Page 33 - NAMAH-Jan-2018

Namah Tulsi, holy basil: a gentle energy tonic

hypoglycemia, bleeding disorders or those on References
anti-coagulant or anti-platelet drugs. Avoid if
trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding. 1. Mondal, S, Mirdha B, Mahapatra S.The science
behind sacredness of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum
Toxicity Linn.). Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2009; New
Delhi, All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
No toxicity has been reported following short or
long-term administration of tulsi at standard 2. Jamshidi N, Cohen M. The Clinical Efficacy
doses. and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic
Review of the Literature. Article ID 9217567.
Summary Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative
Medicine Volume 2017.
Modern scientific studies have demonstrated
that tulsi is effective in treating eating a range 3. Ibid.
of stressful conditions. Within AAyurveda, it is
more commonly recommended as a preventive 4. Ibid.
measure to enhance the ability to adapt to
both psychological and physical stress and 5. Ibid.
therefore prevent the development of stress-
related diseases. Both of these findings are 6. Cohen MMJ. Tulsi — Ocimum sanctum: A Herb
significant. Clinical trial data are indicative of for all Reasons. Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014 Oct-
the broad power and diverse health benefits Dec; 5(4): 251-9. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.146554.
of tulsi.
7. Rai V, Iyer U., Mani UV. Effect of Tulasi (Ocimum
Conclusion sanctum) leaf powder supplementation on
blood sugar levels, serum lipids and tissue
Tulsi is at the top of the green herbal pantheon. lipids in diabetic rats. Plant Foods Hum.Nutr.
It is beautiful, aromatic and divinely refreshing. 1997; 50(1): 9-16.
Modern-day scientific research into tulsi
demonstrates many psychological and 8. Jockers D. How Holy Basil Helps Your Body Adapt
physiological benefits and provides a testament to Stress & Reduce Cancer Growth [Online]
to the wisdom inherent in Hinduism and Available from: https://thetruthaboutcancer.
AAyurveda, which celebrate tulsi as a plant com/holy-basil-benefits/ [Accessed 10th
that can be worshipped, ingested, made October 2018].
into tea and used for medicinal and spiritual
purposes. The herb can be used to include 9. Gunes A. Holy Basil for Cancer Treatment [Online]
in our day-to-day cooking, whether fresh Available from: https://www.naturalnewsblogs.
or dried. Tulsi is affordable, accessible and com/holy-basil-cancer-treatment/ [Accessed
very palatable as a tea or extract. We 10 October 2018].
th
recommend daily consumption of tulsi
or holy basil tea as a foundational diet 10. Cohen MMJ. Tulsi– Ocimum sanctum: A herb
and lifestyle practice. for all reasons: 251-9.

33