Holy Basil also called Ocimum tenuiflorum (Botanical name) is a member of the Lamiaceae or Mint family. Also known as Tulsi, or “The Incomparable One,” Holy Basil is one of the most sacred and worshiped plants in India. The leaf is the part most commonly used as an herb, although you can find a reference to the root and seeds being used in Ayurveda. It is said that everything about this plant is holy, including the soil it grows in and the wind that blows over it. In some villages, people used to use that soil to cover the wound as a basic treatment for the wound after that they visit village doctors or vaid, but it must be risky don’t try these, I won’t suggest. Tulsi leaves Swarasa – (Juice extract of the herb) is better than soil application you can drink Swarasa or Kwatha (tulsi juice or tulsi herbal decoctions) it may help you to heal your wound.
While it’s closely related to the culinary basil that is used in pesto and other foods, Holy Basil is bushy, annual basil used for tea. The leaves of Holy Basil are often pubescent on both sides, which mean they are covered with short, soft hairs and the flowers are purplish or crimson and very small, in long, close racemes these means its flowers form in a separate clusters starting at the base of a central stem, equally spaced on their short stems. As its native is India, so they are growing in the most ideal climate. Holy Basil tends to be more shrub-like and can height over 3 feet. Basil plants can be grown in a home garden There are more than 40 basil variations.
Holy Basil purifies the air so, this fascinating plant plays a big role in the conservation of the Taj Mahal, one million Holy Basil seeded around hopping with slowing the degradation of the building its big achievement that people know the value of Holy Basil plant. This highly aromatic plant is commonly found in every house in India because it is said in India who smells the fragrance of Holy basil, plant purifies them.
In Hindu tradition, Holy Basil or Tulsi, Brings all the benefits of Divine Mother on Earth, like a boon. This is why; this plant is growing in popularity. It is mostly used in fever, cold and coughs, skin problems, it works as an adaptogen known to support mental concentration, and a revitalizing Ayurvedic herb to support calm focused energy and a balanced response to stress. This plant is used to ease stress and promote longevity. Medicine is made from the plant, which is used to treat everything from the common cold to cardiac disease. It can also be used to help prevent inflammation.
Holy basil and basil are herbs that are members of the mint family. They are different variations of the same plant type, though they do have many differences.
Differences between Holy Basil and Basil?
Holy Basil |
Basil |
The leaves of Holy Basil are grey-green , coarse to the touch, and have rigged edges. | Basil leaves are deep green and tend to be smooth with smooth edges. |
The Holy Basil flowers are lavender in color. | The basil plant flowers are generally white or green. |
Holy Basil can also have different color stems, usually white or red. | Basil can have green color stems. |
Holy Basil has a sweet fragrance. | Basil has a spicy aroma. |
Holy Basil varieties all have strong flavor and aroma, and leaves will bruise and emit scent easily. | Basil’s flavor can be overpowering, use it sparingly until you are sure you like the taste of it. |
How to Consume:
Holy basil and basil can be cooked or served raw in similar styles. Grind raw basil with some spices and make a homemade pesto sauce for pasta. Add torn leaves to a bowl of soup, stir fry to add a strong and fresh herbal flavor. Also, you can rip the leaves and sprinkle over some salad and fruit salads, spaghetti to add a strong, herbal flavor. Holy basil is also commonly used in Indian and Thai cuisine.
Holy basil is used for medicinal purposes because by nature Tulsi is Hot. You can use Tulsi in cough and cold with some ginger and honey, may have some relieve. If you are suffering from coughing and it too much than chive Tulsi leaves with roasted 4 cloves.
In fever, you can have Tulsi kwath with cardamom (boil in tea or plain water) serve a little warm to the patient. If having vomiting than mix Tulsi juice with ginger juice and consume one spoon at a time, when you feel vomiting sensation then again consume one spoon but ones you consume wait for half an hour to effect, don’t take continuously otherwise you can face some side effects like a burning sensation or loose motion.
For skin problems use Tulsi paste with salt, skin problems like (Ringworm) areas. If you are facing a pimple problem then just make a homemade face pack for pimples. Take some Tulsi leaves paste and mix with sandal powder, ones you mix well and make a smooth paste, now your face pack is ready to apply and have pimple free and glowing face.
Yes! This is rainy days and if there is any Infectious disease like cough, cold, flu, dengue, malaria is in the environment then we must consume Tulsi boiled water these will work as preventive medicine. But if you suffer from flu than take ginger, Black Pepper, Cinnamon and boil with Tulsi water and when it becomes half add a pinch of salt and sugar and give to the patient
If you consume Tulsi with Mishri (Sugar candy) will help you increase your kid memory. Also, basil and holy basil leaves can be dried and mixed into your room potpourri.
Note: All are basic treatments if suffering high fever or other illness don’t take a risk with your life visit to the near doctor.
How To Store:
You can store Tulsi as dry powder. Dried in refrigerator to consume for better color and fragrance.
Categories: "Herbs"
1 reply »