Why Holy Basil (Tulsi) Is Ayurveda’s Most Revered Herb?

Abstract

The aromatic medicinal plant, “Holy Basil” or Tulsi (Rama and Krishna), belongs to the Lamiaceae family.  The genus Ocimum originated in North-Central India and can now be grown in tropical eastern regions. In India, the tulsi plant is considered sacred and is worshipped. Because it can protect us from disease and other negative conditions.  The chemical constituent of holy basil helps to reduce pain and swelling and can be consumed in the form of herbal teas. This is best suited for diabetics because it helps lower blood sugar. This is a sacred plant that is usually worshipped in India, and it is said that the tulsi plant must be kept in an area with enough sunlight to grow properly. This will repel negative energies while spreading all positive energies throughout your home.

Introduction

This herb is well-known in Ayurveda for its medicinal and spiritual properties. There are no fundamental differences between O. sanctum and O. tenuiflorum.  This is the most sacred plant species in India. Tulsi is cultivated for both religious and traditional medicinal purposes. Scientific studies have shown that this shrub has anti-stress, immunomodulatory, and antidiabetic properties.  Several phytochemical constituents found in Tulsi contribute significantly to its antioxidant properties. According to Ayurveda, it is the mother medicine of nature and the queen of herbs.  Tulsi has a hot and bitter flavor and is used to treat asthma, coughs, fevers, and indigestion. Several medications consisting Tulsi can be used to treat gastrointestinal disorders and skin diseases. Several studies have shown that this shrub has a unique combination of actions, including antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, antimalarial, anthelmintic, and many other properties.  These therapeutic actions soothe the body and mind by reducing a variety of chemical, physical, and emotional stresses, restoring physiological and psychological functions.

Morphological Features Of Tulsi 

The stem of Holy Basil is highly branched with erect growth. This is an annual herbaceous plant from the mint family or Lamiaceae family. The leaves are green, slightly opposite, and straightforward, and reach a height of up to 5 cm. The purple flowers have small, elongated whorls. The reddish-yellow seeds bear the fruit. The leaves are highly scented. The aroma comes from the volatile compounds that serve the purpose of household divinity and also repel mosquitoes.

Nutritional Composition Of Tulsi

Holy basil contains Vitamin C and A chlorophyll and other phytonutrients—minerals like calcium, zinc, and iron along with xylose and polysaccharide sugars.

Chemical Constituents Of Tulsi

Holy basil is composed of many phytochemical constituents. The parts of leaves, stems and seeds bear different types of compounds. Saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and triterpenes are present. The seeds and leaves contain volatile oils at some levels.  Tulsi is free from caffeine and other stimulants. The stem and leaves have the main components and bear the biological function. Various Chemical constituents found in Tulsi are Ursolic Acid, Oleanolic Acid, Orientin and Vicenin, Rosmarinic acid, propanoic acid, etc.

Consumption Of Tulsi

Tulsi has the potential to improve your health as it has a variety of traditional uses. Certain home remedies are preferred, and people prepare herbal teas based on their preferences. Furthermore, one must understand how to consume it properly.  Tulsi can be consumed in the following ways

1. Tulsi leaves as tea: Add tulsi leaves to boiling water, steep for 2 to 3 minutes, strain in a cup, and enjoy the tulsi tea with honey for extra flavor and benefits. There are so many herbal teas available on the market that you can prefer them. Planet Ayurveda, one of the most trusted Ayurvedic brands, offers pure tulsi green tea. This will alleviate coughs and flu and boost immune function.
2. Fresh Tulsi juice: Soak 15 – 20 leaves in water for 3-4 hours.  Next, take a pan and add a few tulsi leaves, one spoon of grated ginger, and a few dried black peppers. You can also use a pinch of black salt. Then, for about 10 minutes, boil this mixture together. After cooling, squeeze half a lemon, strain, and drink. This juice is completely healthy and functions as an antioxidant, removing toxins from the entire body.
3. Tulsi root powder: Tulsi dried root powder can be taken with milk, ghee, or as a decoction. This can be used to relieve pain caused by insect or mosquito bites.
4. Tulsi leaves: can also be consumed raw to help with phlegm removal. These have expectorant properties, which aid in the removal of mucus from the bronchial tubes.
5. Tulsi kadha: is also traditionally consumed, which can reduce stress. This can help with respiratory disorders like coughs and colds.

How Does Tulsi Cleanse The Blood?

After the Heart, Kidney and Liver are the most important organs for blood purification. Blood is also responsible for transporting waste products away from cells. Holy basil contains high levels of vitamin K, a fat-soluble micronutrient, as well as beta-carotene and magnesium. Beta-carotene may help prevent heart attacks and atherosclerosis. This inhibits the formation of free radicals, which oxidize cholesterol in the bloodstream. Magnesium, on the other hand, improves blood circulation and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. Cinnamic acid and eugenol found in holy basil improve blood circulation while also regulating cholesterol and blood pressure. This herb also prevents blood clot formation.  Thus, Tulsi has important medicinal properties and can help with the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Properties of Tulsi

1. Treatment for gastrointestinal disorders

• Tulsi prevents gastric ulcers:  Bacteria (H. pylori) are most commonly responsible for stomach ulcers. In this case, the impairment is in the stomach’s mucous membrane, which protects the esophagus, stomach, and intestinal lining from gastric acid and pepsin. Many people use antiulcer drugs, which have side effects such as hypergastrinemia, hematopoietic changes, and arthralgia.  These disorders increase the need for nontoxic agents. Tulsi has good gastroprotective properties. It inhibits the body’s antioxidant enzymes and protects gastric tissue from injury. Tulsi seed oil also helps prevent gastric ulcers by inhibiting gastric secretions.  The anti-ulcer properties of tulsi leaves also helped to reduce stomach acid levels. This stimulates the stomach to produce more mucus, which neutralizes the excess gastric acid secretions.
• Tulsi prevents gastric carcinogenesis: Gastric cancer is more dangerous and causes death. Adding tulsi leaves to your diet can surely prevent the formation of cancer cells and enhance the immune system.

2. Tulsi has hepatoprotective properties

We all know that liver diseases are major health problems, as there is no satisfactory treatment for liver disorders in modern medicine. Clinical studies show that the phytochemicals found in tulsi, specifically eugenol and ursolic acid, have hepatoprotective properties against hepatotoxins. Following are various aspects of Tulsi against hepatotoxicity

• Reduction of heavy metal-induced hepatotoxicity: The leaves of tulsi are a good source of potassium, sodium, and zinc, they carry out different physiological functions. They decrease the level of lipid peroxidation and increase the level of antioxidants in the body.
• Prevention of paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity: The very well known antipyretic and analgesic paracetamol or acetaminophen are used for fever and pain. The overdosage of these drugs can be fatal. Tulsi extract prevents hepatic cells from being damaged by decreasing the Serum levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP, etc, and by increasing the levels of Glutathione.
• Tulsi prevents chlorpyrifos-induced liver damage: Chlorpyrifos is widely used in homes and farms as an insecticide. This is used to control cockroaches, fleas, and termites. These agents block the enzyme that controls the message that travels between the nerve cells. And when this enzyme is blocked, our brain cannot stimulate any signals. Tulsi has chemopreventive effects against the chemical. Certain studies show that feeding a tulsi-based diet reduces the effects of hepatomas.

3. Metabolic Effects Of Tulsi

According to studies, taking tulsi increases hepatic glycogen levels while decreasing glycolytic enzymes (hexokinase, PFK, etc.) in the liver. Consuming tulsi powder also helps to lower cholesterol and total lipids in the liver. The main constituent, eugenol, in tulsi has a high therapeutic potential. Active compounds of Tulsi can help lower elevated blood sugar levels.

CONCLUSION

This article summarises all of the basic home remedies for Holy Basil. Nowadays, changing one’s lifestyle can help promote healthy bodily functions. Numerous herbs are beneficial to our bodies and improve their overall functioning. This plant is widely used in Ayurvedic and folk medicines, and it can be consumed as powders, teas, or capsules. All of the bioactive compounds found in holy basil are very important and may help with respiratory problems. Aside from all of these benefits, this is one of the most powerful and sacred plants for boosting positivity at home. As a result, people used to grow Holy Basil at the entrance to their homes. This can purify the air and keep mosquitoes away.