Tulsi Plant (Holy Basil): Medicinal Benefits, Uses, and Properties

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is a special herb packed with health benefits and a rich history in Indian traditions. This aromatic plant grows naturally in India and other parts of Asia, including northern and eastern Africa, Taiwan, and Hainan Island. It can even thrive at heights of up to 5,900 meters!

In India, Tulsi has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, as well as Indian folk remedies. Every part of the plant—leaves, seeds, and even the whole plant—is used to support good health and treat common illnesses.

Tulsi Plant Names in Different Languages:

• Hindi: Tulsi
• English: Holy Basil, Sacred Basil, Indian Basil
• Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, and Malayalam: Tulsi
• Kannada: Sri Tulsi
• Latin: Ocimum Sactum Linn

Sanskrit Significance of Tulsi:

Tulsi’s Sanskrit names beautifully describe its unique characteristics and spiritual significance. Known as “Gouri” or “Nagamata” in religious contexts, it is celebrated as:

• Sulaghni, Subhaga, Sulabha: Meaning “Auspicious.
• Surabhi, Svadu Gandha: Meaning “Fragrant and Sweet-Scented.
• Pavani, Vishnu Vallabha, Hari Priya: Meaning “Beloved of Lord Vishnu.

From its use in rituals to its powerful medicinal properties, Tulsi continues to be a symbol of health and spirituality across cultures.

Nutritional Value of Tulsi Per 100 gram

The medicinal and therapeutic benefits of Tulsi are largely due to its unique composition, which includes essential oils, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and vitamins. These natural compounds work together to support overall health.

The exact composition of Tulsi can vary depending on factors such as the plant’s variety, growing conditions, and maturity. These elements influence the strength and effectiveness of Tulsi in promoting health and preventing diseases.

Below is the nutritional value of Tulsi per 100 grams:

Types of Tulsi

Four varieties of Tulsi are commonly seen:

• Shukla Tulsi (White Variety)
• Krishna Tulsi (Black Variety)
• Vana Tulsi (Wild leaf basil)
• Kapoor Tulsi (Heavy Flowered Basil)
• The white variety’s scientific name is Ocimum Americanum
• The black variety’s scientific name is Ocimum Sanctum
• The wild leaf basil variety’s scientific name is Ocimum Gratissimum

Characteristic Features of Tulsi Plant

• The Tulsi plant has a distinct taste and qualities.
• It is pungent and bitter.
• The Tulsi plant has qualities like lightness, dryness, and piercing nature.

Useful Parts of the Tulsi Plant and Their Dosage

Every part of the Tulsi plant is useful-leaf, root, flower, and seed.
The dosage of Tulsi in various forms:

• Fresh juice: It can be consumed in 10-20 ml/day quantity
• Root decoction: It can be consumed in 50-100ml/day quantity
• Seed powder: It can be taken 3–6 grams daily

Medicinal Properties of Tulsi

Tulsi is used as a traditional medicine for its potent medicinal properties. It has been used for centuries in Ayurveda to promote health. It has primarily been used for its antipyretic properties to reduce fever, cough, and cold symptoms. The other medicinal properties of Tulsi leaves includes:

• Anti-inflammatory property: With its anti-inflammatory properties, Tulsi can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Antiemetic property: Tulsi possesses antiemetic properties, aiding in preventing and relieving nausea and vomiting.
• Antidiabetic property: It has been shown to lower blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
• Hypotensive properties: Tulsi may help lower blood pressure levels, contributing to cardiovascular health.
• Hypolipidemic (lowers cholesterol) property: Tulsi’s hypolipidemic activity helps lower cholesterol levels, supporting heart health.
• Analgesic property: Tulsi acts as an analgesic agent, relieving pain from various ailments.
• Anti-asthmatic property: Its anti-asthmatic activity helps alleviate asthma symptoms and promote respiratory health.
• Hepatoprotective property: Tulsi is a hepatoprotective agent that protects the liver from damage and promotes liver health.
• Anti-stress properties: Known for its anti-stress properties, Tulsi helps reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• Anti-epileptic property: Tulsi exhibits anti-epileptic activity, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures.
• Anticarcinogenic property: With its anticarcinogenic properties, Tulsi may help prevent the development and progression of cancer. Regular consumption of Tulsi tea, leaf or extracts may contribute to cancer prevention, but it should not replace standard cancer prevention strategies or treatments.
• Anti-Alzheimer’s property: Tulsi is also a potent anti-Alzheimer’s agent, potentially protecting against cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

Ways to Use Tulsi in Daily Life

The easiest way to incorporate Tulsi into everyday life is to consume it as tea.

Tulsi Tea Preparation Method

Mix one part Tulsi powder with ten parts tea powder. Prepare the tea with the above ration of powder. This tea should be, however, taken without milk.
Note: Tulsi and milk are not a good combination, as Tulsi is hot and milk is cool by nature; the combination of these two results in skin disorders.

Tulsi Herbal Tea

People who are not accustomed to tea consumption can opt for herbal tea.
It is a combination of Tulsi and other herbs. Popular combinations are liquorice, lemon grass, etc.

Tulsi Water Preparation

3–5 Tulsi leaves are soaked in a cup of water. After soaking, it is filtered and consumed. All the benefits of Tulsi mentioned above can be obtained by consuming this water, but it has mild effectiveness.

Tulsi Arka

It is a liquid made by distilling certain drugs stored in the Arka Yantra. Tulsi Arka is used for cold cough, dyspnoea, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma etc.
Regular consumption of Tulsi Arka (extract) helps enhance immunity.

What Are the Health Benefits of Tulsi (Holy Basil)?

Tulsi, or Holy Basil, is more than just an herb—it’s a powerhouse of health benefits. Known for its medicinal properties, this plant has been used for centuries to boost overall health. Here are the top health benefits of Tulsi that you can easily incorporate into your lifestyle:

1. Boosts Immunity

Tulsi strengthens the immune system by enhancing the body’s natural defense mechanisms. Rich in antioxidants, it helps fight off infections and promotes overall health. Regular consumption of Tulsi tea or fresh leaves can keep illnesses at bay.

2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Tulsi is an adaptogen, meaning it helps your body cope with stress. It reduces cortisol levels, alleviates anxiety, and promotes a sense of calm. Drinking Tulsi tea or using Tulsi essential oil can help you unwind after a busy day.

3. Improves Respiratory Health

Tulsi helps clear the airways and reduces symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues. Tulsi’s anti-inflammatory properties soothe the respiratory tract, making it easier to breathe.

4. Supports Heart Health

Tulsi is known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, promoting cardiovascular health. Regular intake can help reduce the risk of heart disease by improving overall heart function.

5. Fights Infections

With its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, Tulsi is effective in treating bacterial infections. Whether it’s a sore throat, cough, or skin infection, Tulsi can help speed up recovery and reduce symptoms.

6. Aids Digestion

Tulsi promotes healthy digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes. It can relieve symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas, making it a natural remedy for digestive issues.

7. Relieves Headaches

Tulsi has analgesic properties that help relieve headaches and migraines. Consuming Tulsi tea or inhaling its essential oil can alleviate headache symptoms and promote relaxation.

8. Improves Skin Health

Tulsi is known for its ability to fight acne, pimples, and other skin infections. Its antimicrobial properties help cleanse the skin, while its antioxidants prevent signs of aging.

9. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

Tulsi helps regulate blood sugar levels and is beneficial for managing diabetes. It increases insulin sensitivity and may help lower blood glucose levels.

10. Boosts Liver Health

Tulsi has detoxifying properties that help cleanse the liver. It helps flush out toxins from the body, promoting healthy liver function and improving overall well-being.

11. Promotes Healthy Hair

Tulsi strengthens hair follicles, reduces hair fall, and improves scalp health. It also helps with dandruff and other scalp conditions, giving you healthier hair.

12. Fights Cancer

Tulsi contains compounds that may help prevent the growth of cancer cells. While it should not replace conventional cancer treatments, it can be used as a complementary health booster.

13. Improves Eye Health

Tulsi’s antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, help reduce oxidative stress on the eyes. It may help prevent conditions like cataracts and promote better vision.

14. Prevents Malaria

Tulsi has antimalarial properties due to its active compounds like eugenol. It can aid in reducing the severity of malaria symptoms but should be used alongside conventional treatments.

15. Helps with Weight Loss

Tulsi boosts metabolism, helping your body burn fat more efficiently. Regular consumption of Tulsi can aid in weight loss by promoting fat breakdown.

16. Reduces Inflammation

Tulsi’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and pain caused by conditions like arthritis. It provides natural relief from inflammation.

17. Enhances Mental Clarity

Tulsi enhances brain function by improving focus and memory. It has neuroprotective properties that support mental clarity and cognitive function.

18. Improves Oral Health

Tulsi helps combat bad breath and improves oral hygiene. It reduces bacteria in the mouth and can be used as a mouthwash for fresher breath.

19. Relieves Fever

Tulsi has antipyretic properties, helping reduce fever. It can help lower body temperature and provide relief during illness.

20. Supports Kidney Health

Tulsi helps flush out toxins and aids in the prevention of kidney stones. Its diuretic properties increase urine production, promoting kidney health.

Restricted Use of Tulsi

• During pregnancy, it is advisable to consult your doctor before consuming Tulsi.
• Heavy bleeding, bleeding disorders, burning sensations, excessive hunger, and nasal bleeding
• Men with low sperm counts and infertility problems should avoid using Tulsi regularly.

Conclusion

The Tulsi plant is revered as a sacred plant in India. This holy plant is a boon to humans, just like God is in our lives, which explains the deep connection between its spiritual status and medicinal properties. The uses of the Tulsi plant, its medicinal properties, and its spiritual benefits are long known to mankind and are still relevant in the current age. It is, therefore, a classic plant with increasingly important uses and effects being unravelled to date. Hence, the proper use of holy basil will ensure a safe and healthy life. Although it is safe for most of the population, please consult your healthcare professional before using it. Avail teleconsultation from our expert doctors on our online pharmacy when you place an order for medicines, or you can also download our Truemeds app to do the same. Get branded as well as generic medicines by uploading your prescription on Truemeds. When placing an order for medicines online, you may save more money by selecting alternative or generic medicine advised by Truemed’s expert doctors. And also save up to 72% on your purchase and get free home delivery pan India.

Disclaimer– Truemeds’ sole intention is to ensure that customers have access to information which is accurate & trustworthy. However, the information here should not be used directly and it cannot act as a substitute for the advice of a doctor. The information provided is only to stay informed. The information on side effects, drug interactions or warnings, and alerts are not exhaustive. Please consult your doctor for the right advice on diseases & medication information.

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