Holy Basil

The leaves of a plant have lots of medicinal and curative properties. Indians consider the betel leaves as auspicious and use it in many important religious functions. South Indians use betel leaves after eating sumptuous foods and also during marriage and religious ceremonies. The North Indians stuff many ingredients inside the betel leaves and call it as pan. They will serve the pans to invitees after they finish eating delicious foods. This topic will deal with a plant named Holy Basil which is extremely popular in India. The botanical name of this plant is Ocimum tenuiflorum.

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Traditional Value Of Basil Leaves

These leaves are normally found in all the Hindu Temples throughout the world. The Hindus, especially “Vaishnavites” offer the basil leaves to the deities of Lord Rama, Hanuman and Lakshmana. The temple priest will mix the basil leaves in the water and offer it to the devotees entering the temple. The leaves have both holistic and healing properties.

Properties

Holy Basil

Holy Basil is an aromatic plant which comes under the family Lamiaceae and this plant is found abundantly in Southeast Asian tropics. This famous plant achieves a hight of 60 cm and has hairy stems. The green leaves are strongly scentend and reaches 5 cm long.

The two types of tulasi that is cultivated in India and Nepal are,

• • • Green leaved
    • Purple leaved

• Antioxidant: Holy basil is high in antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Anti-inflammatory: Holy basil contains compounds called eugenol and beta-caryophyllene that have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Stress-relieving: Holy basil has been used for centuries to help reduce stress. It contains compounds such as eugenol and linalool that can help reduce stress and improve mood.
• Immune-boosting: Holy basil contains compounds such as eugenol, rosmarinic acid, and apigenin that can help boost the immune system.
• Digestive aid: Holy basil can help improve digestion and reduce gas and bloating. It is also known to have anti-bacterial properties that can help fight off infections.

Medicinal Value Of Holy Basil

• Though it is grown for its holistic purpose it also has several medicinal properties.
• Essential oil is also extracted from the leaves.
• This plant is referred as an exlir of  life.
• Ayurvedic doctors use the juice of the leaves for varitey of treatments such as bronchitis, cough and cold.
• This plant originates from North Central India. Tulasi is a sacred plant for the Hindus. Hindus proudly call this plant as Vishnu Tulasi  since they offer it to Lord Vishnu.