antioxidants, and immunological enhancing.

Rama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

Vana Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum)

Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum).

The conventional applications of this priceless plant are backed by a substantial amount of scientific study. Numerous other advantages of holy basil have been demonstrated in studies, including its antimicrobial, adaptogenic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, radioprotective, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective properties.

Key Constituents Of Holy Basil

The healing properties of holy basil leaf include eugenol, a volatile oil, ursolic acid, a triterpenoid, and rosmarinic acid (a phenylpropanoid). Caryophyllene, oleanolic acid, carotenoids, vitamin C, calcium, iron, zinc, and chlorophyll are other active substances.

Triterpenoid ursolic acid, another substance included in rosemary and tulsi, is one of the many essential components of tulsi. Ursolic acid is one of the newest favourites in the cosmetic industry because research suggests that it may be able to prevent and treat skin cancer in addition to promoting skin healing and enhancing elasticity.

A well-known anticancer agent is ursolic acid (it suppresses protein kinase C activity, down-regulates MMP-9, and induces apoptosis). Ursolic acid also has hepatoprotective, COX-2 inhibition, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antibacterial, antihyperlipidemic, and antiviral properties.

Traditional Uses Of Holy Basil

For cough and cold: Holy basil has numerous and diverse uses in conventional Ayurvedic treatment. For instance, the herb is suggested for coughs and colds, particularly when they are accompanied by asthma and bronchitis, as well as to support the respiratory system. Additionally, holy basil improves blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and is frequently paired with other cardiotonic plants like arjuna to treat cardiac conditions.

For lowering fever: Holy basil's ability to lower fevers is one of its main effects. Holy basil was compared to standard conventional treatments during a deadly viral encephalitis outbreak in Northern India in 1978.6 At a dose of just 2.5 grammes of holy basil powder taken four times daily, there was a complete recovery in 60% of the patients using the herb, in contrast to a survival rate of zero for those treated with conventional medicine.

For better digestion: The digestive system is also supported by holy basil. Indigestion is frequently treated by drinking tulsi tea with dried ginger. Ringworm, eczema, and urticaria/hives are all conditions that holy basil helps when used topically as a paste mixed with black pepper. Holy basil's antibacterial qualities make it effective for additional topical uses, such as treating wounds, ulcers, difficult skin conditions like leprosy, and skin staph infections. Holy basil's ability to lower fevers is one of its main effects.

Therapeutic Benefits Of Holy Basil

Numerous traditionally recognised effects and therapeutic applications of holy basil have been supported by modern research, including its amazing adaptogenic and antistress properties as well as its potent immune system-supportive properties. It's a secondary adaptogen, according to me (albeit my number-one secondary adaptogen). Holy basil, like ashwagandha (another ancient Ayurvedic adaptogen) and eleuthero, is ideally suited for all energetic types. It controls the stress response, boosts adaptive energy, and specifically promotes and nourishes the "Vital Spirit." My approach to health is to make a "gourmet dinner" of herbs by combining a variety of adaptogens and other complimentary plant medicines.