Tulsi (or holy basil) is particularly known for its ability to help the body deal with stress. However, it’s not known as the “Queen of Herbs” for only that! Read on to find out the amazing benefits of including tulsi as a regular part of your healthy lifestyle.
Tulsi or holy basil (Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum sanctum Linn) is an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine (the traditional medicine of India). It is especially known as an adaptagen, an herb that supports the body’s stress response (whether physical, chemical, metabolic, or psychological)
It is known as the “Queen of Herbs” and in Sanskrit means ‘the incomparable one.’ In fact, Hinduism links the tulsi plant to the figure of a goddess.
Tulsi is believed to promote long life and is taken as an elixir to promote balance and resilience to all of life’s challenges.
Traditional indications for this herb include common colds, bronchitis,diarrhea, stomach disorders, headaches, inflammation, arthritis, heart disease, skin diseases, eye diseases, various forms of poisoning, insect bites, and malaria.
Tulsi is from the Lamiaceae (mint) family of herbs and alternatively may be called Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn, Tulasi, or Holy Basil (a direct translation from the Latin, Ocimum sanctum).
Different parts of the herb have been used medicinally, including the leaves, stem, flower, root, seeds, and even whole plant.
It may be taken as an herbal tea, dried powder, or fresh leaf used in cooking traditional dishes.