As Tulsi traveled west along the early trade routes from Asia to Europe, it became known to Christians as “sacred” or “holy” basil and was used in rituals. Across cultures, Tulsi was a symbol of purity and used for a range of physical, mental and spiritual purposes.
Why is holy basil called holy?
It is originally from India and is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an “adaptogen” to counter life’s stresses. It is considered a sacred plant by the Hindus and is often planted around Hindu shrines. The Hindu name for holy basil, Tulsi, means “the incomparable one.” Medicine is made from the leaves, stems, and seeds.
Is Tulsi and holy basil the same thing?
The basil commonly used in supplements and herbal tea is holy basil — sometimes called tulsi — which is the O. tenuiflorum species,also known as O. sanctum. It is added to some Thai dishes because of its distinct flavor( 1 ).
What does holy basil symbolize?
The Hindu tradition associates holy basil with purification, protection, love and eternal life, and it is used in burial rituals. Basil is also associated with the voodoo love goddess Erzuli and is recorded as being used in love spells for divination and ensuring faithfulness.
Why Tulsi is a sacred plant?
Tulasi is the most sacred plant for Hindus as this is considered as the earthly manifestation of goddess Lakshmi. According to some mythological story, it was said that Tulasi is actually an ardent lover of Krishna whom Radha has cursed to be a plant.
What happens if we eat Tulsi leaves daily?
Tulsi has eugenol, which is also found in cloves and balsam of Peru. While small amounts of eugenol can prevent toxin-induced damage in the liver, too much of it can cause liver damage, nausea, diarrhoea, rapid heartbeat and convulsions.
Who should not take holy basil?
You should be cautious about using holy basil if you: Have low blood sugar. Are trying to get pregnant. Take anticoagulant (blood-thinning) drugs.
Research on animals shows that holy basil may:
- Cause low blood sugar (animals and humans)
- Promote bleeding.
- Decrease fertility.
What is Tulsi in English called?
holy basil, (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also called tulsi or tulasi, flowering plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae) grown for its aromatic leaves.
What are the 3 types of Tulsi?
There are three different types of tulsi or holy basil namely.
- Rama Tulsi: Rama Tulsi is also called green leaf tulsi and this is a different type of tulsi breed that has light purple flowers and has a clove-like scent to it.
- Krishna Tulsi:
- Vana Tulsi:
Is it okay to chew Tulsi leaves?
Tulsi leaves have mercury in them, which is not good for the enamel and thus one must not chew them. When chewed, the mercury content in Tulsi gets released in your mouth, which can damage your teeth and cause discolouration.
What is the difference between basil and holy basil?
According to the University of New England, the holy basil plant is different from the sweet basil herb because it can help reduce stress and anxiety simply by consuming it. It can help with issues such as depression too as as well as aid in alleviating any allergy symptoms you may be experiencing.
Can you burn holy basil?
Smudge using holy basil
Smudging means to burn a dried plant and allow the smoke to energetically purify your space and your body. You can smudge with holy basil alone, or again, get creative and blend it with other herbs!
Does holy basil help you sleep?
However, it’s best known for its calming properties and stress reduction. And that makes Holy Basil an effective sleep aid. Daily Stress Impacts Your Sleep – If you keep waking up in the middle of the night, it can be due to a stress hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is the main stress hormone in the body.
Why Tulsi is not watered on Sunday?
This is because, it is believed that Goddess Tulsi fasts for Lord Vishnu on Sunday and if you offer her water on this day, then her fast will be broken. It is also believed that if you offer water to the Tulsi plant on a Sunday, then negative forces will reside in your house.
Who cursed Tulsi?
Later, Shiva killed Shankachuda with his trident. Vishnu appeared in his true form and urged Tulasi to abandon her earthly body and return to his celestial abode. In her anger and grief, she cursed Vishnu to be turned into stone.
Why does Krishna love Tulsi?
Why Tulsi is the most important offering made to Lord Krishna? The Tulsi plant is believed to be the gateway to Vaikuntha, the abode (also known as Nija Dhaam) of Lord Vishnu, who incarnated on Earth in the Dwapar Yuga as Krishna.
Who should not drink tulsi tea?
People who already are taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin and heparin should restrict the consumption of Tulsi. Tulsi can intensify the blood thinning properties of the prescribed drugs and lead to more severe complications (4).
Does tulsi purify blood?
The holy basil is also widely known for its blood purification powers. Chewing on the leaves will flush out toxins from your system and clean your digestive system. Dr Ashutosh Gautam tells NDTV, “The essential oils found in tulsi, effectively act on our respiratory system.”
Does holy basil have side effects?
When taken by mouth: Holy basil is possibly safe when used short-term. Holy basil leaf extract has been safely used at a dose of 500 mg daily for 60-90 days. Taking holy basil might cause nausea or diarrhea.
What happens if we drink tulsi water daily?
Studies have shown that regular intake of tulsi water can act as an antidote for stress-related disorders and improve brain function. This is because tulsi helps counter metabolic stress levels in the body, normalizes external contributors like blood glucose and pressure which contribute to stress.
Is tulsi blood thinner?
Blood-thinning properties: Tulsi has properties that can thin the blood in our bodies. Although it has proven to be a great home remedy for people who do not want to take allopathy medicines, people who are already on anti-clotting medications should avoid having this herb.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.