Punarnava - healthy herbs

                  Tulsi / Basil / Holy Basil / Ocimum sanctum / Ocimum tenuiflorum

               Tulsi or Holy  Basil is also called “ The Queen of Herbs ‘’ or Elixir of Life , which has many medicinal , and Spiritual properties  . Tulsi is native to the Indian subcontinent and grown throughout South – East Asia , since Vedic period . Its plant is small annual or perennial delicate herbs , which height up to 1.50 meter and have fragrant leaves are green or purple color . Tulsi leaves are simple , elliptic , oblong , with obtuse or acute , entire or sub serrate margins  . These are present on opposite sites , which are filled with scent as smells very good . Its flowers are so small with elongated racemes, purple color . Fruits According  to Ayurveda , there are mainly two type of Tulsi , “ Krishna / Shyama Tulsi ( Black ) and Rama Tulsi ( green ) with similar chemical constituents and medicinal properties .      

 

  

Others name of Tulsi – ( Family Lamiaceae )

             Sanskrit ( Tulasi , Gouri , Bhuteshta ) , English ( Indian Basil , Holy Basil , Sacred Basil ) , Tamil ( Nalla thulasi ) , Telgu ( Tulasi ot tulasi akulu ) , Kannad ( Tulasi elegalu ) , Malayalam ( Shivatulasi ) , French( Basilic ) , Japanese ( Meboki ) .

Properties of Tulsi –

1.     Ayurvedic properties of Tulsi are; Rasa / Taste – Katu / Pungent / Tikta / Bitter , Guna / Quality – Laghu / Lightness /Teekshna , Vipaka / Metabolic property after digestion – Katu , Veerya/ Potency – Ushna / Hot , Effect of Dosha – Vata har ,Kaph har , It Balance Vata and Kapha dosha ( useful in relieve excess sputum production ) .

2.     Other properties - Basil / Tulsi has some important properties such as Anti-microbial , Anti-inflammatory , Anti-bacterial , Anti-fungal , Anti-pyretic , Anti-oxidant , Chemo-preventive , Anti-diabetic , Hypoglycemic smooth muscle relaxant and Anti-asthmatic activities . It has rich source of Anti-oxidant.

3.     Prevent cold and Boost immunity - Basil is an Immunomodulatory herb that might be improve strength and fight against common cold, fever, sore throat, cough and flue. Tulsi has abundant amounts of antioxidants and micronutrients that help fight common ailments like cold , flue , fever , asthma etc.. It prevents the inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane. Ayurvedic point of view, Common cold is caused due to aggravation of kapha dosha and weak digestion . Weak digestion system leads to the accumulation of undigested toxic food remain of Ama . Tulsi has Deepan, Pachan and Kapha balancing properties which may help to minimize Ama (Indigested food, it change into Ama, which reaches in respiratory organ as sputum) and expel the excessive sputum from the body and relieve in common cold. Tulsi is high in antioxidants and antimicrobial compound , which can help boost the immune system . Tulsi leaves have two water-soluble Flavonoid antioxidants , Viceninare and Orientin , it helps to improve the immunity . Tulsi leaves may treat cold and cough . The decoction of Tulsi leaves , black and long pepper powder with honey is very useful for cold , cough and low fever .

4.     Treat respiratory problem and allergy - Tulsi is very effective in the treatment of many respiratory disease , including chronic and acute bronchitis due to Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial activities. It also may help to treat allergic problem due to Anti-allergic and Anti-inflammatory properties . Tulsi have excellent Anti-oxidant properties , due to the presence of Vitamin C, A and other Essential oil , which protect the body from premature ageing .

5.     Anti-oxidative properties - An imbalance between Anti-oxidant and free radicals is also termed as oxidative stress. Basil has ability to protect the body from oxidative damage due to the powerful Anti-oxidative present in it.  Antioxidants content of Basil plays an important role in scavenging free radicals and minimizing oxidative stress , which is implicated in various disease . Tulsi leaves contain Flavonoids, which minimize the risk of platelets forming clots in arterial walls.

6.     Treat digestive problem and constipation  - Tulsi leaves have a property to treat the Gastro-intestinal disorder . A decoction made from Tulsi is may help to cure the illness faster and this will also improve appetite . Tulsi have laxative property, which can prevent constipation and keep bowel movement regularly. Tulsi used to treat Ulcers , Indigestion , Vomiting and intestinal parasites ,Gastric disorders .

7.     Inflammation and painkiller - Basil leaves is being used traditionally for treatment of inflammation , wound healing , toothache and some other infection due to its anti-inflammatory properties . . It is natural headache reliever which can help in migraine pain also .

8.     Prevent diabetes and its complication - Tulsi leaves has Hypo-glycemic effect , which help to decrease the blood glucose level by increasing Insulin secretion and its sensitivity . Tulsi leaves maintain blood sugar at a stable level . It helps to improve metabolism, promote s good fat and carbohydrates in the body .Anti-oxidant properties of Tulsi leaves protect the pancreatic cells and also minimize the risk of diabetic complication . Ayurvedic point of view , Tulsi may help to remove Ama  ( Toxic remain the body ) and control aggravated Vata due to deepen , digestive  property and then control sugar level .

9.     Liver protective - Tulsi leaves may protects the liver cells from damage caused by virus and free radicals due to Anti-viral , Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidant activities . Liver disorder are due to aggravation of Pitta  dosha and Pachak agni . Tulsi helps to improve Pachak  agni and control aggravated Pitta  due to its deepan and pachan properties and prevent toxin –induced damage of liver cells due to its rejuvenating nature . Tulsi enhance the activity of liver detoxification enzyme, which deactivates toxic chemicals and helps in their excretion .

10.  Prevent Cardiovascular problems - Tulsi leaves may be help the muscles controlling  blood vessels function to contract and relax . It also may be help to remove the plaque in blood vessels . Basil contains flavonoids , which reduce the risk of platelets forming clots on the arterial walls , protecting them from any damage . This eventually protect coronary heart disease. Tulsi has blood thinning properties .Tulsi leaves help to regulate the cortisol level , which may minimize cholesterol and blood pressure level ,Due to this properties , Tulsi leaves reduce the risk of heart attack , stroke , and other heart problems .

11.  Skin and hair improvement - Tulsi leaves may help in skin brightening , curing acne face marks , and it may help in curing skin infection . The Linoleic acid of the Tulsi is more essential to treat skin problems . It can also help in preventing hair fall , minimize graying of the hair , and help to reduce dandruff . Antimicrobial and ant-inflammatory properties  of Tulsi leaves help to protect skin from the formation of Acne .The sacred plant Tulsi is also known to purify the blood , reflecting healthy skin .

Treat Vitiligo and Eczema – Regular intake of basil leaves can improve the symptom of vitiligo ( Askin disorder caused due to lac of melanin that result in loss of skin color in patches ) . It can also effective on Eczema as well .

12.  Diuretic properties and stress booster-  Basil leaves acts as good detoxifying agent and diuretic properties , which may help to decrease the level of uric acid  . It stimulate the neurotransmitters that helps to regulate the hormones so that it improves happiness and energy . Chewing the fresh Tulsi leaves helps to control the stress .

13.  Tulsi oil – Tulsi leave oil are volatile which helps to fight against infection , allergies and pathogens . Essential oil of Tulsi performed as excellent skin cleanser . Tulsi oil helps to fight against the radical damage that protects the cells and DNA structure . Essential Tulsi oil helps to reduce anxiety and depression also . 

Chemical properties of Tulsi / Basil leaves – 

1.     Tulsi is enriched with various phytochemicals .The main chemical constituents of Tulsi leaves are ; Oleanolic acid , Ursolic acid , Rosamarinic acid , Eugenol , Carvacrol , Linalool and β-Caryophyllene . These compounds contribute to basil’s various health -promoting properties , making it a valuable addition to any wellness routine . 

2.     Oleanolic acid is a naturally occurring  Triterpenoid    , which possesses multiple biological effects such as Anti-tumor , Anti-virus , Anti-inflammatory , Anti-hyperlipidemic etc . This acid may be used in treatment of liver disorder , improve insulin action and simultaneously minimizing free radicals . 

3.     Ursolic acid is a Triterpene compound , which may include Anti-inflammatory , Anti-oxidant ,Anti-carcinogenic activities . Its helps to reduce inflammation , support memory and promotes good heart health . 

4.     Rosamarinic acid is a Polyphenolic Anti-oxidant hydroxycinnamic acid , which is often used a natural preservative to increase the shelf life of perishable food . It have Anti-oxidant , Anti-inflammatory , and Anti-aging activities . 

5.     Eugenol is Phenyl propene , - The Tulsi leaves contain volatile oil 71% Eugenol and 20 % methyl eugenol .which have Anti-fungal , Anti-bacterial , Anti-septic , Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidant activities . It may inhibit the abnormal clotting of blood platelets and it protect the body from cardio-vascular . 

6.      Linalool is a naturally occurring Terpene alcohol , which also have many biological activities . β-Caryophyllene is a natural occurring bicyclic sesquiterpene ,which has role as a non –steroidal Anti-inflammatory drug , a fragrance , a metabolite and insect attractant . 

7.     Carvacrol is a monoterpenoid phenol ,which exhibit High Anti-oxidant , Anti-microbial ,Anti-inflammatory , Anti-tumor , Anti-mutagenic , Analgesic , Anti-spasmodic ,Anti-inflammatory , Anti-platelet , and Hepato-protective activities . 

8.     Tulsi leaves also consist of Ocimumosides A and B , which reduce the stress and balance the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in brain . Anti-inflammatory property of Tulsi minimize inflammation and blood pressure . 

9.     Tulsi  leaves is a powerful Anti-stress agent , because the presence of Eugenol and Ursolic acid in it which have Anti-stress property . Eugenol and Ursolic acid may minimize the level of Cortisol and help control stress and stress related heart problem  . Ayurvedic point of view , Tulsi has balancing Vata property which help to reduce stress . 

10.  Nutritional value of Tulsi leaves -  Near about as per 100 gram are  ;  Protein 3.00 gm  ,Fat 0.50 gm , Carbohydrates 2.25 gm ( Fiber 1.50 gm ) , Minerals ( Potassium 290 mg , Calcium170 mg , Magnesium 60 mg ,  Phosphorus 50 mg , Iron  , Copper , Manganese ,Sodium , Zinc  ), Vitamins ( A , B1 , B2 , B3 , B6 , B9 , C , E , K ) , Fatty acid ( Saturated , mono-unsaturated , polyunsaturated ) , water, Phytonutrients ( Beta -Carotene  , Crypto –xanthin , Lutein-Zeaxanthin ). 

11.  Fresh Tulsi leaves Essential oil consist of valuable bioactive compound such as  ; Eugenol ,  β- Caryophyllene , β- Elemene , Germacrene , Camphene , and Caryophyllene oxide  . Dried Tulsi leaves oil contain ; - Eugenol , Caryophyllene , β Elemene , Linalool , β-Pinene , α Pinene , Camphene , Limolene , Cineole , Isopropyl palpitate , Beta-bisabolene  and others . 

12.   These compound are responsible for anti-microbial properties of Tulsi leaves .Tulsi leaves contain near about 0.70% volatile oil , 70% Eugenol and 20% methyl eugenol and others . Camphene , cineole and Eugenol are may be help reduce cold and congestion in the chest . 

13.  Camphene is a bicyclic organic compound , which may reduce pain and inflammation , and has Anti-fungal activities , too . It also has medicinal properties and is used as a bronchial stimulant and Anti-spasmodic . Germacrene is a class of volatile organic hydrocarbon , which used such as Alleviated stress and anxiety , speed up healing of wounds , repels insect , boost energy and maintain healthy blood pressure .

Side effect of Tulsi leaves –

1.     Small amount of Tulsi leaves may be prevent from toxin but in excess amount may damage liver due to presence of high quantity Eugenol and other chemicals . People will suffer with bleeding disorder , nasal bleeding  should avoid prolonged use of Tulsi due to its hot nature .

2.     Tulsi leaves may stimulate the flow of blood to the uterus and pelvic area , which can cause contraction . So this leaves is not suitable for pregnant women .

3.     Tulsi herbs is known to cause thinning of the blood . People who already taking blood thinner or anti-clotting medicine , if they take Tulsi leaves regularly , it may adversely affect their health .

4.     Tulsi leaves are acidic in nature and our mouth is alkaline nature , which can cause our teeth enamel to wear off .

Disclaimer –

    This article is only for  educational purpose , general information and is not for medicinal purpose . Medicinal purpose always consume  after consulting doctor.