Holy Basil or Tulsi - The wonder Herb and some Healthy Recipes

Ocimum sanctum, commonly known as tulsi or holy basil holds great significance to those belonging to the Hindu religion and found in majority of Hindu households where Tulsi is worshipped as a deity and Tulsi Puja is performed by the women of the household. There is a famous templeTulsi Manas Mandir in Varanasi dedicated to this diety. Also there is a festive occasion called the 'Kartik Shukla Dwadashi' which falls two weeks after the celebration of Diwali when the Tulsi Vivah is performed in which tulsi is married to Lord Vishnu. This day also marks the beginning of the auspicious marriage season for Hindus. The beaded necklaces made by using the stems of Tulsi called the tulsi mala are very popular among Hindus. The word Basil seems to have originated from the Greek word basileus which means king or from the Latin word basilicus, meaning dragon. The two varieties of tulsi which is popular in India are called as Rama Tulsi and Krishna Tulsi.

The extracts of Tulsi is used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic and Unani system of medicine. The holy basil is an herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments like fever, coughs, sore throat, stress, mouth infections, insect bites, head aches, bronchitis, asthma etc. Tulsi is one of the most effective adaptogens known and thereby reduce the intensity and negative impact of the stress caused by mental tension, emotional difficulties, poor lifestyle habits, disease and infection, pollution and other factors. Tulsi to be effective in reducing blood sugar levels and in controlling diabetes and cholesterol levels. Some studies also indicate that that Tulsi has anti cancerous properties. Because of the detoxifying properties of this herb it is said to purify the blood of toxins. It is also used fresh in cooked recipes and is generally added at the last moment. This Herb goes very well with Tomato and two healthy recipes which can be made with this combination are tomato basil salad and soup. Dried seeds of Basil soaked in water (sabza) is used when preparing Indian desserts like falooda. The tulsi tea is also becoming popular among tea drinkers.