Thulasi

  • Botanical Name : Ocimum tenuiflorum
  • English Name : Holy Basil
  • Sanskrit Name : Thulasi
  • Malayalam Name : Thulasi (തുളസി)
  • Part Used : Leaf
About Image

Overview

  • Holy basil, revered in Hinduism as a manifestation of the goddess Lakshmi, is sacred to Vaishnavites. The plant is believed to increase piety, foster meditation, purify, and protect.

Habitat

  • Holy basil is a small annual or short-lived perennial shrub, up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in height, with hairy stems and fragrant green or purple leaves.
  • The small tubular flowers, purple or white, have green or purple sepals and are borne in terminal spikes. Native to the Indian subcontinent, it grows throughout Southeast Asia.

Phytochemistry

  • Thulasi contains active compounds, including linalol, eugenol, methylchavicol, methylcinnamat, linolen, ocimene, pinene, cineol, anethol, estragol, thymol, citral, and camphor.
Nutritional Prowess Image

Nutritional Prowess

  • Thulasi’s antibacterial and antiviral properties fight infections, and its juice with black pepper powder cures periodic fevers.
  • Compounds like Ocimumosides A and B reduce stress and balance neurotransmitters, while anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation and blood pressure.
  • Thulasi’s phytochemicals have antioxidant properties, protecting against skin, liver, oral, and lung cancers.
  • It plays a role in cardiovascular disease treatment by lowering blood lipid content, suppressing ischemia and stroke, and reducing hypertension.
  • Thulasi leaves lower blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients.
  • Thulasi detoxifies the body, has diuretic properties, and relieves indigestion, loss of appetite, flatulence, and bloating.
  • Dried thulasi leaves repel insects when mixed with stored grains.
  • Acts on mouth for comprehensive oral health care.
  • Thulasi has physical and mental health benefits, providing revitalising and stress relief after a tiring day.

Dermatological Perks

  • Thulasi clears blemishes and acne, preventing premature aging with its antioxidants.
  • Effective for treating skin conditions like eczema, providing long-lasting relief from itching and irritation.
  • Thulasi brightens the skin and tightens pores when mixed with egg.
  • High levels of vitamin C in thulasi make it a natural skin-brightening ingredient, reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation for an even skin tone.

Follicular Fortification

  • Thulasi strengthens hair roots, preventing hair loss.
  • Its antifungal properties prevent fungus and dandruff development.
  • Prevents premature greying of hair, keeps the scalp healthy, promotes blood circulation, reduces hair grease, and prevents scalp itchiness.
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