How many varieties of Tulsi do you know about? Ram Tulsi, Shyam Tulsi and more. Do you know there is Kapur (camphor) Tulsi and Laung (clove) Tulsi and many more types of basil as well? Our native forests are home to these wondrous herbs.
How many varieties of Tulsi do you know about? Ram Tulsi, Shyam Tulsi and more. Do you know there is Kapur (camphor) Tulsi and Laung (clove) Tulsi and many more types of basil as well? Our native forests are home to these wondrous herbs.
Tulsi plant (Holy Basil) is considered sacred especially in Hindu traditional homes and even worshipped as the ‘Goddess of Devotion.’ The practice of watering the Tulsi plant every morning and saying prayers establishes the importance of the plant even by our ancestors.
Going down the memory lane, grannies would offer a Tulsi leaf with Charnamrit after puja to the family. Tulsi is known to boost our immunity and is a cure for many infections. Modern studies have found Ram Tulsi to be anti-bacterial and antifungal. The plant has a whole lot of medicinal value. There were enough reasons to why our ancestors incorporated all these traditions in our lifestyle.
Health from your balcony
1. Shyam / Kala Tulsi is an aromatic herb. Each part of the plant has many uses. It’s juice with honey when taken thrice daily can cure coughs. With pepper, it can bring down fever and even cure infections.
2. With the monsoon bidding bye-byes and mosquitoes saying hi, did I see you looking for mosquito repellents? If you have Kapur Tulsi at home; crush a few leaves between your palms and rub them on your arms and at the back of your neck. You will love the aroma around you. And if you believe in Camphor cleansing the vibes of your home, there you go with Kapur Tulsi balm on you.
3. Tulsi has disease-fighting antioxidants. Tulsi essential oil can help fight free radical damage while protecting DNA structure and cells. Its regular use boosts the immune system and also delays the ageing impact of skin.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Tulsi help lower inflammation, lowers the risk of heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions. Chewing of Tulsi leaves soothes a fever, headache, sore throat, cold, cough and flu.
4. The essential oil of Tulsi cleanses the skin from within. Apply the paste made of Tulsi leaves on your face for 20 minutes. Wash it off with cold water. The strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of Tulsi help prevent the formation of acne.
5. The decoction of Tulsi leaves with added few neem leaves, a small piece of ginger and few peppercons helps in reducing fever and its symptoms considerably. Tulsi tea is recommended to reduce symptoms of malaria and dengue fever.
Pain in throat, insect bites, allergic rashes, ear infections…… the list is long, for what all Tulsi can cure. The Sanskrit word Tulsai means ‘incomparable’! Maybe, there are reasons for worshipping herbs and nurturing our gardens for our health.
This feature was first published in the print version of SUBURB September 2019 issue.