Holy Basil, the queen of all herbs
Yugeshni Govender, 20, is completing her National Diploma in Consumer Science: Food and Nutrition at Durban University of Technology. She is part of the Facebook page Appetite, administered by Kelly Jade and Imran Omar.
TULSI, scientifically known as Ocimum Sanctum and also called Holy Basil, is considered the “mother medicine of nature” and is one of the most sacred plants in Hinduism.
Tulsi is an aromatic herbal plant, with leaves that are spicy and highly scented, containing tiny colourful flowers that make this herb a useful house plant. It has a tantalising aroma that intensifies when very lightly cooked or heated.
This herbaceous plant is infused with restorative powers and is native to the Indian sub-continent. Tulsi has been used in Ayurvedic traditional medicine for thousands of years to promote and maintain wellness. The benefits credited to this herb are unbelievable and research has confirmed it to be an exceptionally valuable and health-providing plant.
Hindus view “The Queen of Herbs” as a Goddess (an appearance of Lakshmi) in the form of a plant granted with great spiritual powers and the Christians hailed the Holy Basil as “The King of Herbs” instead of the queen because, as Tulsi travelled west from the Orient towards Europe, it became well-known to the Christians as “Holy Basil” as revealed in its Latin Botanical name. The Christians customarily include Holy Basil in offerings and worship rituals. It is believed to be a gift from Christ.
Tulsi is beneficial for human health, mainly due to the unique composition of its essential oil, containing camphor, nerol, flavonoids, eugenol and countless terpenes.
This rich combination of organic compounds provides a number of health benefits. It may assist to relieve asthma, respiratory issues, malaria, lung disorders, kidney stones, common colds, acne, inflammation, lower the chances of atherosclerosis, heart diseases and food poisoning. It is also used to reduce stress to restore balance and harmony as well as for premature ageing. It may boost immunity, skin care, eye care and dental care.
Although the Tulsi plant is known as the elixir of life, cautions exist as to the use of the herb’s ingredients in excessive consumption. Tulsi used by pregnant women may lead to longterm effects on both mother and baby and may also trigger reactions during the pregnancy. It increases uterine contractions in pregnant women and complications during childbirth. The symptoms are backache, cramps, diarrhoea and bleeding.
INTERESTING FACTS:
Holy Basil is so powerful that the herb emits its aroma without crushing its leaves, which repels mosquitoes.
Tulsi leaves are traditionally put in the mouth of a dying person, because it is said to guide the departed soul to heaven. According to research, Tulsi leaves' anti-bacterial properties are used to prevent the body from decaying too soon.
Tulsi scavenges free radicals in the body that scientific researchers believe have the potential to fight cancer.
Warm Tulsi juice may get rid of stomach worms.
Growing a Tulsi plant will have a spiritual, healing effect on the environment. If you want to nurture and nourish your mind, spirit and body in the best way possible and inspire true overall wellness by discovering a clearer way of thinking, ditch the sugar, caffeine, processed foods and beverages you’ve come to rely on, and give Holy Basil a try.
Its infusions are not only organic and delicious they are nature’s perfect rejuvenative. The benefits of Holy Basil are as holy as its name.