Basil, Holy Basil - Ocimum sanctum

Hindi Name : Tulsi

Parts Used : Whole Plant

Holy basil, like sweet (culinary) basil, comes from India where it is revered as a sacred herb and is found in most households. The Egyptians burned a mixture of basil and myrrh to appease their gods. Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) was introduced in Europe as a seasoning for food.

The plant is erect, with red or purple branches. Leaves are simple, opposite, elliptical – oblong, pubescent on both sides and hairy. Flowers are purplish in close whorls. Fruits are nutlets and are smooth.

In English tulsi is also known as sacred or holy basil.

Properties: The plant is bitter, aromatic, anti septic, anti bacterial, digestive, expectorant, reduces fever, expels worms, and prevents infectious diseases.

Uses: Tulsi is widely used to cure respiratory tract infections – cough, cold, bronchitis, asthma. It also is a remedy for fever, stomach diseases in children, vomiting, ringworm and skin diseases.

The herb has very important medicinal properties - notably its ability to reduce blood sugar levels. It also prevents peptic ulcers and other stress related conditions like hypertension, colitis and asthma. Basil is also used to treat cold and reduce fever, congestion and joint pain. Due to its anti-bacterial and fungicide action, basil leaves are used on itching skin, insect biting and skin affections.

Basil seeds can be made into tea, ground into powder and used in mixtures for herbal smoking, or sprinkled over salads or soups.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Lowers blood sugar levels, antispasmodic, analgesic, lowers blood pressure, reduces fever, fungicidal, anti-inflammatory.

Seeds are also used as a visionary aid, for meditations. Drink a cup of Basil seed tea prior to meditation and your body and mind will relax notably.

Basil leaf extract, widely used in Ayurveda and Western traditional herbalism, is a nerve tonic, stimulating yet relaxing the brain.

Scent: Camphoraceous, clove-like, fresh, anise

Description of Basil oils: Basil oil is obtained through steam distillation of the flower tops, leaves, or shoots. The oil is yellow and aromatic. In India, basil is sacred to both Krishna and Vishnu. An Indian custom is to sleep with a basil leaf on the chest.

Uses of Basil Oils: The scent strengthens the nerves and clears the head. Basil also stimulates the mind and revives the spirits. Keep some on hand if you suffer from exam jitters, travel sickness, or nausea. Some people find the scent of basil useful in treating headaches, anxiety, and stress. Excessive amounts can cause depression. Basil is also used to repel mosquitoes and flies.

Qualities of Basil oils: Stimulant, restorative, uplifting, antispasmodic. Emotionally, according to Ayurveda, Holy Basil, through inhalation may aid with anxiety, hysteria and nervous depression. It is a stress reducer without being a sedative

Incense made with BASIL are used for puja offering and purification but is is also used as air-freshener which keeps one's surrounding flavored with good scents. 

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