Holy Basil: Scienfic Name,Types of Tulsi Plant, Uses & Side Effects

Holy basil is a medicinal plant. Tulsi is also commonly called Holy Basil. Here is about to know about Tulsi plant Scientific Name, Types of Tulsi Plant, its Uses Benefits and side effects. Also about its demographic and its importance in Indian Culture.

Tulsi or Holy Basil 

Tulsi word is derived from a Sanskrit word ‘Surasa’ which means ‘matching one’ which decides that there is no alternative to Tulsiwhuc tulsi will offer. Tulsi plant belongs to the family of Lamiaceae. It is a native from the Indian Subcontinent. 

Tulsi the plant is cultivated for medicinal and religious purposes, also for its oil which is used in Ayurveda. The Holy Basil is considered sacred Hinduism and is worshipped in many Indian homes as the ‘Goddess of Devotion’.   

“Tulasi is auspicious in all respects. Simply by seeing, simply by touching, simply by reminding, simply by praying to, simply by bowing before, simply by hearing about or simply by sowing this tree, there is always auspicious. Anyone who comes in touch with  the Tulasi tree in the abovementioned ways lives eternally in the spiritual world.” By Srila Prabhupada, The Nectar of Devotion

Types Of Tulsi Plant 

There are mainly 4 types of Tulsi are found they are:-

1. Vana tulsi (Ocimum Gratissum)
2. Krishna tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum)
3. Rama Tulsi(Ocimum Sanctum or Ocimum Tenuiflorum)
4. Kapoor tulsi

 

Vana Tulsi (Ocimum Gratissum)

Vana Tulsi can grow up to 5 feet with fragrant, slightly hairy green leaves with a strong clove scent and spicy flavor. It is mainly found in India and East Africa, a wild species that was brought into cultivation. It is traditionally used in Ayurveda to manage stress, anxiety, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and dementia. Can be used by itself or mixed with other types of basil leaves. It should be protected from frost and it can be grown annually in temperate regions.

 Krishna Tulsi

Krishna Tulsi is called Purple Leaf Basil, Purple Leaf Basil, Dark Holy Basil, Dark Sacred Basil, have a unique color and the leaves are crisp in texture. This Tulsi has been used for medicinal purposes in the treatment of throat infections, respiratory system, nasal wounds, earache, and skin diseases.

 Rama Tulsi(Ocimum Tenuiflorum)

Rama Tulsi is also known as Sri or Lakshmi Tulsi, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Green Holy Basil. It is known for its cooling. They are found in China, Brazil, eastern Nepal, as well as in India, states like Bengal, Bihar, Chittagong, and southern states of India. It has a distinctive scent. All parts of the plant emit a strong aroma.

Kapoor Tulsi

Kapoor Tulsi is very small, strongly fragrant, with jagged green leaves. It is close to purple/pink colored flowers in the long run. Kapoor Tulsi is kept at home because of the sweet fragrance, a scent that can drive away insects. Particularly it helps to keeps away from disease-causing mosquitoes. It is mainly found in The USA.

 Scientific Name of Tulsi 

The scientific name of Vana tulsi is Ocimum Gratissimum, Rama Tulsi, and Krishan tulsi have the same specific name Ocimum Tenuiflorum or Ocimum Sanctum. If someone asks you about what is the scientific name of Tulsi or Holy basil then you can say it as Ocimum tenuiflorum or Ocimum Sanctum.

Use of Tulsi Plant 

·    Tulsi Plant leaves helps in promoting a healthy heart, as it contains Vitamin C and antioxidants protect the heart from various harmful effects.

·     Tulsi Tea helps in maintaining the level of cortisol hormone in the body, also it reduces everyone's stress as well as anxiety and lowering the blood sugar level.

·     It leaves helps to regulate blood circulation & soothes the nerves. People who work in very high tress jobs can chew 12 leaves of tulsi 2 times in a day to beat its stress naturally.

·    All parts of the basil plant act as adaptogens. An adaptogen is a natural substance that helps our body to stress and promotes mental balance.

·   The Holy Basil plant is often worshiped twice a day in the morning and evening. In daily worship of Vishnu, Krishna, Vithoba, Rama, and other Vishnu - related deities.

·      It also helps in controlling type 2 diabetes or controlling blood sugar levels, as these plant seeds help slow down the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose.

·     It also treats acidity. Soaked seeds are filled with water and help to soothe the lining of the stomach, thereby relieving irritation. 

Also, read on details on tulsi plants uses 

Side Effects  Of Tulsi 

• Tulsi Plant Leaves are Not suitable for pregnant women. It affects the embryo of a pigment woman. The herb can cause uterine contractions which can be dangerous. Basil leaves can stimulate blood flow to the uterus and pelvic region, causing contraction. However, there is not enough evidence during pregnancy or against the use of basil, but experts advise women to avoid it during pregnancy.
• If someone is taking medicine to lower the sugar levels. If he eats the Tulsi leaves can affect the sugar level to fall too low.
• As per the studies that Tulsi can lower the sperm count and decreases the weight of reproductive organs like glands, uterus, ovary, adrenal, and testes.
• Tulsi has eugenol, which a small amount of it can prevent toxin-induced damage in the liver but its more quantity can cause liver damage, rapid heartbeat & diarrhea.
• The herb is believed to cause blood thinning. It is good for those who don’t want to take medicines for the same purpose. People who are already taking medicines for blood thinning also they are taking the Holy Basil, which will adversely affect their health. If people have a diseased anti-clotting drug they should not take Tulsi
• You have been told that tulsi leaves should not be chewed, rather they should be swallowed and abused. But there is a scientific reason behind it that it contains mercury, which can stain your teeth when you chew it. To avoid it you should stench your teeth, you should just take them down. Generally, its leaves are acidic in nature which will cause a burning sensation to our teeth.

 

The different names of Tulsi in various region 

Albahaca Santa, Bai Gkaprow, Baranda, Ajaka, Basilic Indien, Basilic Sacré, Basilic Sacré Pourpre, Basilic Saint, Brinda, Green Holy Basil, Hot Basil, Holy Basil, Indian Basil, Kala Tulsi, Kemangen, Krishna Tulasi, Krishna Tulsi, Manjari, Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Ocimum Gtatissum, Parnasa, Patrapuspha, Rama Tulsi, Red Holy Basil, Sacred Basil, Sacred Purple Basil, Shyama Tulsi, Sri Tulasi, Suvasa Tulasi, Saraswati Tulsi, Tulasi, Tulsi, Tulsi Patra.

  

Tulsi in Indian Culture 

As per Wikipedia, Tulsi or Holy Basil is a sacred plant in Hindu belief. Hindus consider it as an earthly expression of the goddess Tulsi. She is considered as an avatar of Lakshmi, and thus the consort of Lord Vishnu. In other legends, she is called Vrinda and is different from Lakshmi. In the story, she married Jalandhar. An offering of its leaves is mandatory in the worship of Vishnu and his avatars such as Krishna and Vithoba.

Many Hindus grow Tulsi plants near or around their home, often in special pots or a special masonry structure called Tulsi Vrindavan as it relates to their culture. Traditionally, tulsi is planted in the center of the central courtyard of Hindu homes. The plant is for religious purposes.

Tulsi Demographic 

It is generally from the Indian subcontinent. It is widespread as a cultivated plant throughout the Southeast Asian tropics. Kapoor Tulsi is mainly found in the USA. 

About Tulsi Vivah 

As per Wikipedia, A ceremony known as Tulsi Vivah is performed by Hindus from Prabodhini Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima usually between the eleventh or twelfth lunar day. This is the formal marriage of the basil plant to Vishnu, as his image, Shaligram or Krishna or Rama's image. Both the bride and groom are formally worshiped and then married according to traditional Hindu wedding rituals. It marks the end of the four-month Chaturmas period, which coincides with the monsoon and is considered inauspicious for weddings and other rituals, so the day inaugurates the annual wedding season in India.

 

 Also, Read the article Tulsi Plant Uses | Uses of Its Leaves, Roots Seeds & Stems

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