Tulsi is a shrub-like plant found in India. Its branches have a distinctive fragrance. Since the Vedic era, the medicinal properties of this plant have been recognized and discussed. Both its leaves and seeds possess healing properties, making Tulsi seeds as valuable as its leaves. Tulsi leaves are particularly beneficial in treating viral fevers caused by infections.
Introduction to Tulsi and Its Significance
Scientific studies suggest that vegetation existed on Earth long before human beings appeared. Nature is full of countless plants, each with unique and beneficial properties for human health. Over generations, people have studied and documented the qualities of various plants, developing methods to harness their medicinal benefits.
Among these remarkable plants, Tulsi stands out as one of the most powerful medicinal herbs. Experts across the world have referred to it by different names, such as “King of Herbs,” “Royal Herb,” “Culinary Herb,” and “Holy Basil.” The significance of Tulsi has been acknowledged since the Vedic period and continues to be recognized today. India has a history of cultivating Tulsi for over 5,000 years. Many multinational companies now incorporate Tulsi into their products due to its incredible health benefits. Tulsi is truly a natural elixir.
Tulsi’s Healing Properties and Religious Importance
Tulsi continuously releases its medicinal properties into the surrounding environment. As a result, being near the plant, touching it, watering it, or planting it can help protect against diseases. This is why it has been a tradition in Indian households to keep a Tulsi plant in the courtyard.
Every part of the Tulsi plant—its wood, bark, leaves, flowers, and roots—has medicinal value. Understanding its benefits can lead to a healthier and more fulfilling life. Scientific research has validated that many religious practices associated with Tulsi are not only spiritual but also scientifically beneficial for health.
Protection Against Monsoon Infections
During the rainy season, infections leading to cold, fever, and diseases like dengue spread rapidly. Drinking a decoction made from Tulsi leaves regularly helps protect the body against these infections.
For high fevers, boiling Tulsi leaves with cinnamon powder in half a liter of water, adding some jaggery and milk, and drinking it can help reduce fever effectively. Another remedy involves boiling Tulsi leaves with ginger in half a liter of water until the water reduces to half, then drinking it like tea. Tulsi leaves are also beneficial in treating throat infections. Gargling with water boiled with Tulsi leaves provides relief from sore throats.
Tulsi Decoction for Cough and Cold
For cough and colds, take ten Tulsi leaves and four cloves, boil them in a glass of water until it reduces to half, add a pinch of salt, and drink it warm. After drinking this decoction, cover yourself with a blanket to induce sweating. Drink this twice a day for three days for best results.
Tulsi for Mental Peace and Sleep
Mix Tulsi juice with black pepper and store it in a ventilated glass bottle in your bedroom to experience mental peace and protection against illnesses. If you suffer from insomnia, placing a small pouch of Tulsi leaves and carom seeds (ajwain) under your pillow can help improve sleep quality. Inhaling a few drops of Tulsi oil also refreshes the mind. Adding Tulsi leaves to drinking water purifies it.
Medicinal Benefits of Tulsi Oil
Tulsi oil has multiple benefits. It is extracted by steaming Tulsi leaves in warm water and is used in Ayurvedic medicines to treat various ailments, including:
High cholesterol
Acidity and indigestion
Cold, cough, and flu
Skin conditions like acne, blemishes, and eczema
Obesity and high blood pressure
Respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis
Kidney stones
Stress and anxiety
Tulsi-Based Herbal Tea Research in India
The Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) in Lucknow has developed a special variety of Tulsi tea called "Ocimum Sanctum." This tea is rich in antioxidants, making it highly beneficial for overall health, particularly in purifying the blood. Scientists at CIMAP have conducted clinical trials and claim that this herbal tea boosts immunity, increases energy levels, and provides a refreshing experience without any side effects.
Tulsi Tea Recipe
To make Tulsi tea, boil 10 fresh Tulsi leaves in a cup of water, strain, and drink it. You can add sugar or honey for taste. Dried Tulsi leaves can also be ground into powder and added to tea.
Tulsi for Bad Breath
Chewing a few Tulsi leaves can help eliminate bad breath naturally without any side effects.
Tulsi for Wounds and Burns
If you get injured, applying a paste of Tulsi leaves with alum (fitkari) speeds up wound healing due to Tulsi’s antibacterial properties. Mixing Tulsi leaves with oil and applying them to burns reduces pain and inflammation.
Ayurvedic Perspective on Tulsi
Ayurveda considers Tulsi equivalent to Sanjeevani Booti (a legendary healing herb). Every part of the Tulsi plant—its roots, stems, leaves, and seeds—has distinct medicinal properties. Typically, two types of Tulsi are found in homes: one with dark green leaves and the other with lighter green leaves. Tulsi not only purifies the body but also balances the environment and helps maintain ecological stability.
Tulsi for Serious Ailments
Tulsi for Tuberculosis (TB) – Regular consumption of Tulsi helps prevent TB and asthma. A decoction of Tulsi, honey, and ginger relieves respiratory conditions.
Tulsi for Malaria and Typhoid – Chewing 11 Tulsi leaves with four black peppercorns can help treat malaria and typhoid. Mosquito-borne diseases can be prevented by regularly consuming Tulsi.
Tulsi as a Natural Fever Remedy – Instead of paracetamol, a decoction made from 20 Tulsi leaves and 10 black peppercorns can cure fevers effectively.
Tulsi for Leprosy – Drinking a mixture of Tulsi root powder and dried ginger with water every morning helps in treating leprosy. Tulsi-rich environments reduce the risk of leprosy.
Tulsi for Migraine and Sinusitis – Drinking Tulsi tea alleviates migraines and sinus infections. Mixing Tulsi juice with honey and consuming it twice daily for 15 days can cure chronic headaches.
Tulsi for Eye Health – Tulsi juice acts as a natural remedy for eye problems. Applying two drops of Tulsi juice in the eyes for 14 days can improve vision, reduce redness, and cure night blindness.