Kapoor Tulsi

The scientific name for Kapoor Tulsi is Ocimum sanctum that belongs to the family of Lamiaceae (Mint family). It is one of the popular types of Basil plant. According to Hindu Mythology, it's a sacred plant more beloved to the Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is also considered a sacred plant in India.

Kapoor Tulsi is an attractive looking short plant with green leaves. Further, purple flowers offer it an exquisite touch. The mild spicy smell with hints of sweetness makes it a unique type of basil. Kapoor Tulsi has anti-cancer, anti-allergic, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, and anti-spasmodic properties. Hence, it is an ideal source for producing alternatives medicines.

This plant is commonly found in tropical as well as subtropical Asia. To the world, it is famous as the Holy Basil. Also, it is the most common type of Holy Basil grown in the USA. Kapoor Tulsi cultivates in a temperate environment as an annual herb. This herbal plant is simple to germinate and grow. In fact, germination occurs faster for Kapoor Tulsi as compared to other species of Tulsi plants. It needs plenty of water, full sun, and fertile soil to flourish.

2. Typical Preparations and Usage

• Typically people use Kapoor Tulsi in teas, culinary, and medicinal formula.
• You can also prepare the juice from fresh leaves or store it as a powder from the dry ground leaves.
• Some Thai meals also contain Kapoor Tulsi as a spice when preparing stir-fried seafood and meats with rice.
• The famous Indian home remedy Kadha, which is a mix of basil leaves, ginger, and crushed black pepper in boiling water can cure illnesses like cold, cough, flu, sinus, etc.

3. Precautions

1. If you are allergic to Tusli, try to use its paste with rose water or honey.
2. People with type 2 diabetes must avoid using Holy Basil as it lowers blood sugar level and can interfere with your medications.
3. Kapoor Tulsi can be unsafe for both pregnant and breastfeeding women.
4. Always stop using basil leaves two weeks prior to surgery as this plant has a capacity to slow blood clotting.

4. Benefits

• For Better Digestion

It is an excellent remedy for several digestive problems. A pungent aromatic herb helps cure gas, bloating, gastric ulcers, diarrhea, and nausea. You can prepare a mix combining the dried ginger with Kapoor Tulsi. It will also improve your appetite.

• Get Rid of Cavities

Ayurveda also considers it an effective mouthwash to eliminate the bacteria in the mouth that causes cavities.

• Restores Skin

Kapoor Tulsi cleanses, detoxifies, and purifies the skin. When applied topically, you can get rid of various skin diseases. Also, it reduces fine lines giving you a younger look.

• Relieves Mental Dysfunction

According to some researches, consuming holy basil leaf extract twice every day after meals overcomes anxiety, stress, depression, and insomnia in individuals.

• Insect Repellent

If you add the traditionally dried Kapoor Tulsi leaves in the stored grains, it can help keep the insects away. You can also use it as a mosquito repellent.