Tulasi - The Wonder Herb

     Tulasi redeems us from all sins. Tulasi provides us with all the wealth. Tulasi and Indian families have symbiotic relationship. A house without Tulasi plant is like a temple without deity.

     Since ancient times in every Indian household, Tulasi occupies a prominent place. Every backyard of the Indian house is adorned with Tulasi Fort. (Structure that is built around tulasi). Indians believe Tulasi as an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Indians worship the holy Basil (Tulasi) every day at a prescribed time.


There are many varieties of Tulasi. The popularly adopted Tulasi plants are 1. Krishna Tulasi. 2. Rama Tulasi. 3. Lakshmi Tulasi.
• Krishna Tulasi is widely used in preparing medicines. Tulasi and pepper powder are used to cure malarial fever. Tulasi and Ginger are made into juice and are used to alleviate the knee joint pains.
• Vomiting can be avoided by consuming curd or honey mixed with Tulasi seeds.
• For curing Asthmatic problems, the essence of Krishna tulasi leaf and black pepper combination works wonders.
• For skin disorders, paste made of Tulasi and Lemon can be applied externally.
• For soar throat, water is boiled along with Tulasi leaves and is consumed. Tulasi rasa reduces Kapha dosha and re-energizes the body.


Modern research:
1. It reduces glucose levels and is being used to cure Diabetics
2. It reduces cholestral levels
3. As a Cox-2 Inhibitor, it is being used as a pain reliever in cancer treatment
4. To store food grains


     Certain Vishnu devotees do not use Tulasi as a medicinal herb and consider it as a sacred plant. They consume Tulasi water (Tirtha) for purification of sins.


     Tulasi needs are used in Japa and Meditation. Garlands of fresh Tulasi leaves are offered to deities in temples every day. In Hindu temples, holy Tulasi water is given to devotees as Tirtha.


Tulasi is worshipped as the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.


     During the month of Kartika, Tulasi Vivaha (Wedding of Tulasi) is grandly celebrated. Hindus consider that day as a very auspicious day.


     In Agastya Samhita it is said that, by planting Tulasi, watering Tulasi, worshipping Tulasi, rather touching Tulasi, one obtain moksha, the enlightenment.


     Hindus believe that Tulasi plant contain all the holy rivers, all the Vedas and all the deities. Persons on the deathbed are watered with "Tulasi Tirtha" by pouring a few drops into the mouth. It is believed that, Tulasi purifies them from sins and gives them better positions (circumstances) in the next life.


     Tulasi, the holy plant, the wonder herb, the sin redeemer is always with us from our birth to death, as an eternal companion.