In Sanskrit, “tulanaa naasti athaiva tulsi” – that which is incomparable in its qualities is the tulsi. Hindus consider the tulsi to be the most sacred plant. All offerings are considered incomplete without the inclusion of the tulsi leaf – hence, we use it in worship. In fact, it is known to be the only thing used in worship, which, once used, can be washed, and re-used in puja – as tulsi is regarded as self-purifying.
Tulsi has great medicinal value. Studies have shown:
- Tulsi reduces blood glucose levels due to its antioxidant properties and is therefore effective in managing diabetes.
- Tulsi causes a significant reduction in total cholesterol levels.
- Rama Tulsi is effective for severe acute Respiratory Syndrome. Its juice relieves symptoms of cold, fever, bronchitis and cough.
- Tulsi oil is effective as an ear drop.
- Tulsi aids in curing malaria.
- It is effective against indigestion, headache, hysteria, insomnia and cholera. The fresh leaves of Tulsi are taken by millions of people every day.
For centuries, tulsi (the queen of herbs) has been known for its remarkable healing properties.
Research offers evidence that tulsi:
- reduces stress,
- enhances stamina,
- relieves inflammation,
- lowers cholesterol,
- eliminates toxins,
- protects against radiation,
- prevents gastric ulcers,
- lowers fevers,
- improves digestion and
- provides a rich supply of antioxidants and other nutrients.
Tulsi is especially effective in:
- supporting the heart, blood vessels, liver and lungs and, also,
- regulates blood pressure and blood sugar.
Recent studies suggest that Tulsi may be a COX-2 inhibitor, like many modern painkillers, due to its high concentration of eugenol (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4- allylbenzene). The anti-flu property of Tulsi has been discovered by medical experts across the world quite recently. Tulsi improves the body's overall defence mechanism including its ability to fight viral diseases.
To make tulsi an indelible part of our culture, the most memorable story about this humble plant is this one:
Tulsi was the devoted wife of Jalandhar, a celestial being. She believed that Vishnu had tricked her into sinning which caused her husband to die. So, she cursed Vishnu to become a stone (Shaligram).
On seeing her devotion, Vishnu blessed her by saying that she would become the sacred plant whose leaves will be used to worship Vishnu.
Tulsi also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Shri Vishnu. Women worship the tulsi plant for a happy married life.
According to a story in the Bhagavad Gita, Satyabhama once weighed Shri Krishna against all her legendary wealth. The scales did not balance till a single tulsi leaf was also placed on the scales by Rukmini, with devotion. Thus, the tulsi played the vital role of demonstrating to the world that even a small object offered with devotion means more to God than all the wealth in the world.
The tulsi leaf has great medicinal value and is used to mitigate the effects of various ailments including the common cold. Devotees offer water to the tulsi plant every day and do either one or four parikramas of the plant. This removes the evil effects of the sins.
Tulsi mantra while doing parikrama
Yanikanicha papani brahma hatya adikanicha
Tatsarvam vilayam yati tulsi tvat pradakshinath
Tulsi Pranam mantra
Mahaprasad janani sarvasowbhagya vardhini
Adhivyadhi haree nityam tulsi tvam namosthute
Tulsi mantra while plucking the leaves: either take the name of Shri Ram and pluck the leaves or recite
Krishnaya Vasudevaya Devaki Nandanayacha
Nandgop kumaraya Govindaya namonamah
For more on how to perform the tulsi puja, click here
Or, to watch a video on the marvels of tulsi, click here
