Krishna Tulsi

1. Overview

Krishna Tulsi is a plant whose scientific name is Ocimum Tenuiflorum. Also known as Holy basil, it is basically from India. The Hindu term Tulsi means the superior one. It's a sacred plant for the Hindu community that is frequently seen in the passage of Hindu temples and even some houses. According to Hindu mythology, this tulsi is related to Lord Krishna because its color resembles Krishna; thus, it got this name.

Krishna Tulsi is assumed to have a spicy and sharp flavor because it takes a longer time to grow. The leaves are less bitter than other parts. It requires full sunlight and fertile soil for its germination.

Tulsi leaves, seeds, and stems are used enormously as an adaptogen in Ayurvedic medicine. In fact, Ayurveda also designates it as "The Queen of Herbs" and Mother Medicine of Nature."

2. Typical Preparations and Usage

You can use Krishna Tulsi in the following ways:

Kadha: Blend 1 tsp grated ginger, 7 black peppers, and 15 to 20 tulsi leaves. Boil them in the water. Sprinkle lemon juice and black salt as per your taste and drink lukewarm to cure your cold.

Tulsi Tea: Boil Krishna Tulsi leaves in one and a half cup of water for 10 minutes. Drain water and mix the lemon juice in it. Drink warm.

Tulsi Tablets or Capsules: Twice a week take 1 to 2 pills made of Tulsi with water.

Tulsi Leaves: You can even eat 5 or 7 fresh Krishna Tulsi leaves raw daily in the morning.

3. Precautions

• Krishna Tulsi is most probably safe to use when taken orally for up to six weeks.
• Avoid long term use.
• Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, diabetic patients should avoid using Holy basil.
• Also, if there is a surgery scheduled, stop consuming Krishna Tulsi about two weeks before as the plant slows down blood clotting.

4. Benefits

• The anti-microbial, anti-allergic, anti-tussive, anti-inflammatory properties of Krishna Tulsi alleviate cold and cough symptoms.
• As per Ayurveda, Krishna Tusli can control viral infection and lower body temperature by balancing all the three doshas, namely, Kapha, Vata, and Pitta.
• Tulsi mixed with honey can also help enhance immunity in the body.
• You can reduce your stress level by drinking Tulsi tea.
• By applying Tulsi paste, you can control ringworm infection and relieve the pain and inflammation caused by the disease.
• Krishna Tulsi is also effective in curing the headache, earache, hysteria, and insomnia.
• The paste of leaves can heal an animal bite due to its healing property.
• Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties of Tulsi helps prevent the frequent recurrence of asthmatic symptoms when you drink Tulsi juice.