Holy Basil
Holy Basil
how long does holy basil (herb) stay in your system? and can you take ativan with it?
The Tulsi (also known as Tulasi) plant or Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is an important symbol in many Hindu religious traditions. The name “tulsi” means “the incomparable one”. Tulsi is a venerated plant and devotees worship it in the morning and evening. Tulsi grows wild in the tropics and warm regions. Dark or Shyama (Krishna) Tulsi and light or Rama Tulsi are the two main varieties of basil. The former possesses greater medicinal value and is commonly used for worship.
Tulsi has also been recognized by the rishis for thousands of years as a prime herb in Ayurvedic treatment. It has been traditionally used by Hindus, and now others, for its diverse healing properties. Tulsi is mentioned by Acharya Charak, in the Charak Samhita, the central teaching of Ayurvedic medicine written at least two thousand years ago, and in the Rigveda. Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogen, balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress. Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, Tulsi is regarded as a kind of “elixir of life” and believed to promote longevity.
Its aroma is distinctively different to its close cousin, the Thai Basil which is sometimes wrongly called Holy basil, in shops and on the internet, but they can be distinguished by their aroma and flavour. Holy basil is slightly hairy, whereas Thai Basil is smooth and hairless, also Holy Basil does not have the strong aniseed or licorice smell of Thai Basil; and Holy Basil has a hot, spicy flavor sometimes compared to cloves.
Tulsi as an Ayurvedic medicine
Tulsi, as used in Ayurveda.Tulsi’s extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria. Traditionally, tulsi is taken in many forms: as an herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf, or mixed with ghee. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora Tulsi is mostly used for medicinal purposes and in herbal toiletry. For centuries, the dried leaves of Tulsi have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.
Recent studies suggest that Tulsi may be a COX-2 inhibitor, like many modern painkillers, due to its significant amount of Eugenol (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene). [1] [2] Studies have also shown Tulsi to be effective for diabetes, by reducing blood glucose levels. [3] The same study showed significant reduction in total cholesterol levels with Tulsi. Another study showed that Tulsi’s beneficial effect on blood glucose levels is due to its antioxidant properties. [4]
Tulsi also shows some promise for protection from radiation poisoning [5] and cataracts. [6] Some Vaishnavites do not use Tulsi for medicine, though, out of reverence. However, the use of Tulsi for purification and as a medicine is widespread throughout India. Many Hindus — along with the ancient tradition of Ayurveda — believe that the healing properties of sacred herbs such as Tulsi were given by the Lord himself, and can be used as a medicine out of reverence.
[edit] Tulsi as a deity
Tulsi as worshiped in deity form.The presence of a Tulsi plant symbolizes the religious bent of a Hindu family. In many traditions (i.e Vaishnavism), a household is considered incomplete if it doesn’t have a Tulsi plant. Many families have the Tulsi planted in a specially built structure, which has images of deities installed on all four sides, and an alcove for small earthen oil lamp. Some households can even have up to a dozen Tulsi plants on the verandah or in the garden forming a “Tulsi-van” or “Tulsivrindavan” — a miniature basil forest.
Places that tend to inspire concentration and places ideal for worship, according to the Gandharva tantra, include “grounds overgrown with Tulsi plants”. The Tulsi Manas Mandir at Varanasi is one such famous temple, where Tulsi is worshipped along with other devas (demi-gods/godesses). Vaishnavites, or followers of Vishnu, revere the Tulsi leaf because it pleases Vishnu the most and thus is as an inherent part of offerings of naivedya. They also wear beaded necklaces made of Tulsi stems. The manufacture of these Tulsi necklaces is a cottage industry in places of pilgrimage and temple towns. Another name for Tulsi within the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition is Vrindadevi, meaning ‘the goddess of Vrindavan’.
[edit] Tulsi in legends
A number of passages in the Puranas and other scriptures (Vedas), point to the importance of tulsi within religious worship. Tulsi is regarded as a goddess and a consort of Lord Vishnu. A garland of tulsi leaves is the first offering to the Lord as part of the daily ritual. Tulsi is accorded the sixth place among the eight objects of worship in the ritual of the consecration of the kalasha, the container of holy water.
According to one story, Tulsi was a gopi who fell in love with Krishna and so had a curse laid on her by His consort Radha. She is very dear to Vishnu. Tulsi is also mentioned in the stories of Meera and Radha immortalised in Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda. One story has it that when Krishna was weighed in gold, not even all the ornaments of His consort Satyabhama could outweigh Him. But a single tulsi leaf placed by His another consort Rukmini on the pan tilted the scale.
Tulsi is ceremonially married to Vishnu annually on the eleventh bright day of the month of Kaartika in the lunisolar calendar. This festival continues for five days and concludes on the full moon day, which falls in mid-October. This ritual, called the “Tulsi Vivaha”, inaugurates the annual marriage season in India.
In the Christian tradition it is said that Tulsi grew around the place of Crucifixion. Tulsi is also mentioned in Shiite writings.
[edit] Quotes regarding Tulsi
“As by chanting the name of Ganges, one becomes free from all kinds of worldly sins, if someone chants the name of Tulasi or chants the glories of Lord Hari with devotion, he gets the same merit.” – From the Brhan Naradiya Purana
“Just by touching Tulsidevi one’s body becomes pure. By praying to her, all diseases practically become removed. If one waters her or makes her wet, the fear of Yamaraja (death personified) is destroyed.” – From the Skanda Purana
“Tulasi is most beloved of Lord Krishna and thus her leaves and flowers are also most dear to Him.” – Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura
“Tulasi leaf is very, very dear to Vishnu.” – A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Holy Basil
Tulsi – Holy Basil Benefits and Uses
Tulsi- most worshipped plant in Hindu culture. It has a mythological background as tulsi is considered as lord Krishna’s wife. Literal meaning of tulsi is incomparable so as the name suggest, it really has properties that are incomparable with any other herb. Every thing mentioned in Indian mythology has a scientific background. So as the culture of planting tulsi in center of court yard in Hindu homes. It is a strong belief that those who plant tulsi in there houses never get ill, as it is very lovable to lord Krishna and lord Krishna has blessed this herb with this property.
Scientific reason of this story is that tulsi contains such a chemical composition that no mosquitoes and flies can come near the plant because of it s peculiar odor. Thereby by planting tulsi in courtyard prevents entry of these creatures in house thus rendering home safe from any diseases caused by these organisms.
Biological name of tulsi is Ocimum sanctum and in common English language it is called holy basil. This herb is commonly found everywhere in India. Plant height varies from 2 – 4 ft. It flowers in winter season i.e. about December to February. It contains some biological active chemical compounds like ursolic acid, luteolin and apigenin extracted from leaves. Herb has katu and tickt rasa predominance. It is ushan (hot) virya in potency. It has laghu (light) and ruksh (dry) properties. Its major act is of as krimighan (anti bacterial and anti parasitic). Plant parts used are leaves, flower, seeds and root.
Tulsi is being used in variety of herbal ayurvedic formulations. Most dominantly it is used in bronchitis and asthmatic conditions. It gives great relief in cough especially one predominated by kapha.
Tulsi because of its great healing property has been indicated in variety of diseases. Being ushan (hot) in potency it is regarded as vata and kapha suppressant, hence all the diseases caused by vata and kapha can be treated with the help of tulsi.
As we begin with the skin problems, as mentioned earlier it acts as anti bacterial and anti parasitic, therefore is widely used in infectious diseases. It act on nervous system providing them strength, relieves stress and also helps in relieving pain, as it is vata suppressant. It work as appetizer and promotes digestion by helping in secretion of digestive enzymes. It helps in preventing flatulence and avoids constipated stool. It also keeps check on any infection that might invade our digestive system. Tulsi is also seen very useful in heart disease. It provides strength to heart and helps in proper working. It also helps to detoxify any toxin that might be circulating through our body via blood thereby have the property to purify blood.
Tulsi finds great importance in respiratory tract disease. It gives marvelous results in upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). As mentioned earlier that it acts rigorously on kapha hence it works as good expectorant relieving from wet cough. It also finds its good use in bronchitis and asthmatic conditions. It helps to fight the cause of allergy by which our respiratory tract gets inflamed and then resolves the causative agent. Good results have also been seen in anti-tubercular treatment as it works as antibiotic eliminating the bacteria. It also shows good results in chest pains. Tulsi finds great use in fever as it act as antipyretic, pain reliever, and provides strength to our body.
Some beneficial results were also seen in diabetes and micturation related problems. It also acts as an antidote for many poisons. Tulsi is known to possess anti-cancerous properties.
Some home remedies for tulsi:
· Power of seed of tulsi when taken with water gives great results in menstrual disorder
· Root of tulsi is powdered and kept overnight in water, if taken daily early morning proves to be very beneficial in diabetes.
· Tulsi juice drops are very effective in earache.
· Tulsi juice when mixed with ginger juice is very effective in abdominal disorder in children
· Powder of tulsi leaves added with saunth (dried ginger) and sugar when taken with hot water is a famous remedy for fever
· A Tulsi seed processed in castor oil is very effective remedy for hair lice problem.
· It is said that if one tulsi leaf if swallowed daily, that person never suffers from cancer.
About the Author
More on Tulsi- Holy Basil Benefits and Uses. Also read informative Home Remedies Health Forum to discuss your health problems, share your own experience and get the most effective Home Remedies here.
Dr John Annehttp://www.morphemeremedies.com
I bought some freeze dried Holy (hot) Thai Basil. Am I suppose to just add it to my stir fried dish?
All the writing is in Thai. When I buy dried Mushrooms I am suppose to soak them in water,however the store owner thought I am just suppose to add them to dish while cooking. Does anyone know?
They are whole dried Basil leaves not like you find in a spice bottle.Similar to dried Mushrooms.
The storeowner is right. You do not need to soak them – this will take away the flavour which is released in contact with liquids. Add them a few minutes from the end of your cooking process.
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