The tulsi or holy basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshipped in the morning and evening by Hindus at large. The holy basil is also a herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. Basil is rich in vitamin K, the vitamin that promotes blood clotting. It is also thought to have anti-oxidant properties. Here are some of the medicinal uses and health benefits of holy basil (tulsi).
The health benefits of holy basil or tulsi include oral care, relief from respiratory disorders, fever, asthma, lung disorders, heart diseases and stress. Holy Basil (scientific name is Ocimum Sanctum) or Tulsi is undoubtedly the best medicinal herb ever known. It has endless miraculous and medicinal values and is being worshipped in India since thousands of years. Even going closer to a Tulsi plant alone can protect you from many infections. A few leaves dropped in drinking water or food-stuff can purify it and can kill germs in it. Even smelling it or keeping it planted in a pot indoors can protect the whole family from infections, cough and cold and other viral infections.
Holy Basil is so good for boosting up the immune system that cannot be explained in words. It protects from nearly all sorts of infections from viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa. Recent studies show that it is also helpful in inhibiting growth HIV and carcinogenic cells.
The key to keeping basil fresh and fragrant for days (and even weeks) after purchase or harvest, is to not store it in the refrigerator. Basil leaves quickly turn black and slimy and lose their signature spicy sweet flavor when refrigerated. A better way to store them is in a jar of water on your kitchen counter top. Here's what you need to do in order to keep stored basil fresh.
Fill a short jar with 3 or 4 inches of tap water.
When harvesting basil from your garden, try to harvest longer stems (rather than pinching off a few leaves). Bring the basil indoors and immediately stick the stems into the jar of water, making sure to add more water to the jar if the end of each stem is not submerged.
If you purchase fresh basil from the grocery store, remove it from its packaging. Then, trim the ends of the basil's stems and place them into the jar of water (this increases the basil's ability to take up water).
Place the jar in a cool place out of direct sunlight. Don't worry if the basil droops at first; it should perk right up after about 12 hours. Change the water in the jar daily. When stored this way, basil will stay fresh for weeks. In fact, if you leave the stems in water they will eventually root and you can replant them in a pot or out in the garden.
Tulsi is the best medicine without any side effects. Eating tusli (holy basil) is also helpful for kids to improve memory. Tulsi is loved by lord vishnu. It is the sacred symbol of hindus. It purifies the air passing from it.
Basil is very old madicinal herb from the pre historic age saved the life of the ancestors. Hence please grow and protect this herb for the future.