TULSI (Holy Basil) - essential oil
'The Incomparable One' / 'The Queen of Herbs'
Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum), also known as tulsi, tulasi, thulasi, tulsy is an aromatic plant in the family Lamiaceas which is native to the Indian subcontinent and widespread as a cultivated plant throughout the Southeast Asian tropics. Tulsi has been used for thousands of years in India for religious and medicinal purposes and is revered as an elixir of life.
It is believed that water mixed with the petals given to the dying raises their departing souls to heaven. Tulsi extracts are used in Ayurvedic remedies for a variety of ailments. Traditionally, tulsi is taken in many forms: as herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf or mixed with ghee. It is considered a purifier of the mind, body and spirit, and has a special place in Hindu courtyards across India, where it is planted for its auspicious and protective powers. It is regarded as the incarnation of Vishnu, and is also the favourite of Krishna, and Lakshmi the goddess of prosperity.
Health benefits
• Antibacterial: internal and external – acne, skin irritations
• Diabetes: controls blood sugar levels, corrects abnormal lipid levels, protects the liver and kidneys from metabolic damage caused by high glucose levels
• Cancer: Natural cancer treatment and preventive (liver, oral skin), radiation poisoning and toxic chemical-induced injury (chemo-therapy treatment) protection
• Hormone balance: especially cortisol (the 'stress hormone')
• Relieves fever
• Respiratory: decongestant, asthma, bronchitis, upper tract infections, deep coughs
• Dental: germicidal, ulcers
• Headaches: migraines, sinus
• Eyes: conjunctivitis, anti-inflammatory, glaucoma, macular degeneration