Terrific Tulsi
In Hindi, the word ‘Tulsi’, means, ‘incomparable plant’, and
the name is very appropriate, for this humble plant is an incredible
multi-tasker!! Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is held in the highest regard in India;
most homes have one of these plants growing right outside their door, or as a
potted plant within the home. In the Hindi religion, it is literally revered; in
fact, its species name, sanctum,
means ‘holy’. It is used for medicinal, and religious purposes, and is
considered to be an elixir of life, one that promotes longevity, and good
health.
On closer examination, this reverence is understood more
easily. It has scores of medicinal applications, being beneficial to virtually
every system in the body, including the immune system, the nervous system, the
cardiovascular system, the pulmonary system, and the renal system.
Tulsi, or Holy Basil, as it is also known (a close relative
to culinary basil) is well known as an adaptogenic (a plant which is known to
help the body adapt to stress.) Having powerful anti-stress properties, it helps
the body normalize cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and therefore helps to
soothe frayed nerves. In addition, as stress is known to create free radicals
(unpaired molecules which wreak havoc with the health of our cells) it is also
beneficial that Tulsi is high in antioxidants, which help to stabilize these
disease-causing free radicals.
As excessive stress often goes hand-in-hand with high blood
pressure, it makes sense that Tulsi would also help to lower blood pressure, and,
due to a powerful component called eugenol, it does just that. In addition, it
protects the heart; by keeping blood pressure under control, and by lowering
cholesterol, it helps to protect against heart disease.
A significant amount of research has been done in regard to
the fact that Ocimum sanctum stabilizes blood sugar levels. This is important
news for diabetics, for in some types of diabetes, it has been shown to be an effective
medicine. This action is also good news for those desiring to lose weight, for
in addition to stabilizing blood sugar levels (spiked blood sugar levels are
associated with obesity and weight gain) it also increases metabolism.
Due to its powerful
essential oil constituents, camphene, cineol, and eugenol, Tulsi is an amazing
immune-booster; it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that help beat
a variety of infections. Also, it is an anti-inflammatory, and an analgesic,
and is commonly used to help lower fever. Also, it has anti-tussive properties,
is an expectorant, and relieves congestion, making it a very effective medicine
for respiratory illness, in particular.
Tulsi is also well known to help to detoxify the kidneys; it
is a diuretic, and helps to remove excessive uric acid in the blood. As excessive
uric acid levels are known to be associated with kidney stones, this plant
therefore helps to prevent, and can even help to dissolve, kidney stones. And,
as clean blood and healthy kidneys make for healthy skin, Tulsi also helps give
us a radiant complexion.
Natives of India often chew leaves directly from the plant,
as well as using it as a tea. In addition, juice is extracted, and used
medicinally, as well. In the US, it is commonly taken as a tea, a tincture, or
as a pill. There are several good quality brands that produce Tulsi teas, making
it is easy to incorporate into our daily routine! So do yourself a favor, and
drink up!
