Uses of Tulsi

Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is an herb native to India. People in India honor tulsi as a sacred plant and revere it as a cleansing and healing agent of the mind, body and spirit. Although Indians use tulsi in religious rituals, tulsi is more commonly used for medicinal purposes and as a natural remedy for common ailments.

Traditional Uses

• India's holistic medical system known as Ayurveda has included tulsi in its pharmacopeia for close to 5,000 years. In the Chopra Center Herbal Handbook, Dr. Deepak Chopra, a physician who integrates modern medicine with Ayurveda, explains the many uses of tulsi. Tulsi tea is often used for the treatment of colds, flus, fevers, coughs and respiratory tract problems. Tulsi tea is made from the dried leaves of the tulsi plant. People also take powdered or fresh tulsi leaves for digestive disorders such as gas and bloating. Tulsi oil is applied as an antiseptic to the skin to take care of rashes, acne, insect bites and fungal problems.

Other Health Benefits

• In recent years, as more holistic methods of healing are gaining acceptance, research studies have delved into various medicinal herbs. Studies of tulsi have validated ancient healers' claims and have yielded new discoveries about tulsi. Scientists have discovered that tulsi has rich antioxidant and potent anti-inflammatory properties. As reported on organicindia.com, Dr. Ralph Miller, former Director of Research for the Canadian Dept. of Health and Welfare summarizes the results: "Modern scientific research offers impressive evidence that Tulsi reduces stress, enhances stamina, relieves inflammation, lowers cholesterol, eliminates toxins, protects against radiation, prevents gastric ulcers, lowers fevers, improves digestion and provides a rich supply of antioxidants and other nutrients. Tulsi is especially effective in supporting the heart, blood vessels, liver and lungs and also regulates blood pressure and blood sugar."

Tulsi and Swine Flu

• Doctors have postulated yet another benefit of tulsi, that it can help prevent and also decrease the severity and duration of the swine flu. Dr. U.K.Tiwari, an herbal medicine practitioner comments, "The anti-flu property of Tulsi has been discovered by medical experts across the world quite recently. Tulsi improves the body's overall defence mechanism including its ability to fight viral diseases. It was successfully used in combating Japanese Encephalitis and the same theory applies to swine flu. Even when a person has already contracted swine flu, Tulsi can help in speeding up the recovery process and also help in strengthening the immune system of the body."

Dosage

• To prevent swine flu, Dr. Bhupesh Patel from Gujarat Ayurved University recommends taking tulsi in its raw form by making a juice or paste with 20 to 25 fresh tulsi leaves and ingesting it on an empty stomach twice a day.

Precautions

• Although tulsi is a safe herb, consult a doctor before consuming tulsi in any form if you are nursing or pregnant. Also, consult a physician if you are taking any prescription medications, before you take any tulsi.