If you were eating rajma in Delhi, what would you be eating? Tulsi is also mentioned in the stories of Meera and of Radha immortalized in Jayadev's Gita Govinda. It has provided the backbone of many treatments among Ayurvedic physicians from thousands of years ago, as it was used to treat numerous disorders. Omissions? Water infused with the leaves is often given to the dying to help elevate their souls, and funeral pyres are commonly fitted with holy basil twigs with the hopes that the deceased may obtain moksha and be liberated from the cycle of rebirth. It is native to the Tropical Asia, but now found in most tropical parts of the world. Melissa Petruzzello is Assistant Editor of Plant and Environmental Science and covers a range of content from plants, algae, and fungi, to renewable energy and environmental engineering. In Portugal, basil plants make up part of a gift to a sweetheart or lover on certain religious holidays. Vaishnavites or believers of Lord Vishnu worship the tulsi leaf because it's the one that pleases Lord Vishnu the most. It has also been revered for its spiritual potency, and has been dubbed among ancient Ayurvedic texts as “elixir of life.” The beginning of the Hindu wedding season is marked by a festival known as Tulsi Vivah, in which homes and temples ceremonially wed holy basil to Vishnu. BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT WITH US. But a single tulsi leaf placed by Rukmani on the pan tilted the scale. Holy basil, (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also called tulsi or tulasi, flowering plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae) grown for its aromatic leaves. Tulsi has an active component, called eugenol, which has numerous health benefits. Apart from its religious significance it is of great medicinal significance and is a prime herb in Ayurvedic treatment. Holy Basil Dosage: A dosage of this herb depends on the user’s health conditions, age and other medical factors. The manufacture of these tulsi necklaces is a cottage industry in pilgrimages and temple towns. Dark or Shyama tulsi and light or Rama tulsi are the two main varieties of basil, the former possessing greater medicinal value. The plant's extracts can be used to prevent and cure many illnesses and common ailments like common cold, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning and malaria. It is anti-congestive and is useful in decreasing the symptoms of sinus. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Holy basil, commonly referred to as tulsi, is classified as a perennial plant originally grown in India. It has been known throughout history as a healing herb. The stems are hairy and bear simple toothed or entire leaves oppositely along the stem. Holy basil is a plant that has violet flowers and blossoms; the stems are green, but sometimes have a purple tinge. It has a history within Indian medicine as a treatment for many conditions, from eye diseases to ringworms. Holy Basil or Tulsi Leaves health benefits includes maintaining oral health, regulating sugar level, fighting cancerous cells, lowering stress and anxiety, treating acne, treating cough and cold, reducing bad cholesterol levels, fighting inflammation, supporting respiratory health, dissolving kidney stones, preventing hair fall, strengthening immune system, and prevent early aging. The presence of tulsi plant symbolizes the religious bent of a Hindu family. Don't confuse holy basil with sweet basil (also called Thai basil) commonly used in cooking; though related, they're two different plants. Basil also carried diverse cultural and symbolic meaning through history. They also wear beaded necklaces made of tulsi stems. It Boosts Cognitive Function. As such, Tulsi has been used in ayurvedic medicine since ancient times. His maternal grandfather was a Christian martyr, executed in the years prior to Constantine I 's conversion. I hope you like my video! The Holy Basil herb is one of the oldest and most used medicinal herbs. HOLY BASIL FRIED ICE CREAM. Hindu woman worshipping a tulsi, or holy basil (, Hindu woman carrying a tulsi plant, or holy basil (. Tulsi grows wild in the tropics and warm regions. If you are a human seeing this field, please leave it empty. Naturally caffeine-free, holy basil has compounds that are perfect for boosting brain power. The History of Holy Basil Benefits Known in the scientific community as Ocimum sanctum, the history of holy basil dates as far back as the ancient Hindu in 1,500 BC. The extract of holy basil has much anti-oxide and anti-bacterial, vitamin K, vitamin K, magnesium, mangan, protein, and mineral, Vitamin K enables the function of freezing blood after scarce hurt. The holy basil plant is a small annual or short-lived perennial shrub, up to 1 metre (3.3 feet) in height. Holy basil, also known as tulsi, has a rich history as an important spiritual herb in Ayurvedic medicine that dates back 3,000 years ago. A Hindu household is considered incomplete if it doesn't have a tulsi plant in the courtyard. The plant is especially sacred to Vaishnavites (devotees of Vishnu), and the Lord Krishna , an avatar of Vishnu, is said to wear a garland of holy basil … Watch Queue Queue What does holy basil do for the body? Many Hindus have tulsi plants growing in front of or near their home, often in special pots or a special masonry structure known as Tulsi Vrindavan as this is related to their culture. The plant is especially sacred to Vaishnavites (devotees of Vishnu), and the Lord Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, is said to wear a garland of holy basil leaves and flowers around his neck. Stay Updated! Even the ritual act of watering and caring for the plant, usually undertaken by the women of the house, is considered worshipful and meritorious. Take holy basil as a supplement to other medications, and consult a doctor or dietitian before adding it to your lifestyle. Furthermore, fusing these flavours with modern twists and other cuisines that successfully blend the cultures. To identify holy basil, look for deeply veined green leaves and pale purple flowers. Holy basil is cultivated at many temples, and the woody stems of plants that have died are used to make beads for sacred japa mala (rosaries). It is also used as a culinary herb with a pungent flavour that intensifies with cooking. Holy basil offers Thai with a twist, utilising the key staple flavours known and loved with Thai cuisine. Below are various health benefits of tulsi tea; 1. XMAS PARTY 2017. Use holy basil alongside, not instead of, medical treatment. From the leaves to the seed, holy basil is considered a … Tulsi: Sacred Plant of the Gods. So depending on what benefit you want to see, you may want to take Holy Basil at different times of the day. Holy Basil proudly provides sustainably sourced seafood, vegetarian and vegan dishes, this provides something unique to the menu. Affordable and search from millions of royalty free images, photos and vectors. Holy basil has a disinfectant and natural sedative property which is beneficial for relieving headache and migraine pain. Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum, sometimes called Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a green, leafy plant with purple flowers. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and widespread as a cultivated plant throughout the Southeast Asian tropics. This is an extremely potent herb, and it has a history of medicinal use in Southeast Asia dating back thousands of years. Tulsi used to be a universal remedy in cases of malarial fever. The plant is cultivated for religious purposes, and for its essential oil. History/Folklore: In Hindu traditions, holy basil is a symbol of chastity and purity. The holy basil plant is revered in Hinduism as a manifestation of the goddess Lakshmi (Tulsi), the principal consort of the god Vishnu. It is considered a sacred plants by the Hindus and often planted around their shrines. Consuming holy basil can help your body boost its own antioxidant activity, which slows DNA damage and aging, and decreases cancer risk, according to a 2007 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The plant is grown in many Hindu homes, often in the courtyard in a dedicated four-sided structure, and the presence of a holy basil plant is believed to increase piety, foster meditation, purify, and protect. Basil was born into the wealthy family of Basil the Elder, and Emmelia of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, around 330. This is because more people realise how important this herb is for overall well-being. Geography/History Holy basil is native to India, where it has been a part of the culture since ancient times. Please select which sections you would like to print: Corrections? He has written several books about Hinduism for children and young adults. It is considered an agricultural weed and an invasive species in some areas outside its native range. This is because more people realise how important this herb is for overall well-being. Discover holy basil, a herb that has a range of medicinal uses: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, adaptogenic, immunomodulating, and more properties. It is reminiscent of clove, Italian basil (Ocimum basilicum), and mint and has a peppery spiciness. Holy basil essential oil when dripped into a tablespoon of carrier oil makes for a marvelous oil mixture that is highly beneficial for hair growth, skin health, digestion, respiratory problems, ear infection, mouth ulcer, and stress. Places that tend to inspire concentration and places ideal for worship, according to the 'Gandharv Tantra,' include "grounds overgrown with tulsi plants". What food was called "food of the gods" in ancient India? https://www.britannica.com/plant/holy-basil, Verywell Health - The Health Benefits of Holy Basil, Healthline - The Health Benefits of Holy Basil. Download Holy basil stock photos. Holy basil image via Shutterstock. Essential oil extracted from karpoora tulsi is mostly used for medicinal purposes though of late it is used in the manufacture of herbal toiletry. Nutrients of Holy Basil Leaf. Tulsi grows wild in the tropics and warm regions. SIGN UP NOW! Holy Basil essential oil (Tulsi) is gotten from the Holy Basil leaves, the plant is also known as “Tulsi”. Organic India ’s foundational herb, Tulsi, also called Holy Basil, was chosen for its broad-spectrum health-supporting properties, but also because it works synergistically with other Ayurvedic adaptogenic herbs such as Turmeric and Ashwagandha. The story of Lord Krishna has it that when Krishna was weighed in gold, not even all the ornaments of Satyabhama could outweigh him. Updates? In the Hindu mythology, tulsi is very dear to Lord Vishnu. The small purple or white tubular flowers have green or purple sepals and are borne in terminal spikes. According to one legend, Tulsi was the incarnation of a princess who fell in love with Lord Krishna, and so had a curse laid on her by his consort Radha. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. The holy basil plant is revered in Hinduism as a manifestation of the goddess Lakshmi (Tulsi), the principal consort of the god Vishnu. That’s why in this article, we break down the reasons for taking Holy Basil both in the morning and at night. [ 2] P Part of the mint family, this aromatic shrub was originally native to India. Dark or Shyama tulsi and light or Rama tulsi are the two main varieties of basil, the former possessing greater medicinal value. Yet a garland solely made of tulsi leaves is the first offering to the Lord as part of the daily ritual. Holy basil is commonly found in the … Quite a few myths and legends found in the Puranas or ancient scriptures point to the origin of the importance of tulsi in religious rituals. The name 'tulsi' connotes "the incomparable one". Be the first to know on our upcoming events and specials. Devotees commonly worship in the morning and evening with mantras and offerings of flowers, incense, or water from the Ganges, and Tuesdays and Fridays are considered especially sacred. The 'tulsi' plant or Indian basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition. You see, Holy Basil is an excellent all-rounder with such a diverse range of benefits. It promotes a healthy respiratory system and can be used to treat bronchitis, asthma and allergies. This festival continues for five days and concludes on the full moon day, which falls in mid-October. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. One of the best benefits I found when using holy basil was the … Holy basil ( Ocimum tenuiflorum or Ocimum sanctum ) is one of India’s most important healing plants through history, and over the years has been called the “incomparable one,” “elixir of anti-aging,” and “Queen of Herbs.” The Tulsi Manas Mandir at Varanasi is one such famous temple, where tulsi is worshiped along with other Hindu gods and goddesses. Holy Basil Can Help Prevent Cancer. Learn Religions uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Holy basil, or tulsi's scientific name is Ocimum sanctum. Of the many varieties, the Krishna or Shyama tulsi … Although tulsi is regarded as feminine, in no folklore is she described as the consort the Lord. UPCOMING EVENTS. His parents were known for their piety. While working for long hours, holy basil tea has been my friend and for good reason. This ritual, called the 'Tulsi Vivaha' inaugurates the annual marriage season in India. Although holy basil's benefits have been clinically studied, it is not an alternative to prescription medicine. Tulsi is the Sanskrit name for holy basil. Subhamoy Das is the co-author of "Applied Hinduism: Ancient Wisdom for Today's World." By using Learn Religions, you accept our, 15 Benefits of the Holy Basil (Tulsi) Herb, The 5 Principles and 10 Disciplines of Hinduism, Arranged Marriage, Polygamy, and Hinduism, Symbolism in the Rituals of Hindu Worship, M.A., English Literature, University of North Bengal. Holy basil is native to the Indian subcontinent and grows throughout Southeast Asia. Highly regarded in Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil is mentioned in the Rig Veda, an ancient collection of Indian hymns, and its sacredness has been celebrated in the Purana. The 'tulsi' plant or Indian basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition. Wild Holy basil, O. tenuiflorum, grows wild in parts of Asia and Africa, and different varieties are cultivated around the world. Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, tulsi is a kind of "the elixir of life" as it promotes longevity. NEW YEARS PARTY 2018. The fragrant leaves are green or purple, depending on the variety. It is one of the most sacred plants in India and has been used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to benefit the body, mind, and spirit. Benefits of Holy Basil. Today, there is a growing interest in tulsi in Western countries as well. At the recommendation of the Hindu managers, the whole boundary of the gardens was planted with holy basil, on which the plague of mosquitoes was at once abated, and fever altogether disappeared from among the resident gardeners.". Holy basil plant that represents Tulsi. Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), commonly known in the Hindi language as tulsi, is quite possibly the most revered medicinal herb on the planet. Some households can even have up to a dozen tulsi plants on the verandah or in the garden forming a "tulsi-van" or "tulsivrindavan" - a miniature basil forest. For instance, in Jewish folklore basil is believed to add strength while fasting. Enjoy! Holy Basil is often used to treat coughs, sore throats and the common cold, as it boosts the body’s ability to resist viral and bacterial infections and fevers. Of the many varieties, the Krishna or Shyama tulsi is commonly used for worship. The tulsi plant has a rich history dating back 3,000 years ago to ancient India, as it’s long been considered a medicinal herb and sacred plant in Ayurvedic medicine. Whereas in ancient Greece, basil symbolized hatred. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Prof Shrinivas Tilak, who teaches Religion at Concordia University, Montreal has made this historical citation: In a letter written to 'The Times,' London, dated May 2, 1903 Dr George Birdwood, Professor of Anatomy, Grant Medical College, Mumbai said, "When the Victoria Gardens were established in Bombay, the men employed on those works were pestered by mosquitoes. These are but a few examples of the lasting cultural importance of the herb. It is an erect, tall sub shrub with hairy stems, and simple green on purple leaves. Today, there is a growing interest in tulsi in Western countries as well. Many families have the tulsi planted in a specially built structure, which has images of deities installed on all four sides, and an alcove for a small earthen oil lamp. Tulsi is a venerated plant and Hindus worship it in the morning and evening. Name * Email * Recaptcha . Historically, it was used as medicine and still today holy basil leaves are regarded as natural a daptogens (anti-stress agents) that promote health throughout the entire body. The name 'tulsi' connotes "the incomparable one". The tulsi plant is even known to purify or de-pollute the atmosphere and also works as a repellent to mosquitoes, flies and other harmful insects. Test your knowledge in this study of Indian food and cuisine. Holy basil, also known as tulsi, is an herb originally grown in the tropical climates of India and nearby countries. Although it is native to India, holy basil is known to grow in other countries around the world today, including Australia, some countries located in the Middle East, and even West Africa. The plant is accorded the sixth place among the eight objects of worship in the ritual of the consecration of the Kalasha, the container of holy water. According to Jeevan Kulkarni, author of 'Historical Truths & Untruths Exposed,' when Hindu women worship tulsi, they in effect pray for "less and less carbonic acid and more and more oxygen - a perfect object lesson in sanitation, art, and religion". The family genus of mint leaves is mostly used as consumed vegetable and medicine as well. It grows as a perennial in tropical and subtropical environments and can be grown as an annual from seed or cuttings in other regions. Ocimum tenuiflorum (synonym Ocimum sanctum), commonly known as holy basil or tulsi, is an aromatic perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae. It’s also good for maintaining a healthy digestive system, relieving cramps and gas. Traditionally, Tulsi is planted in the center of the central courtyard of Hindu houses. This video is unavailable. Tulsi is a venerated plant and Hindus worship it in the morning and evening. Fields marked with an * are required. Here are some other essential oils for headaches. Move over coffee, holy basil is here to stay. Tulsi is ceremonially married to Lord Vishnu annually on the 11th bright day of the month of Karttika in the lunar calendar. You can then use this information to decide when’s best for yourself. This is an extremely potent herb, and it has a history of medicinal use in Southeast Asia dating back thousands of years. The plant is widely used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine, often as an herbal tea for a variety of ailments, and is considered sacred in Hinduism. 6 Holy Basil Benefits (and How to Make them Work for You) 1. Holy basil, or tulsi’s scientific name is Ocimum sanctum. The fruits are nutlets and produce numerous seeds. To avail the advantage, you can drink basil tea or can use basil oil. Tulsi tea has antioxidant, digestive, anti-inflammatory, and stress-relieving properties which make it a very popular herbal tea. Holy basil is also known as tulsi, tulasi, and Queen of the Herbs. 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