<p>Popular for its verdurous colour and invigorating scent, our very own homegrown Tulsi is also known as the Holy Basil.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Metrolife takes a closer look at the herb which is said to have originated more than 5000 years ago and also finds mention in the Bhagvad Gita, wherein Lord Krishna accords it the status of being number one herb in the entire plant kingdom. <br /><br />Considered a major pillar in herbal medicine for all round therapeutic properties, several countries now revere the plant for its curative powers. In Romania, men and women are known to give each other tulsi to celebrate their love, while Persians and Malaysians honour their dead by placing its leaves on their graves. In France and Greece, its leaves are used to ward off insects.<br /><br />In India, tulsi has been used for its healing properties for centuries. Dr BB Goyal, a Naturopath, Yoga teacher and Acupuncture specialist says, “I tell my patients to take at least 2-3 leaves of tulsi everyday as it detoxifies blood and helps in healing and keeping at bay several ailments like cold, cough and infections. Tulsi seeds are known to cure impotency. Pluck the seeds from the top as pulling them horizontally tends to ruin the plant’s growth.”<br /><br />Tulsi is commonly used in homes as a natural healer too. Manasi Goyal, 29, a resident of Rohini calls it, “a natural healing agent” and regularly uses it in cooking. “I depend upon it whenever a health issue crops up in my family. Mothers can rely upon it with closed eyes.” Tulsi is identified with overall physical healing influence. It regulates blood pressure, bowel movement, urination, eliminates nausea, cures skin infections and stomach cramps.<br /><br />There are several kinds of tulsi including Krishna/Shyama, Kaali, Rama and Junglee/vana. Dr. Sumer Chand Gupta, a Naturopath, elucidates remedial effects of tulsi. “It provides relief to patients of malaria, typhoid and influenza and also kills germs. <br /><br />“Scientifically speaking, tulsi energises the entire body system. It can be consumed in the summer with cold water and in winter with warm water.” <br /><br />In mythology, Tulsi was a goddess and devotee of Lord Vishnu who re-incarnated as the plant to express her devotion to Him. Ergo, the plant is revered by millions of Indians across the world. Traditionally water is offered to the plant in the morning after bath and a diya is lighted at sunset.<br /><br />Astrologer Pt. Ramesh Shastri says, “Tulsi should be worshipped by those who have Mercury in an unfavourable position in their charts. Its green carries healing energy. The same remedy is also advised for improving marital relationships.”<br /><br />In Vaastu Shastra, says Pt. Gopal Sharma, “Tulsi plays an eminent role in minimising negative impact of architectural defects in a house. It works as an air ionizer, and re-energises the area afflicted by negative energies, thereby removing the vaastu dosh in that specific zone and filling it with positive energy. Shyama is considered the best and is available easily.”<br /><br />So this summer, purchase a tulsi sapling and plant it for its presence is sure to bestow a therapeutic impact on you, your family, and also your house and its surroundings.<br /></p>
<p>Popular for its verdurous colour and invigorating scent, our very own homegrown Tulsi is also known as the Holy Basil.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Metrolife takes a closer look at the herb which is said to have originated more than 5000 years ago and also finds mention in the Bhagvad Gita, wherein Lord Krishna accords it the status of being number one herb in the entire plant kingdom. <br /><br />Considered a major pillar in herbal medicine for all round therapeutic properties, several countries now revere the plant for its curative powers. In Romania, men and women are known to give each other tulsi to celebrate their love, while Persians and Malaysians honour their dead by placing its leaves on their graves. In France and Greece, its leaves are used to ward off insects.<br /><br />In India, tulsi has been used for its healing properties for centuries. Dr BB Goyal, a Naturopath, Yoga teacher and Acupuncture specialist says, “I tell my patients to take at least 2-3 leaves of tulsi everyday as it detoxifies blood and helps in healing and keeping at bay several ailments like cold, cough and infections. Tulsi seeds are known to cure impotency. Pluck the seeds from the top as pulling them horizontally tends to ruin the plant’s growth.”<br /><br />Tulsi is commonly used in homes as a natural healer too. Manasi Goyal, 29, a resident of Rohini calls it, “a natural healing agent” and regularly uses it in cooking. “I depend upon it whenever a health issue crops up in my family. Mothers can rely upon it with closed eyes.” Tulsi is identified with overall physical healing influence. It regulates blood pressure, bowel movement, urination, eliminates nausea, cures skin infections and stomach cramps.<br /><br />There are several kinds of tulsi including Krishna/Shyama, Kaali, Rama and Junglee/vana. Dr. Sumer Chand Gupta, a Naturopath, elucidates remedial effects of tulsi. “It provides relief to patients of malaria, typhoid and influenza and also kills germs. <br /><br />“Scientifically speaking, tulsi energises the entire body system. It can be consumed in the summer with cold water and in winter with warm water.” <br /><br />In mythology, Tulsi was a goddess and devotee of Lord Vishnu who re-incarnated as the plant to express her devotion to Him. Ergo, the plant is revered by millions of Indians across the world. Traditionally water is offered to the plant in the morning after bath and a diya is lighted at sunset.<br /><br />Astrologer Pt. Ramesh Shastri says, “Tulsi should be worshipped by those who have Mercury in an unfavourable position in their charts. Its green carries healing energy. The same remedy is also advised for improving marital relationships.”<br /><br />In Vaastu Shastra, says Pt. Gopal Sharma, “Tulsi plays an eminent role in minimising negative impact of architectural defects in a house. It works as an air ionizer, and re-energises the area afflicted by negative energies, thereby removing the vaastu dosh in that specific zone and filling it with positive energy. Shyama is considered the best and is available easily.”<br /><br />So this summer, purchase a tulsi sapling and plant it for its presence is sure to bestow a therapeutic impact on you, your family, and also your house and its surroundings.<br /></p>