The wonders of Tulsi
Among the permanent fixtures of any common Hindu household is the Tulsi plant. It can be found either planted in every home garden or pots that are kept on the veranda while in some homes are special altars where a pot of Tulsi is kept. As part of the families daily routine the women, every morning and every evening perform a ritual prayer to the plant, the protector of life.
My house was of no exception and the daily rituals followed and often left me wondering why this was being done in such a religious manner. After all it was a plant. So that led me to do some research on it (done some 7 years back) and here I share my experience and bit of the knowledge that I managed to garner.
The religious reverence and the profound relationship between human beings and botanical kingdoms that can be found in Hinduism are unparalleled. In Hinduism virtually every species has a purpose and a pious place and amongst the elite is the plant Tulsi.
The name originates from the Greek “basilikon phuton”, meaning “kingly or royal herb”. Basil has a rich and fanciful history. It had been considered “royal” to the French, a sign of love to the Italians, and a sacred herb in India.
The plant has assumed a very high place of importance in the practice of Ayurveda, and is believed to purify air by the discharge of negative ions. Medicinally, Tulsi has also been used for various applications – as a poultice or salve for insect bites, acne and ringworm; as a gargle or mouthwash for thrush; as a bath herb for increased energy; and as eyewash for tired eyes. It is said that a pot of Tulsi on the table also helps to repel flies & mosquitoes.
Aside from its religious usage, Tulsi has been praised a lot in Indian scriptures and lore since the time of the early Vedas as an herb that cures blood and skin diseases. Ancient books extol it as an antidote for poisons, a curative for kidney disease and arthritis, a preventative for mosquito and insect bites, and a purifier of polluted air.
Generally prepared in medicinal teas the widespread use of Tulsi in India as an aid to internal and external organs suggests these traditions are based upon practical efficacy.” One finds descriptions of the health benefits of Tulsi in any of the books on herbs and Ayurvedic readily available today. See what Wikipedia has to say about Tulsi at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocimum_tenuiflorum.
I have been taking Tulsi leaves orally for some time (just plucking them and chew it) and apart from the mint flavor I have a definite feel of additional strength in my gums….they used to bleed occasionally and now that has completely stopped. I am now trying to see if this works as an eyewash for the eyes (I have a dry eye syndrome) and will update on the results…..though it might just take some time and dedication on my part.