Tulsi or the ‘queen of herbs’ as implied by its Greek name Ocimum sanctum and ‘the incomparable one’ in Sanskrit has been regarded as one of the holiest and most cherished herbs by virtue of its health promoting and healing properties. My interpretation of the ‘holy’ status bestowed to Tulsi goes beyond its merits.
So impressive are its medicinal benefits that it is considered imperative to be consumed by all. The best way to establish a practice for the common man is to make it intrinsic to religion. By making it an offering during prayer or a temple visit, it is consumed by a large number of people in the most effective manner.

Grown in India, the health promoting benefits of Tulsi (not to be confused with sweet basil, a herb used in cooking) have been documented in the Rigveda, the oldest account of Ayurvedic knowledge written five thousand years ago. Several of these are now being recognised by modern science.
While, there are three varieties of Tulsi—Krishna, Rama and Vana, the medicinal properties are not significantly different. Among its innumerable benefits, Tulsi reduces stress, enhances endurance, increases oxygen utilisation, boosts the immune system, slows aging, reduces inflammation, prevents gastric ulcers, protects against radiation, lowers fevers, cholesterol and high blood pressure, protects teeth and gums, fights bacterial, viral and fungal infections, improves digestion and provides a rich supply of anti-oxidants and other nutrients.

The leading active compounds in “holy” Tulsi include eugenol (volatile oil), ursolic acid and rosmarinic acid. The seeds contain essential fatty acids—linoleic acid and linolenic acid. Although not of much nutritional significance, Tulsi does contain vitamins like A and C and minerals calcium, iron, and zinc.
Tulsi can be enjoyed as a simple herbal tea (usually about two grams a cup) and can frequently be blended with other herbs and spices and used as a medicine or to add flavor to cooking. For medicinal use, consult with a qualified, experienced practitioner of Ayurveda.

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