Tulsi is an aromatic shrub in the basil family Lamiaceae. Within Ayurveda, tulsi is known as “The Incomparable One,” “Mother Medicine of Nature” and “The Queen of Herbs,” and is revered as an “elixir of life”.
Tulsi can address physical, chemical, metabolic and psychological stress through a unique combination of pharmacological actions.
Tulsi has been found to protect organs and tissues against chemical stress from industrial pollutants and heavy metals, and physical stress from prolonged physical exertion, ischemia, physical restraint and exposure to cold and excessive noise.
Tulsi has also been shown to counter metabolic stress through normalization of blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid levels, and psychological stress through positive effects on memory and cognitive function and through its anxiolytic and anti-depressant properties.
Tulsi’s broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, which includes activity against a range of human and animal pathogens, suggests it can be used as a hand sanitizer, mouthwash and water purifier as well as in wound healing, the preservation of food stuffs and traveler’s health.
The use of tulsi in daily rituals is a testament to Ayurvedic wisdom and provides an example of ancient knowledge offering solutions to modern problems.
Various studies reveal that tulsi has a unique combination of actions that include:
- Antimicrobial (including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antimalarial, anthelmintic)
- Mosquito repellent
- Anti-diarrheal,
- Anti-oxidant,
- Anti-cataract,
- Anti-inflammatory,
- Chemopreventive,
- Radioprotective,
- Hepato-protective,
- Neuro-protective,
- Cardio-protective,
- Anti-diabetic,
- Anti-hypercholesterolemia
- Anti-hypertensive,
- Anti-carcinogenic,
- Analgesic,
- anti-pyretic,
- Anti-allergic,
- Immunomodulatory,
- Central nervous system
- Depressant,
- Memory enhancement,
- Anti-asthmatic,
- Anti-tussive,
- Diaphoretic,
- Anti-thyroid,
- Anti-fertility,
- Anti-ulcer,
- Anti-emetic,
- Anti-spasmodic,
- Anti-arthritic,
- Adaptogenic,
- Anti-stress,
- Anti-cataract,
- Anti-leukodermal
- Anti-coagulant activities.
These pharmacological actions help the body and mind cope with a wide range of chemical, physical, infectious and emotional stresses and restore physiological and psychological function.
