In this blog, we will explore why people consider Tulsi the “Queen of Herbs” and the medicinal uses of Ocimum tenuiflorum. Furthermore, people refer to Tulsi by many different names, such as Ocimum tenuiflorum or Holy Basil.
Additionally, both Tulsi & Tulasi derive from Sanskrit. Moreover, researchers recognize it as a medicinal plant celebrated for its sacredness, nutritional, and medicinal importance.
For instance, according to some research, people use different parts of the plant to treat various conditions. Ultimately, the medicinal value of Tulsi improves digestion, mental health, and boosts immunity.
What is Tulsi?
Tulasi, a flowering plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae) thrives as an aromatic perennial plant; therefore, it lasts for 2 years and produces an aromatic compound, which is an essential oil.
Once gardeners plant it, it not only returns every year but also grows to the same size, and, moreover, it belongs to the Family of Lamiaceae.
Additionally, it provides essential oils and bioactive compounds that contribute to its effectiveness as a powerful medicinal plant used for treating various problems.
Types of Medicinal Tulsi Uses
(A) Ram Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Description : Bright green leaves with a mild and sweet smell.
Medicinal Uses: This Tulsi medicinal use helps to reduce stress & anxiety as it contains adaptogenic and cooling properties.
(B) Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Description : It has dark purple leaves and is considered as the Holiest and sacred type of tulsi plant. It has a hot, peppery, crispy taste and is less bitter in taste.
Medicinal Uses: This Tulsi medicinal use helps to maintain blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Good for diabetic patients and helps in managing high fever.
(C) Vana Tulsi (Ocimum Gratissimum)
Description: This is a wild tulsi that has green leaves and is a perennial plant and has a strong and lemony smell.
Medicinal Uses: The Vana Tulsi medicinal use is helpful in respiratory problems like breathing problems. It’s a natural detoxifier that cleanses the liver and kidneys of the human body.
There are many more types of tulsi that are grown around the world which each have different medicinal uses and are also considered sacred.
Why People Consider Tulsi a Medicinal Plant?
Bioactive Compounds
Eugenol, Ursolic acid, Rosmarinic acid, and Flavonoids in Tulsi contribute to its medicinal properties. Furthermore, these compounds provide effects such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, which ultimately make tulsi a versatile herbal remedy.
Ayurvedic Significance
Tulsi in Ayurveda is known as the ‘Queen Of Herbs’ for its medicinal, spiritual, and healing properties. Moreover, it has deep roots and holds great importance in Indian Traditions. In fact, experts consider it the earliest herb that can cure so many issues. Consequently, this sacred plant balances Doshas (body’s energies) and promotes longevity.
Required for Holistic Health
Farmers cultivate Indian basil plants for Religious and traditional Medicinal purposes. Furthermore, they produced essential oils that aromatherapists use to improve mood, reduce stress, and tend to increase attentiveness, as well as cold and cough remedies.
In addition, the medicinal value of Tulsi supports mental clarity and immune health in traditional and modern medicine.
Key Medicinal Uses of Tulsi
| Enhances Oral Health Chewing tulsi leaves helps to prevent bad breath,lessen plaque and mouth with oral ulcers. |
| Digestion Improvement The medicinal value of tulsi is that it can help to reduce acidity in stomachs and improve the gut functions . |
| Enhances Skin Glow Benefits of Tulsi include detoxification of the body, which means removing toxins from the body, and gives natural glow and radiant skin. |
| Prevents Parasitic Stomach Issues Tulsi water stops the growth of E. coli infection and is considered best for removal of worms and parasites. It protects your body from these infections. |
| Menstrual Pain In Tulsi,anti-inflammatory properties are there that relieves menstrual cramps and pain and also helps to improve blood circulation. |
| Improves Cognitive Functioning Holy basil can improve cognitive functioning which refers to mental ability to think, understand and complete tasks. |
| Hydrates the Body Basil herb benefits are in its water that hydrates and rejuvenates the body and loads them with nutrients. |
| Enhances Sleep Quality Tulsi has such a compound that acts as a natural relaxant that helps in treating problems like Insomnia that leads to better and improved sleep cycles. |
| Fertility Enhancement Holy basil benefits can improve the reproductive health of women and also help by boosting the energy. |
| Treatment of Skin Infection Due to its antibacterial qualities, tulsi is used medicinally to treat psoriasis, and numerous other skin infections. |
| Detoxification Tulsi medicinal drops help to detoxify the human body by throwing out toxins and also acts as a natural detoxifier. |
| Manages Blood Flow and Heart Health Holy basil medicinal uses include regulating blood pressure,managing the sugar level and lowering cholesterol and reducing the insulin resistance, making it beneficial for diabetes management. |
| Minimizes Stress and Anxiety One of tulsi’s medicinal advantages is as it contains adaptogen which means it has a natural compound that helps the body to adapt to stress and anxiety and promotes a proper mental balance. |
| Slows Down Ageing Sign One of the holy basil medicinal uses is that it helps you to slow down the sign of ageing like reducing wrinkles,fine lines and dark spots due to its compounds. |
Medicinal Properties of Tulsi
Antibiotic
Treats bacterial infections and prevents them from spreading.
Benefits – One of Tulsi medicinal uses is that if its leaves are taken in any form it will definitely help to fight the various infections of your body.
Detoxifying Agent
Eliminates toxins from body.
Benefits -Helps in detoxifying the liver and purifying the blood.
Anti-Cancer
Contains anti-tumor properties
Benefits – Can help in cancer prevention and therapy.
Antipyretic
Reduces fever.
Benefits -Helps in managing flu and fever.
Antioxidant
Fights free radical.
Benefits – Holy Basil Medicinal uses is that it helps you to slow down the sign of aging like reducing wrinkles,fine lines and dark spots due to its compounds.
Mental Clarity
Improves Cognitive Functioning.
Benefits – Holy basil can improves mental ability to think, understand and complete tasks.
Anti Inflammatory
Reduces Inflammation.
Benefits – Lighten the condition like Arthritis and asthma.
Antimicrobial
Fights bacteria,viruses and fungi.
Benefits – Tulsi helps to treat enzymes, psoriasis, and many other skin infections.
Adaptogenic
Reduces Mental Stress.
Benefits – Helps to calm you down and enhance mental clarity.
Benefits of Tulsi
- Environment Purification : It has the ability to purify the air by a good amount of oxygen and tends to absorb the harmful carbon dioxide which automatically leads to the improvement of a household’s air quality.
- Connection to nature : It helps family members to reconnect with nature by watering ,worshiping and also creating a habit of taking care of Tusli plants or doing some activities of tulsi plant care as a part of their daily routine.
- Architectural Role : Usually in Traditional Indian homes the courtyard or we can say Aangan is treated as a heart of the house and planting the tulsi there can lead to spiritual practices into daily life.
Tulsi v/s Basil
If we talk about the difference of tulsi v/s basil then, firstly, we should recognize that they both have the same starting name, which is Ocimum. Furthermore, both herbs belong to the same family i.e., Lamiaceae which includes mint plants and culinary herbs such as rosemary, oregano, lavender catnip etc.
Nutritional components
Tulsi
- Holy basil is known for its amazing medicinal uses .
- It is abundant in antioxidants ,essential oils and such natural compounds that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
- This herb is low in calories while being rich in Vitamin A and C, as well as minerals such as Calcium and iron.
Basil
- It is rich in fiber,antioxidants, and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.
- Additionally ,Basil provides essential vitamins like Vitamin K ,folate and magnesium.
| Nutrients | Tulsi (Holy basil) | Basil (Sweet Basil) |
| Antioxidants | High | Moderate |
| Vitamin K | Present | Present |
| Vitamin A and C | Low | High |
| Calcium and iron | High | Low |
Side Effects of Tulsi
Excessive amounts of everything can harm the body and cause side effects. Even though Tulsi offers many benefits and can help with practically every issue a human body may have, we should consider certain things before using it.
- Overconsumption Risk: Too much taking of Tulsi in any form (food or medicine) can lead to overdose of Eugenol, which eventually causes respiratory issues like fast breathing, vomiting blood, while coughing.
- It is said that Tulsi contains eugenol that helps to reduce respiratory issues but if we take excess of this will result in poisoning.
- Male Fertility Concerns: It can have a negative effect on male fertility.
- Blood Thinning:Tulsi leads to blood clotting, so individuals on blood thinners should consume it cautiously.
Tulsi Medicinal Products with Practical Application
Tulsi extracts and components are used to make a wide variety of Tulsi products. Here are some descriptions of some of the following.
| Tulsi Drops : Extracted from different types of tulsi (Rama,Krishna,Vana) |
| Medicinal uses of Tulsi drops – Tulsi drops are put in the eyes for good eyesight. – Consumed orally for immunity, detox, and respiratory benefits. |
| Tulsi Capsules and Supplements : Tulsi supplements come in the form of capsules and can be easily consumed daily . |
| Benefits of Tulsi supplements – Regulates the Blood pressure. – Manages the sugar level. – Reduces insulin resistance. – Reduces inflammation in the body. |
| Herbal Tulsi tea: According to Ayurveda, tulsi tea is herbal infusion without any caffeine, full of nutrients and antioxidants. |
| Medicinal uses of Tulsi Tea – Aids Digestion – Weight Management – Relieves Stress and Anxiety |
Conclusion
To summarize,the medicinal value of tulsi truly makes it the ‘Queen of Herbs’ because it has antioxidant.anti-inflammatory,antibiotic ,antimicrobial properties and supports the a holistic and healthy lifestyle .It plays an essential role in Ayurveda and modern herbal medicine. Tulsi has powerful healing properties which plays an important role in promoting mental health, boosting immunity and promoting overall health of the body.
Did you know that Tulsi is also used in refreshing herbal teas? Discover how in our next blog on Tulsi Tea!”
