Health Benefits of Tulsi, Overview, Medicinal uses, dosage, and side effects

Tulsi is called the Queen of all herbs because it is widely used in various Ayurvedic medicines that heal the human body naturally. Tulsi is derived from a Sanskrit word that means “matchless one”. It has been used for its therapeutic properties from 4000 to 5000 B.C. In Rigveda. Hindus have been worshipping this have since the past 5000 years ago every morning and evening.

Botanical name- Ocimum sanctum

Family- Labiatae

Names of Tulsi in different languages:

  • Hindi name- Tulsi
  • Sanskrit name- Nagamata, Tulsi, Bhuteshta, Surasah, Krsiatulasi, Tulasi, Gouri, Bhutaghini, Gouri
  • English name- Holy basil, Indian basil, and Sacred basil
  • Kannad name- Sri Tulsi
  • Tamil name- Nalla thulasi
  • Telugu name- Tulasi
  • French name- Basilic
  • German name- Basilienkraut
  • Italian name- Basilico
  • Arabic name- Raihan
  • Philippine name- Sulasi, Belanoi
  • Sri Lanka name- Maduru- tala, Suwenda- tala
  • Dutch name- Basil lcum
  • Indonesian name- Kemangi, Selasih
  • Portuguese name- Man jericao
  • Thai name- Bai horapa, Horopa, Manghk, Krapow

Synonyms in the Sanskrit language

  • Tulsi, Tulasi- it means that there is no herb equivalent to this herb.
  • Surasa- it has a good taste and has juice extract.
  • Svadu gandha, Surabhi- It has a good scent.
  • Bhumanjari, Sumanjari- it has a beautiful inflorescence.
  • Gramya- it is found in every household.
  • Haripriya, Pavani, Devadundubhi, Vishnuvallabha- it is believed by the God and Lord Vishnu.
  • Other synonyms are- Gouri, Nagamata, Bhuteshta, Apetarakshasi, Bhutaghini, and Bhutapati.

Morphological characteristics of Tulsi

Tulsi is a plant that grows up to the height of 30 to 60 cm and is gross frequently, erect, and has several branches. Its leaves are elliptic, simple, oblong with obtuse or entire or substrate margins. Leaves are 5cm in length and are filled with scents. Flowers of Tulsi are very small with elongated racemes and are purple in color. Its fruits are very small and seeds are reddish yellow in color.

Habitat

Tulsi is found all over the country but mostly found in the Himalayas up to 1800 m above sea level. It is also native to West Africa, Malaysia, Australia, and various Arab countries.

2 Varieties of Tulsi

There are two types of varieties of Tulsi in Bhavaprakash and Raj nighantu-

Krishna Tulsi- it is of the black variety

Shukla Tulsi- it is a white variety

Main chemical constituents present it in Tulsi

Methyl chavicol, Eugenol, Camphor, Bornyl acete, Camphene, Humelene, Cadinene, b-caryophellene, Humelene, Limonene, etc.

Medicinal properties of Tulsi

  • Rasa (Taste)- Tikta (bitter) and Katu (pungent)
  • Guna (qualities)- Teekshna (piercing), Laghu (light), and Rooksha ( dry)
  • Veerya (potency)- Ushna (hot)
  • Vipaka (undergoes taste conversion after digestion)- Katu (pungent)
  • Karma (effect on tridosha)- it balances vata and Kapha dosha but increases pitta dosha

Medicinal uses of Tulsi

  • Hrudya – it works as a cardiac tonic and also relieves deposition of cholesterol in blood vessels.
  • Kaashara – Treats cold and cough
  • Dahavardhini- it increases burning sensation in the body
  • Vamihara – it relieves vomiting
  • Kushtahara- treats skin diseases with itchiness and pain
  • Shwashara – used to treat chronic respiratory disorders like asthma
  • Kruchra – treats difficulty in urination
  • Ashma – used in bladder and kidney stones
  • Hidhmahara – treats repeated hiccups
  • Visha – works as anti-toxic

Therapeutic uses of Tulsi

Hair- Tulsi can be used for various purposes that will make your hair look better. Tulsi prevents hair fall, the meaning of hair, and keep them black and thick. In the dry scalp, it also shows very good results and reduces dandruff.

Skin- Tulsi is considered to be the best and safest herb for the skin. During application and consumption l this herb reflects on the skin. It treats skin infections, acne and lightens dark spots. Being an antibacterial, it prevents the growth of bacteria in the skin and prevents infection.

Eyes- Due to pollution eyes are more prone to a lot of dust that causes various eye-related issues. Tulsi provides a soothing effect to the eyes and also reduces strain. It prevents the eyes from various eye-related problems like boils and conjunctivitis.

Weight loss- Tulsi controls the metabolism of the body and helps to observe essential nutrients. Being a digestant, it boosts up the digestive system. It has zero calories that boost up stamina.

Benefits of Tulsi drops

Tulsi drop treats fever, insect bites, sore throat, common cold, sneezing, and various respiratory problems. This herb also treats various skin issues like blackheads, premature aging, acne, etc. It also keeps the mind calm and helps in managing stress and anxiety.

Tulsi drop is one of the oldest adaptogenic herbs, that helps the body to adapt to stress and boosts energy and immunity of the body. The Tulsi Drops enhance the immunity 5 times more effectively, it helps in natural detoxification, it helps to boost immunity, maintains a normal blood sugar level, and supports proper functioning of the lungs. It provides relief from all respiratory problems.

Part used- Seed, Leaf, and Root

Dosage of Tulsi

Fresh juice – 10 to 20 ml

Seed powder- 3 to 6 gm

Root decoction- 50 to 100 ml

What are the benefits of tulsi leaves?

Tulsi leaves boost up the digestive system, treat skin infections, acne and lighten dark spots. Due to its antibacterial property, it prevents the growth of bacteria in the skin and prevents infection.

Can we take tulsi daily?

Yes, you can take Tulsi daily.

What happens if you eat tulsi every day?

If we eat Tulsi every day, it will help to relieve stress, boosts up the immune system, increase digestive fire but use it in a small dose because it may also cause a burning sensation in the body.

What are the side effects of tulsi?

Side effects of Tulsi are-

Its excessive use main causes a burning sensation so use it with safe in children and during lactation. Use it with care and medical supervision during pregnancy.

Who should not take tulsi?

Persons who have pitta dosha imbalance should not take Tulsi because it may cause a burning sensation in the body.

How many tulsi leaves can we eat?

You can eat 3 to 4 tulsi leaves.

Can we drink tulsi water daily?

Yes, you can take Tulsi water daily.

Can we boil tulsi leaves in milk?

Tulsi leaves with milk have high nutritional value so you can boil Tulsi leaves in milk.

When should we eat tulsi leaves?

You should eat Tulsi leaves early in the morning because it helps to relieve the common cold.

Conclusion

From this article, it is concluded that Tulsi has various medicinal properties and also works as an antibacterial that kills bacteria and stops its growth of it in the body. But its overdose may increase burning sensation in the body so use it with care in children and during lactation. Tulsi also shows very good results in hair and skin-related issues.

Note: Our purpose is to serve useful information related to Tulsi’s benefits, dosage, and other properties. It is advised to the patients not to consume Tulsi on the basis of this information. Before taking Tulsi as a medicine it is better to have an expert opinion because dosage and treatment vary from patient to patient depending on their symptoms and medical history.

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