Tulsi is an aromatic perennial shrub growing to about 75cm. As its Latin name implies it is considered to be a very sacred plant. It is used externally as a poultice for fungal infections and boils, also an excellent herb for fevers, colds and coughs.
Benefits of Holy basil: Skin diseases, first stages of many cancer, cough, cold, respiratory problems, asthma, arthritis, improves memory, sinus headache, blood and heart tonic, strengthens nerve tissue, relieves depression, improves digestion, headache, bronchitis, colon diseases, rheumatism, gum problems.
Action: Antispasmodic, anthelminthic, carminative, stomachic, antiasthmatic, antirheumatic, stimulant, antiperiodic, antipyretic, diaphoretic, demulcent, expectorant, anticatarrhal
Useful parts: Leaves.
Dosage: 1–9g per day dried or 5–15ml per day.
Energetics
Rasa (taste): Pungent, bitter
Vırya(energy): Heating
Vipaka (post-digestive effect): Pungent
Guna (quality): Dry, light
Dosa effect: VK−, P+
Dhatu(tissue): Plasma, blood, nerve, reproductive
Srotas (channel): Respiratory, digestive, nervous, circulatory, urinary.
Preparation: Decotion, powder, juice.
Classical and common names
Ayurvedic: Tulasi, Surasaa, Surasa, Bhuutaghni, Suravalli, Sulabhaa, Manjarikaa, Bahumanjari, Devadundubhi, Apet-raakshasi, Shuulaghni, Graamya, Sulabhaa.
English: Holy Basil, Sacred Basil.
Botanical Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum
Species: Ocimum tenuiflorum