ULSI (Ocimum sanctum) is a wellknown sacred plant of India grown in houses, temples and gardens all over the country. A small plant, with about 5 cm long leaves, it gains a maximum height of 1 metre. Its leaves having a peculiar smell, have small hair on their upper and lower surfaces. The flowers are in small compact clusters on slender spikes. Tulsi is of two types – white and black. Both have medicinal value.Tulsi is acrid and bitter in taste whereas in effect it is hot and dry. Ayurvedic texts describe it as destroyer of kapha and vata. It is anti-pyretic, anti-allergic, carminative, a blood-purifier and heart tonic. Besides, tulsi is also diuretic , anti-oxidant and kills abdominal worms. Its leaves contain a volatile oil whose odour resembles the odour of clove.
Since ancient times tulsi is respected in Indian homes. Religious beliefs apart, it is an easily available household remedy for many health problems. Due to its kapha removing properties, it is an excellent medicine for common cold. Tea made from leaves of tulsi controls nasal catarrh, cures body-ache and gives a refreshing feeling. Similarly, taking a few leaves mixed with a teaspoonful of ginger juice and honey immediately controls bouts of dry cough and removes any bronchial spasm.
In chronic dysentery when a patient passes stool mixed with mucous, tulsi leaves offer great help. Taking them twice a day after mixing with a pinch of rock salt and half a teaspoon of roasted jeera powder in a bowl of curd acts as a good digestive. This treatment if continued for a week or 10 days also helps to dispel persistent wind and abdominal distension.
Tusli seeds are known for their killer action on abdominal worms. Children suffering from roundworm infection can be safely given a quarter of a teaspoon of crushed tulsi seeds at bed time for at least three consecutive days.
For chronic fever ancient ayurvedic texts have extolled the use of tulsi leaves and its seeds. Regular use of its leaves during the season of viral fever acts as a good preventive medicine. References are also found where the juice of tulsi leaves is be applied for minor skin infections and also has a cure ear-ache.
In a cup of tea around is five to 10 leaves can be added. The juice of its leaves can be taken upto 10 ml whereas the powder of its seeds can be taken in varying doses of 1 gram to 3 grams in a day.
—
Dr R Vatsyayan
