TULSI - THE HOLY BASIL
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| TULSI - THE HOLY BASIL |
Tulsi - The Holy Basil is considered as the Queen of Herbs and a powerful herb according to the Ayurvedic scriptures. These natures wonder can naturally support your body’s harmony and balance. It helps the body adapt to stress and supports the body’s immune system. It also helps to support emotional health. It supports mental alertness by providing healthy oxygen flow to the brain. It also helps maintain blood sugar levels within a normal range, promote longevity, and elevates the spirit. Tulsi/Holy Basil has many nutrients including Vitamin A and Minerals like Calcium, Iron, Potassium and Zinc.
According to Hindu Mythology Tulsi is regarded as the holiest of all plants. A Hindu home is incomplete without a Tulsi Plant. According to Ayurveda, Tulsi - The Holy Basil is known as the "incomparable herb" & "Elixir of Life." This Holy Basi/Tulsi is a close relative of the Culinary Basil and belongs to the same family, but is differentiated with its medicinal properties and physical characteristics. High levels of phenol chemicals are found in Tulsi & it is the reason behind the innumerable health benefits.
Commonly we can find 3 types of Tulsi - The Holy Basil
Krishna Tulsi -
Also known as Shyama(dark coloured) Tulsi which has purple shaded leaves. The Krishna Tulsi variety (black/purple) has more phenols than the Vana Tulsi(white) variety. It has a mild clove-like aroma and peppery flavour.Rama Tulsi -
Also known as Green Leaf Tulsi, which has Green Leaves with light purple coloured flowers. It has a clove-like aroma due to the presence of chemical component Eugenol(which is found in Cloves too) and a mellower flavour.Vana Tulsi -
Also known as Wild Leaf Tulsi, which has light Green coloured Leaves. Vana Tulsi grows wild and is indigenous to many areas of Asian and North/East Africa regions. It is considered as the most flavourful and also hardest to grow. Vana Tulsi is very fragrant with the notes of Kaffir Limes, Orange, Mint and Cloves. |
| TULSI - THE HOLY BASIL |
Health Benefits of Tulsi
Krishna Tulsi is often considered to be the most beneficial to health when compared to other varieties of Tulsi, followed by Rama Tulsi. Vana Tulsi has less potency, but it is mostly used combined with other types of Tulsi. The essential oils found in Tulsi, effectively act on our respiratory system. You can readily find Tulsi Leaves as one main ingredient in Indian Home Remedies. A readily available plant in most of the Indian Homes. May be to soothe your sore throat or to cure congested chest, a simple concoction/tea made with Tulsi Leaves has the effect to relieve fever and reduce the symptoms of cold. We are even recommended to chew a few Tulsi Leaves the first thing in the morning in an empty stomach. It is believed to purify the blood, flush out the toxins and clean your internal systems.
In Ayurvedic, Tulsi-The Holy Basil is commonly used as
frequency and severity of asthma attacks. Tulsi is also used to treat Bronchitis, Colds, Congestion, Coughs, Flu, Sinusitis, Sore throat and similar pulmonary conditions & ailments.
In Ayurvedic, Tulsi-The Holy Basil is commonly used as
ANTI INFLAMMATORY
Tulsi is considered as Anti-inflammatory and thus can reduce thefrequency and severity of asthma attacks. Tulsi is also used to treat Bronchitis, Colds, Congestion, Coughs, Flu, Sinusitis, Sore throat and similar pulmonary conditions & ailments.
ANTIOXIDANT
Strong antioxidant capacity in Tulsi is correlated with its Eugenol content. It helps to increase the antioxidant enzymes and thus helps to restore liver functions, kidney failures & also fight against Cancer.RADIATION
The potent flavonoids in Tulsi protect human blood cells from radiation-induced DNA damage.ANTIBACTERIAL & ANTI VIRAL
Tulsi inhibits the growth of certain Bacterias and Candida. It can treat Skin Diseases and insect bites. The Anti-Viral properties present in Tulsi helps to combat viral infections like Swines Flu, H1N1. Consumption of Tulsi Juice helps to get rid of intestinal parasites.HEAL PAIN
Tulsi can reduce the signs of pain, indicating potential as an analgesic. It is also used to treat Headaches, Earaches & Eye Disorders. The presence of os Eugenol in Tulsi has proven to reduce Joint Pain and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Tulsi is used in Nasya Karma to treat a Migraine headache.SKIN DISEASES
Tulsi, when applied topically, has proven to treat Skin diseases. Tulsi juice helps to reduce acne, pimples, rashes and other skin problems.COGNITIVE FUNCTION
Tulsi promotes memory and attention. So Tulsi may be beneficial in the treatment of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia.HEART HEALTH
Tulsi extract showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in human cells, validating its traditional use in treating cardiovascular disease. Regular consumption of Tulsi Juice purifies the blood and also keeps the heart healthy.HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Tulsi is rich in potassium which proves beneficial for reducing High Blood Pressure.REDUCES CHOLESTEROL
Tulsi leaf has significant effects in reducing the levels of triacylglycerol/triglycerides and LDL cholesterol with a significant increase in HDL cholesterol.DIABETES
Tulsi help facilitate metabolism of Carbohydrates and Fats which ensures that the Sugar in the blood is utilized for Energy. Thus helps to lower the Blood Sugar Levels.DENTAL HEALTH
The anti-microbial properties in Tulsi help to fight against harmful bacteria and germs in the mouth. It also acts as a mouth freshener & also helps to curb bad breath.
MALARIA
Tulsi Seeds, when eaten along with Pepper, is believed to cure Malaria.How to Use Tulsi - The Holy Basil?
Tulsi/Holy Basil can be incorporated in many ways in your daily life. It is mostly taken as a supplement. The best way is to chew few Tulsi Leaves early in the morning in an empty stomach. Simply make a Tea or a concoction with Tulsi Leaves & a few other ingredients.- Fresh Tulsi Juice mixed with Ginger and Honey help to reduce a cough and cold.
- Tulsi decoction prepared along with Pepper is very beneficial to treat fevers like Dengue and Malaria.
- Gargling with Tulsi Tea or Tulsi decoction helps to reduce throat pain and mouth ulcers.
- Consuming fresh Tulsi leaves help to control Diabetes and blood Cholesterol.
- A paste made with Tulsi leaves can be applied on inflamed areas to reduce pain and inflammation.
- It is proven beneficial to smear crushed Tulsi leaves on skin rashes, ringworm affected areas and insect bites.
- A smooth paste of Tulsi leaves can be applied to treat acne and pimples.
How to make a Tulsi Tea?
Making Tulsi Tea is quite easy. Just a few Tulsi Leaves and a cup of Water is all that you need.METHOD:
- Boil a Cup of Water(as needed for the serving).
- Add 2-3 Tulsi Leaves in it and bring it to boil.
- Leave it aside for about 2-3 Minutes until the water absorbs the Tulsi flavour, and the colour changes.
- Drink the Tulsi Tea Warm or @room temperature.
- If you like the Tulsi Tea sweetened add Honey or any other sweetener of your choice.
- Can add some Lemon Juice if you like a tangy note and it gives extra flavour and health benefits to your Tulsi Tea.
- Prepare Tulsi Tea with additions like Cardamom, Dry/fresh Ginger, Pepper etc.,
- Each ingredient along with Tulsi caters its own health benefit treating certain conditions alongside.
Difference between Tulsi - The Holy Basil and the Basil used in cooking
Tulsi/Holy basil is not the same as the common green cooking Basil found in the grocery store. There are approximately 150 different varieties of Basil and each has its own unique healing properties, flavour, smell culinary use & therapeutic use.
Common types of Basil include:
Common types of Basil include:
Sweet Basil(Genovese):
Sweet Basil is commonly used in Italian Cuisine, most popularly used in Pesto Sauce as a flavouring. Sweet Basil has large green leaves with a hint of clove flavour. It’s therapeutically used to relieve itching from insect bites, to treat coughs, asthma, nervous conditions etc.,
Sweet Basil is commonly used in Italian Cuisine, most popularly used in Pesto Sauce as a flavouring. Sweet Basil has large green leaves with a hint of clove flavour. It’s therapeutically used to relieve itching from insect bites, to treat coughs, asthma, nervous conditions etc.,
Thai Basil:
Thai Basil is commonly used in Thai & Vietnamese Cuisine and in most of the Southeast Asian -cooking. Thai Basil has light green coloured leaves & purple flowers. The leaves are slightly spear-like shaped (not as round as Sweet Basil Leaves) with a note of both Mint and Licorice.
There are 2 types of Thai Basil:
Thai Basil is commonly used in Thai & Vietnamese Cuisine and in most of the Southeast Asian -cooking. Thai Basil has light green coloured leaves & purple flowers. The leaves are slightly spear-like shaped (not as round as Sweet Basil Leaves) with a note of both Mint and Licorice.
There are 2 types of Thai Basil:
- Thai Basil - Widely used throughout Southeast Asian cooking.
- Thai Lemon Basil - With a slight taste and scent of lemon.
Tulsi - Holy Basil has a mild spicy, peppery, strong clove-like taste, It is commonly used for a wide range of medicinal uses, as well as for religious purposes. It is also used to make herbal teas.
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