Botanical Name: Ocimum sanctum

Common Name:

English: Tulsi, Holy Basil
Ayurvedic: Tulasi, Surasaa, Surasa, Bhuutaghni, Suravalli, Sulabhaa, Manjarikaa.
Unani: Tulasi.
Siddha: Tulasi, Nalla-Tulasi.
Also, known as: Tamole, Thulasi, Tjlsi, Tulashi, Tulasi, Thiru Theezai, Tulasa, Tulas, Tulusa, Bana Tulasi, Badrooj, Basilic Des Moines, Bazsalikom Levél, Daun Lampes, Monk’s Basil, Peihan, Rayhhan, Reihan, Sacred Basil, Garden Balsam, Green Tulsi, Holy Basil, Huong Nhu TiIa, Jagu Lu Myah, Kamimebouki, Kaphrao, Kaprao, Kemangi, Kemangi Laki, Kra Phrao, Lampas, Saling-Kugon, Saling-Kugon Ma, Selaseh Puteh, Solasi, Sulasi, Sursa, Bahumanjari, Devadundubhi, Apet-raakshasi, Shuulaghni, Graamya, Sulabhaa, Shree Tulasi, Vishnu Tulasi

Origin: India

Harvested: Wild

Parts Used: Leaves

General Information:

A rich heritage of knowledge on preventive and curative medicines was available in ancient scholastic work included in the Atharvaveda (an Indian religious book), Ayurveda (Indian traditional system of medicine) and so on. An estimate suggests that about 13000 plant species worldwide are known to have been used as drugs. Plant-based natural constituents can be derived from any part of the plant like bark, leaves, flowers, roots, fruits, seeds and so on, that is any part of the plant may contain active components. The beneficial medicinal effects of plant materials typically result from the combinations of secondary products present in the plant.

Ocimum sanctum has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing properties. Tulsi, the Queen of herbs, the legendary ‘Incomparable one’ of India, is one of the holiest and most cherished of the many healing and healthy giving herbs of the orient. The sacred basil, Tulsi, is renowned for its religious and spiritual sanctity, as well as for its important role in the traditional Ayurvedic and Unani system of holistic health and herbal medicine of the East. It is mentioned by Charaka in the Charaka Samhita; an Ayurvedic text.

For more than 3,000 years holy basil has been honored as one of India’s most sacred and powerful plants. One of the oldest and most sophisticated systems of medicine in the world, Ayurveda, reveres this plant. Sanskrit, Tulsi means “beyond compare.” It is also referred to as the queen of herbs, and Mother Nature of medicine. Different types of holy basil: 1) Rama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) has green leaves; it is the most commonly cultivated holy basil and the easiest to find for purchase. 2) Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is the same species as Rama Tulsi but has leaves that are more purple in color.

Ocimum sanctum is an erect, much branched sub-shrub 30-60 cm tall, with simple opposite green or purple leaves that are strongly scented and hairy stems. Leaves have petiole and are ovate, up to 5 cm long, usually somewhat toothed. Flowers are purplish in elongate racemes in close whorls. Tulsi is an aromatic shrub in the basil family Lamiaceae

Hindu has been worshipping the Tulsi herb morning and evening since the past 5000 years. Due to its effective benefits, it is not known in India, but also known in all over the world. The meaning of the word Tulsi is “the incomparable Plant”. Tulsi is the Sanskrit name of the Holy Basil plant.

How to use:

Hot Infusion:

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Tulsi Leaves Cut