Tulsi , a plant that find place in front of every Hindu household. It is botanically known as Ocimum sanctum. Tulsi is known as Mother of Natural Medicine and Queen of Herbs. This herb is well known for its spiritual, religious, and medicinal importance in India. Out of 150 worldwide species of tulsi, 108 species are found in India. India is also known as largest producer of tulsi and other medicinal plant.
Tulsi is extensively famous and has been used since time immemorial in Aayurvedic and Greek Medicine. The main reason of its medicinal benefits is the presence of Phytochemical in its leaves like Flavonoid, Phenol, Terpenoids, and Alkaloid etc. According to the quantity of these Phytochemical , tulsi are three types.
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1. Rama Tulsi or Sri Tulsi: Its leaves are green in color.
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2. Krishna Tulsi or Shyama Tulsi: Its leaves are purple/black in color.
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3.Vana Tulsi: Its leaves are dark green in color.
Nutritional Value of Tulsi: Tulsi leaves contain vitamins A, C and E. It also contains minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron and potassium. It also has a good amount of protein and fiber.
Religious value of Tulsi: Tulsi is considered as a most sacred plant and is worshipped in India. It holds prominent place in Indian Hindu culture and traditions. Tulsi is used in all religious occasion and often presented to God in the form of Garlands.
Medicinal values of Tulsi: Several medicinal properties have been attributed to the Tulsi plant not only in Ayurveda but also in Greek, Roman and Unani system of medicine.
In Ayurveda, Tulsi used as an anti-asthamatic and anti-kaphatic drug. It has also anti- bacterial and anti-viral properties. Tulsi help to fight infections and reducing fever. Juice of Tulsi leaves mixed with honey and ginger is effective in asthma, cold and cough.
Tulsi reduces cold, cough and other Respiratory disorders. Camphene, Cineole and Eugenol present in tulsi help to reduce cold congestion in the chest.
Tulsi contains anti- cancerous properties. Phytochemical present in tulsi have strong anti-oxidantal property. They help in protecting us from cancer of skin, liver, oral and lung.
Tulsi leaves are also used as water purifier. The Tulsi leaf extract is used in normal tap water and river water in different concentration,