Holy Basil Ocimum sanctum


  • Common Names
  • Holy Basil , Tulsi, Tulasi, Indian Basil
  • Botanical Name
  • Ocimum sanctum
  • Syn. Ocimum tenuiflorum
  • Family
  • LAMIACEAE

Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Holy Basil

remedyHow to Use| Side Effects | Plant & Garden| Folklore

How to Use: Holy Basil


“Oh, Narada! Every house, every village, every forest, wherever the plant of Tulsi is grown, their misery, fear, disease and poverty do not exist. Tulsi in all aspects and places is holier than holy. Where the breeze blows through Tulsi plants, it spreads Tulsi's fragrance making the surrounding area pious and pure ”
Shiva

Holy Basil has been used for thousands of years in the traditional medicinal of India, Ayurveda. Known to Hindus as Tulsi the plant is also used in religious ceremonies. Holy Basil is used in Ayurvedic medicine for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria.

Holy Basil is an excellent example of an adaptogen herb that can help relieve the stress of modern living. Oxidation caused by free radicals and chronic inflammation are potent sources of mind and body stress. Sipping tulsi-leaf and other green leaf teas let us "borrow" some of the adaptogenic and antioxidant chemicals that plants produce when making oxygen in their leaves. The phytochemical ursolic acid has a pronounced anti-inflammatory action and is a selective COX-2-inhibitor. It is similar to green tea in its anti-tumor and anti-ulcerative properties. 3 Many clinical studies now support the folklore traditions of holy basil as a safe neuroprotective, that protects the brain against degenerative diseases. Citations

Preparation Methods & Dosage :Teas, dried powder, fresh leaf, or mixed with ghee. Holy Basil essential oil is used in skin preparations and cosmetics.

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Holy Basil Remedies


Ayurvedic Medicine ayurvedic medicinea Tulsi is sweet, pungent, astringent, and healing with a pungent vipaka. It increases pitta, and decreases vata and kapha. Tulsi is good for fever, cough, and breathlessness. 2

Holy Basil Side Effects:

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Plant Description


The holy basil plant looks very similar to other basils, with slender leaves, hairy purplish stems, and purple flower bracts. The leaves and the essential oil have a light musky scent with a warming hint of mint and cloves. It has a refreshing, pleasant smell, so keeping a plant in your home can purify the air.

Regional Traditions :Ayurvedic *

How to Grow Holy Basil

Bush basil, perennial in frost free zones, or can be over-wintered indoors or grown as an annual. Does best in full sun and can be grown in pots.

Related Species Ocimum basilicum, Sweet Basil