Worshipping of Tulsi Plant

Rituals are most often associated with religious faiths or beliefs but in actually they exist throughout our daily lives under other names. Some are habits, some are routines or duties. All of them are patterns that we follow in the performance of daily tasks. Rituals remind us of what is important and provide a sense of stability and continuity in our lives. And one such ritual is to worship the Tulsi plant.

The Tulsi or holy Basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition. It has been an age old custom in India to worship it twice daily, water it and light lamps near it, once in the morning and once in the evening. It was, and still is, believed that it would protect the whole family from evils and bring good luck. Basil leaves have also been an inevitable part of all worships since ages.

 This holy basil is also an herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. It has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its many healing properties.

Modern scientific research offers impressive 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.

Tulsi plant serves as a fabulous repellant in fighting against flies, mosquitoes and insects. It is especially valuable in combating malarial fever. Thus, holy basil (Tulsi) helped to abate the growth of mosquitoes and control malaria. 

There are numerous uses of Tulsi plant. The plant is increasingly finding its way in the Ayurvedic treatment of diseases. Tulsi leaves are widely used due to their healing power. It is a tonic for the nervous system and thus, helps a great deal in sharpening the memory. This aromatic plant supports the removal of phlegm and catarrhal matter from the bronchial tube. It also works wonders in preventing stomach disorders. The herb Tulsi is known to cure the respiratory disorders. The decoction prepared by mixing honey, ginger and Tulsi leaves is quite helpful in combating bronchitis, influenza and asthma. 

The unique chemistry of Tulsi is highly complex. Tulsi contains hundreds of beneficial compounds known as photo-chemicals. Working together, these compounds possess strong antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, adaptogenic, and immune-enhancing properties that promote general health and support the body's natural defense against stress and diseases. The essential oils in the leaves of Tulsi that contribute to the fragrance and refreshing flavor of Tulsi Tea, are a particularly rich source of valuable photo-chemicals.

The leaves of Tulsi plant are extremely beneficial during the rainy season, when diseases like malaria and dengue victimize the country. Boil the tender leaves of Tulsi in tea and give it to the patient. The juice extracted from Tulsi leaves serves as the best remedy to bring down fever. Tulsi is an essential ingredient in the preparation of Ayurvedic cough syrups. It is highly useful in getting rid of cold and flu. Even, for sore throat, the leaves of medicinal plant Tulsi is of great value.

Tulsi also has the ability to strengthen the kidneys. For those suffering from the problem of renal kidney stones, the decoction prepared by mixing the juice of Tulsi leaves with honey, if taken sincerely for six consecutive months can oust these stones via the urinary tract. For maintaining healthy heart, Tulsi is of utmost value. It helps in lowering the level of cholesterol in blood. Thus, Tulsi plant serves as the most effective remedy to combat cardiac diseases.

Hence, we can say that Tulsi is not only known as the personification of bhakti or devotion to the Supreme Being. But, it also has a lot of significance for mankind, due to the manifold medicinal benefits it provides.