Benefits of Tulsi

What is Tulsi?

Tulsi is an aromatic Indian herb that has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb in traditional Ayurveda. It is also commonly known as “holy basil” and is revered as a sacred plant in India.

In fact, it is treated as a deity and is regarded as an embodiment of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It’s even been used as an offering to other gods and goddesses in ancient Indian cultures.

Characteristics of the Tulsi Plant

The Tulsi plant is an aromatic evergreen perennial plant. It is a member of the Basil family and grows in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. There are several sub-types of the Basil plant, with as many as 100+ documented varieties confirmed around the world.

While all of the varieties have the health benefits associated with the plant, the variation is in the taste, smell, colour, and appearance of the plant. Common species include “Swami” or “T. urdica”, “Rama” or “T. davidii”, “Krishna” or “T. parameswaran”, “Shraddha” or “T. pratensis”, “Vana” or “T. alba”, “Dhayana” or “T. viridis”, and “Shyama” or “T. peregrina”.

Why is it called the Holy Basil?

‘Basil’ refers to an aromatic plant species of the mint family, native to tropical Asia. Fresh leaves of the plant are also used as a culinary herb. The Tulsi plant is called ‘Holy Basil’ because it is originally from India and is considered sacred, used in many Hindu rituals. It is often planted around Hindu temples and in Hindu households.

It has been employed as an "adaptogen" in Ayurvedic treatment to combat daily stresses. As the plant reached from Asia to Europe along trade routes, it became known to the western population as “holy” basil. The Indian name for the plant, Tulsi, means "the incomparable one."

The plant is also known as “the Sacred Basil”, “the Indian Basil”, “the Healing Herb”, and “the Green Goddess”. When dried, the leaves of this plant have a strong, sweet, pungent flavour and a faint aroma of clove.

What are the benefits of using Tulsi?

Tulsi is known as a “Rasayana” or “Rasayan” in Ayurvedic medicine, which means it has the ability to rejuvenate and heal the body. It has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to enhance immunity, promote health, and prolong life.

Antidiabetic

Diabetes is a chronic condition brought on by either insufficient insulin production by the pancreas or inefficient insulin utilisation in the body. Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar levels.

Ayurveda claims that the Holy Basil benefits people with diabetes. It is possible that the claimed antidiabetic impact of its leaf extracts is due to the components' stimulatory influence on physiological pathways of insulin secretion.

In diabetic bodies, the extract effectively lowers blood sugar, glycosylated haemoglobin, and urea. It also simultaneously raises glycogen, haemoglobin, and protein levels. These extracts also increased peptide and insulin levels as well as glucose tolerance. [1]

Helps to deal with Anxiety and Stress

It’s easy to fall prey to stress, anxiety, bad metabolism, etc. in the fast-paced world and lifestyle that we have created for ourselves. In such cases, Tulsi becomes all the more relevant than ever before.

An adaptogen, it has been shown to counter psychological stress by having a positive impact on memory and cognitive function as well as by having anxiolytic and anti-depressant properties. It also counters metabolic stress by bringing blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipid levels back to normal.[2]

Infection protection

Tulsi has been found to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. It also has activity against numerous pathogens that cause infections in humans, according to recent studies. Its extracts have been demonstrated to improve immunological responses in healthy persons, strengthening defences against infectious threats.

It has shown promise in the treatment of a number of human bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin and wound infections, typhoid fever, cholera, acne, pneumonia, and fungal infections.[3]

Nutrition Value

Apart from the specific benefits for ailments, Tulsi is also healthy to generally include in your daily consumption because of how nutritious it is.
It has a very complex chemical makeup that includes a wide range of nutrients and other biologically active substances.

It primarily contains vitamins C and A, as well as minerals including calcium, zinc, iron, chlorophyll, and a variety of other phytonutrients. Additionally, it improves how well food and other herbs' nutrients are digested, absorbed, and used in the body.[4]

Traditional Use of Tulsi in Ayurveda

Tulsi is frequently referred to as a "Elixir of Life" in Ayurvedic tradition because of its curative properties and track record of treating a wide range of common health issues.

The medicinal use of the plant has been documented in Ayurveda since ancient times. In fact, the medicinal uses were first recorded in the text “Charaka Samhita”, which is one of the earliest Ayurvedic texts written about 3000 years ago.

Rasa (taste): Pungent
Vipaka (post-digestion taste): Pungent
Virya (action): Heating

While balancing the vata and kapha doshas, it may enhance pitta. It has a high concentration of sattva, the principle of clarity, perception, and light. In order to foster these traits within ourselves, Ayurveda advises us to embrace sattvic energy in our lives.

Ojas and prana, two ethereal powers in the body, are also claimed to be enhanced and safeguarded by it. Ojas enhances happiness, vitality, and a strong immune system, whereas prana, the body's vital life energy, helps cognition, perceptual ability, and communication.

Modern Scientific Research on Tulsi

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is the an important herb in Ayurveda, and modern studies are now validating its health benefits. There is growing data that shows Its unique mix of pharmacological activities can relieve physical, physiological, metabolic, and psychological stress. Some of them are cited below.

• “The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature” [5]
• “Evaluation of the chemical composition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of distillate and residue fractions of sweet basil essential oil” [6]
• “Ocimum basilicum improve chronic stress-induced neurodegenerative changes in mice hippocampus” [7]
• “Phenolics composition and antioxidant activity of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)” [8]
• “Ocimum sanctum Linn. A reservoir plant for therapeutic applications: An overview” [9]

How to take Tulsi as a supplement

Tulsi can be consumed in many ways, including fresh leaves, dried leaves, oil, or tinctures. It is best to consume fresh leaves or dried leaves, as these have the highest amount of nutrients. The recommended dose is 500 to 1000 mg of dried leaves taken once a day.

Making Tulsi tea

You can drink Tulsi tea or juice, which is a popular way to consume it. For best results, you should consume Tulsi after meals.

For making the tea, add Hesh’s Tulsi Extract powder, ginger, and cardamom powder to water and let them boil. Keep the flame medium and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Have it with a dash of honey and lemon juice.

Using Tulsi Capsules

Capsules are easy to take and provide a higher bioavailability, making it easier for our body to absorb it. Hesh's Vegan Tulsi Capsules are an excellent way of adding it as a supplement to your daily diet.

Using Tulsi Powder

Hesh’s Tulsi Powder is a great way to get your daily does of the adaptogen. Simply mix one teaspoon of the powder in warm water and consume it.

Using Tulsi Cough Syrup

Ayurveda advocates its use for wellness of the respiratory system. This makes it an excellent ingredient for cough syrups. Hesh’s Tulsi Adulsa Jethimadhu Cough Syrup can help relief cough and cold symptoms. Two tablespoons twice a day can be extremely effective in dealing with the common cold and flu.

Is it safe to take Tulsi?

Largely, it is free of any long-term adverse effects.

The most common side effect of consuming it is nausea, but this usually goes away after a few days of continuous use. Other side effects might include vomiting, headache, dizziness, and a rapid heartbeat, but these are rare.

You should consult with your physician before taking it as a daily supplement especially if you have a health condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, as it may interact with other medications. For infants, kids, or women who are expecting or nursing, consulting a physician is necessary before use.