Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) is a plant that belongs to the genus Ocimum and is known for its wide therapeutic properties. Tulsi (Hindi) is known as ‘holy basil’ in English. Tulsi is considered sacred according to the Hindu religion and is utilised as a medicinal herb in Indian homes for managing different diseases. Tulsi is a bushy plant located in the tropical and semitropical regions of the world. It has a unique fragrance and a distinct taste. It grows up to a height of 3-5 feet. Tulsi leaves are extensively used in preparing Ayurvedic medicines.

The extracts obtained from Tulsi are used to manage various ailments like the common cold, heart diseases, headaches, stomach disorders, kidney stones, and many more. The Tulsi plant also protects against mosquitoes, flies, and insects. It helps fight against malarial fever. Tulsi leaves are also known for their healing property.

Therapeutic Uses of Tulsi:

Tulsi is known to have many therapeutic properties like:

·         Antipyretic (relieves fever)

·         Anti-inflammatory

·         Antiemetic (prevents vomiting)

·         Antidiabetic

·         Hypotensive (lowers blood pressure)

·         Hypolipidemic (lowers cholesterol)

·         Analgesic (relieves pain)

·         Antiasthmatic

·         Hepatoprotective (liver-protective)

·         Antistress

·         Expectorant (expels mucous)

·         Anticancer

·         Diaphoretic (induces sweating)

Benefits of Tulsi:

1. Benefits of Tulsi for infections:

Tulsi is known to have antimicrobial activity against different microorganisms like Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. This property is attributed to its phytoconstituents present in various parts. The oil obtained from the Tulsi plant possesses antibacterial activity against organisms like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S.aureus, and Bacillus pumius.

2. Benefits of Tulsi for fever and the common cold:

The leaves of Tulsi are used to manage fevers. Tulsi leaves boiled with tea can be used to prevent malaria and dengue. A decoction of Tulsi leaves can be boiled with powdered cardamom in water and mixed with sugar and milk to manage acute fevers. The juice obtained from Tulsi leaves helps bring down the fever. It is also effective in reducing fever in children.3

3. Benefits of Tulsi for respiratory problems:

Tulsi is helpful in the management of disorders related to the respiratory system. A decoction obtained from the leaves of Tulsi is used with ginger and honey for dealing with asthma, cough, influenza, cold, and bronchitis. A decoction of the leaves, common salt, and cloves also provides quick relief in cases of influenza. The leaves of Tulsi have expectorant properties and help in expelling mucous from the bronchial tube.

4. Benefits of Tulsi for diabetes:

Studies carried out on animals revealed that Tulsi leaves contain a hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effect. Tulsi leaves can be used as an adjunct to dietary therapy and drug treatment in mild to moderate noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Another animal study suggested that Tulsi leaf extracts have a stimulatory effect on insulin production. Tulsi and neem extracts taken together are known to lower blood sugar levels in humans.

5. Benefits of Tulsi for kidneys:

Tulsi is known to strengthen the kidney. The juice of Tulsi leaves, when taken with honey, helps in expelling kidney stones through urine.

6. Benefits of Tulsi for heart diseases:

Tulsi is known to be effective in the management and prevention of heart diseases by lowering blood cholesterol levels and also preventing ischemia and stroke. Apart from this, Tulsi also plays an essential role in platelet aggregation and preventing the risk of pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure that affects arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart.

7. Other Benefits of Tulsi:

·         The leaves of tulsi serve as a nerve tonic and aid in sharpening memory.

·         Tulsi leaves also strengthen the stomach and promote sweating.

·         Tulsi leaves are described as an anti-stress agent.