Ocimum tenuiflorum (synonym Ocimum sanctum), commonly known as holy basil or tulsi, is an aromatic perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae. Holy basil is cultivated at many temples, and the woody stems of plants that have died are used to make beads for sacred japa mala (rosaries). Water infused with the leaves is often given to the dying to help elevate their souls, and funeral pyres are commonly fitted with holy basil twigs with the hopes that the deceased may obtain moksha and be liberated from the cycle of rebirth. Holy Basil Can Help Prevent Cancer. The History of Holy Basil Benefits Known in the scientific community as Ocimum sanctum, the history of holy basil dates as far back as the ancient Hindu in 1,500 BC. The Holy Basil herb is one of the oldest and most used medicinal herbs. Tulsi tea has antioxidant, digestive, anti-inflammatory, and stress-relieving properties which make it a very popular herbal tea. Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum, sometimes called Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a green, leafy plant with purple flowers. Many Hindus have tulsi plants growing in front of or near their home, often in special pots or a special masonry structure known as Tulsi Vrindavan as this is related to their culture. That’s why in this article, we break down the reasons for taking Holy Basil both in the morning and at night. Be the first to know on our upcoming events and specials. This is because more people realise how important this herb is for overall well-being. In the Hindu mythology, tulsi is very dear to Lord Vishnu. Holy Basil essential oil (Tulsi) is gotten from the Holy Basil leaves, the plant is also known as “Tulsi”. Holy basil, or tulsi’s scientific name is Ocimum sanctum. So depending on what benefit you want to see, you may want to take Holy Basil at different times of the day. Watch Queue Queue Devotees commonly worship in the morning and evening with mantras and offerings of flowers, incense, or water from the Ganges, and Tuesdays and Fridays are considered especially sacred. Use holy basil alongside, not instead of, medical treatment. These are but a few examples of the lasting cultural importance of the herb. Don't confuse holy basil with sweet basil (also called Thai basil) commonly used in cooking; though related, they're two different plants. The 'tulsi' plant or Indian basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition. Affordable and search from millions of royalty free images, photos and vectors. Tulsi is also mentioned in the stories of Meera and of Radha immortalized in Jayadev's Gita Govinda. It is one of the most sacred plants in India and has been used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to benefit the body, mind, and spirit. Whereas in ancient Greece, basil symbolized hatred. The name 'tulsi' connotes "the incomparable one". If you are a human seeing this field, please leave it empty. Tulsi used to be a universal remedy in cases of malarial fever. Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), commonly known in the Hindi language as tulsi, is quite possibly the most revered medicinal herb on the planet. To avail the advantage, you can drink basil tea or can use basil oil. Prof Shrinivas Tilak, who teaches Religion at Concordia University, Montreal has made this historical citation: In a letter written to 'The Times,' London, dated May 2, 1903 Dr George Birdwood, Professor of Anatomy, Grant Medical College, Mumbai said, "When the Victoria Gardens were established in Bombay, the men employed on those works were pestered by mosquitoes. The name 'tulsi' connotes "the incomparable one". As such, Tulsi has been used in ayurvedic medicine since ancient times. Vaishnavites or believers of Lord Vishnu worship the tulsi leaf because it's the one that pleases Lord Vishnu the most. Updates? It is native to the Indian subcontinent and widespread as a cultivated plant throughout the Southeast Asian tropics. Holy Basil is often used to treat coughs, sore throats and the common cold, as it boosts the body’s ability to resist viral and bacterial infections and fevers. He has written several books about Hinduism for children and young adults. The small purple or white tubular flowers have green or purple sepals and are borne in terminal spikes. Of the many varieties, the Krishna or Shyama tulsi … Even the ritual act of watering and caring for the plant, usually undertaken by the women of the house, is considered worshipful and meritorious. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, tulsi is a kind of "the elixir of life" as it promotes longevity. Wild Holy basil, O. tenuiflorum, grows wild in parts of Asia and Africa, and different varieties are cultivated around the world. Holy Basil proudly provides sustainably sourced seafood, vegetarian and vegan dishes, this provides something unique to the menu. Yet a garland solely made of tulsi leaves is the first offering to the Lord as part of the daily ritual. I hope you like my video! At the recommendation of the Hindu managers, the whole boundary of the gardens was planted with holy basil, on which the plague of mosquitoes was at once abated, and fever altogether disappeared from among the resident gardeners.". According to one legend, Tulsi was the incarnation of a princess who fell in love with Lord Krishna, and so had a curse laid on her by his consort Radha. Test your knowledge in this study of Indian food and cuisine. A Hindu household is considered incomplete if it doesn't have a tulsi plant in the courtyard. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Holy basil, (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also called tulsi or tulasi, flowering plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae) grown for its aromatic leaves. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. It is an erect, tall sub shrub with hairy stems, and simple green on purple leaves. The manufacture of these tulsi necklaces is a cottage industry in pilgrimages and temple towns. The plant is accorded the sixth place among the eight objects of worship in the ritual of the consecration of the Kalasha, the container of holy water. This is an extremely potent herb, and it has a history of medicinal use in Southeast Asia dating back thousands of years. Apart from its religious significance it is of great medicinal significance and is a prime herb in Ayurvedic treatment. Holy basil is native to the Indian subcontinent and grows throughout Southeast Asia. The stems are hairy and bear simple toothed or entire leaves oppositely along the stem. Some households can even have up to a dozen tulsi plants on the verandah or in the garden forming a "tulsi-van" or "tulsivrindavan" - a miniature basil forest. Many families have the tulsi planted in a specially built structure, which has images of deities installed on all four sides, and an alcove for a small earthen oil lamp. Holy basil plant that represents Tulsi. Although it is native to India, holy basil is known to grow in other countries around the world today, including Australia, some countries located in the Middle East, and even West Africa. In Portugal, basil plants make up part of a gift to a sweetheart or lover on certain religious holidays. The plant is especially sacred to Vaishnavites (devotees of Vishnu), and the Lord Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, is said to wear a garland of holy basil leaves and flowers around his neck. What food was called "food of the gods" in ancient India? The fragrant leaves are green or purple, depending on the variety. You can then use this information to decide when’s best for yourself. But a single tulsi leaf placed by Rukmani on the pan tilted the scale. Naturally caffeine-free, holy basil has compounds that are perfect for boosting brain power. Below are various health benefits of tulsi tea; 1. Basil was born into the wealthy family of Basil the Elder, and Emmelia of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, around 330. Holy basil is also known as tulsi, tulasi, and Queen of the Herbs. Dark or Shyama tulsi and light or Rama tulsi are the two main varieties of basil, the former possessing greater medicinal value. Today, there is a growing interest in tulsi in Western countries as well. Holy basil essential oil when dripped into a tablespoon of carrier oil makes for a marvelous oil mixture that is highly beneficial for hair growth, skin health, digestion, respiratory problems, ear infection, mouth ulcer, and stress. Furthermore, fusing these flavours with modern twists and other cuisines that successfully blend the cultures. Consuming holy basil can help your body boost its own antioxidant activity, which slows DNA damage and aging, and decreases cancer risk, according to a 2007 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Highly regarded in Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil is mentioned in the Rig Veda, an ancient collection of Indian hymns, and its sacredness has been celebrated in the Purana. Quite a few myths and legends found in the Puranas or ancient scriptures point to the origin of the importance of tulsi in religious rituals. Name * Email * Recaptcha . It is considered an agricultural weed and an invasive species in some areas outside its native range. This is because more people realise how important this herb is for overall well-being. Please select which sections you would like to print: Corrections? Holy basil image via Shutterstock. Fields marked with an * are required. 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