Tulsi has rejuvenating properties that boosts energy in the morning and because it is not a stimulant, supports deep restful sleep when taken before bed.
Anti-Bacterial & Anti-Viral
“How can you cure Ebola disease?” someone asked my teacher in a lecture in late 2014, when the largest Ebola epidemic in history was affecting West Africa.
Dr. Padma Raju replied: “Dip Tulsi leaves in hot water and chew, this is what they really need [in Africa] now.”
This is because Tulsi’s specific/special action (“Prabhava’’) is anti-bacterial and anti-viral and that it removes parasites from the gut (“Krimighna”).
Prana & Respiratory Health
This plant is full of Prana. This is why famously it’s principle use is for the respiratory system. Hence, it is great for cough, bronchitis, asthma, immunity and to wane fever.
In Ayurveda, we give Tulsi tea/water as a last resort for a miracle if a disease seems impossible to tackle. We also give it to people before they are about to die to bestow Prana (life-force) in them.
Water Purifier
Tulsi’s broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, which includes activity against a range of human and animal pathogens, suggests it can be used as a water purifier. Additionally add a small amount of Nirmali Seeds (Strychnos Potatorum) to purify water.
And the List Goes On…
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-stress, anti-arthtritic agent, tulsi is good for anything! In addition, tulsi has been reported to lower blood pressure, boost immunity, reduce ulcers, treat allergies, cancer, infertility, diabetes and cholesterol.
Studies have shown that tulsi protects healthy cells from the toxicity of radiation and chemotherapy.
As western science continues its investigation, it will be difficult to find a condition that tulsi will not be helpful in. This is why it is the Queen of herbs.
Fresh Is Best – Capture Full Potency
A lot of the really powerful constituents are mainly in the volatile oils like eugenol and ursolic acid.
Volatile oils means the chemicals dissipate out of the air. So to capture these volatile oils (where the full potency of Tulsi resides), it should be ingested hours after harvest or as a special type of extract.
Fresh usage – Dip fresh leaves in some water and chew or brew in a tea.
Alternative to fresh – You can use it as a critical extract as the volatile oils are saved. Use half the formula of extract, plus half of the whole herb.
It is always important to use whole herbs to receive microbes and enhance biochemical intelligence, so the body can properly absorb the full spectrum of these powerful chemicals and in a safe manner (avoiding side effects).
Where Can I Get Tulsi?
Plants – In Australia, you can buy seeds (germinate them first) or seedling pots from The Herb Store, Beautanicals or Green Friends, or possibly your local local Indian Grocery.
Growing and using your own Tulsi is a very rewarding ritual. They say it really tests you a gardener’s devotion because the plant is SO sensitive to all energies and intentions.
Teas – Tea bags are readily available across the globe. I recommend drink Organic India Tulsi if I can’t get fresh. Discount code: VITALVEDA
Properties
- Rasa (taste): Pungent and Bitter
- Virya (potency): Hot
- Vipaka (post digestive effect): Pungent
- Gunas (quality): Dry and light.
- Doshas: Balances VPK. Increases pitta in excess.
photo: offerings to Tulsi part of a ceremony at the renown Raju clinic, Hyderabad, India.
