When the British colonizers arrived in India, one of the major problems they faced was the invasion of mosquitoes. To address this issue, they utilized traditional Indian knowledge and widely planted a species of plant around their residences and in Bengal. This plant is referred to as “Holy Basil” in English. Its scientific name is OcimumSanctum, and it is known as “Tulsi” in India. This plant, native to India and likely made its way to our country from there.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a plant of the Family Lamiaceae. It is also known as Sweet Basil or Tulsi. It is a tender low-growing herb that is grown as a perennial in warm, tropical climates. Basil is originally native to India and other tropical regions of Asia
In Sri Lanka, this plant is commonly referred to as “Thala,” and various local varieties such as Scented Thala, Tree Thala, and Honey Thala can be found across different regions of the country. In English the name goes as Thai Basil, Lemon Basil,Genevose Basil, Cinnamon Basil ,Opal Basil , Osmin Purple Basil, Lettuce leaf Basil, Greek Basil,African Blue Basil,Italian Large Basil,Lime Baasil,Spicy Globe Basil,and many more all belonging to the same family.
“Tulsi or Basil in English”
Our ancient herbalists recognized its mosquito-repelling properties and other medicinal qualities, referring to the plant as “Maduruthala” and “Heen Maduruthala.” Which is slightly different to the original Basil or Tulsi .Currently, this plant, which was once abundant in jungles and gardens in Sri Lanka, is not easily found?
In Indian Brahmin society, there is a long-standing appreciation for Tulsi within Hindu culture. Various religious perspectives highlight its medicinal properties and Ayurvedic value. According to the renowned Indian nutritionist Sandhya Gugnani, the qualities of Tulsi include its ability to act quickly as an antibacterial and antiviral agent. It is believed to have significant potential in purifying blood in the human body.
Tulsi is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin and hair, contributing to radiance and enhancing immunity, which helps reduce the tendency of the body to age prematurely. Sandhya Gugnani states that one of its special properties is to increase insulin sensitivity in the body, thereby lowering blood sugar levels and acting as a remedy for diabetes.
In Hindu tradition, it is customary to place a few Tulsi leaves in the mouth of a deceased person. This practice is not just a cultural ritual; it has a scientific basis as well. The antibacterial properties of Tulsi help in rapidly breaking down toxins in a dead body, making the process of decomposition more efficient.
A well-grown and fully developed Holy Basil, also known as the Tulsi plant, typically grows to a height of 75 to 90 centimetres. Its leaves are about 5 centimetres long, with the edges being fully or partially serrated. The variety with red leaves is called “Krishna Tulsi,” and another variety with green leaves is known as “Rama Tulsi.”
The flowers that grow on the plant are purplish with a reddish hue, and red or yellow seeds develop on a long cylindrical spike. The leaves contain an essential oil, and due to this volatile nature, the plant emits a distinctive aroma, which also serves as a repellent against mosquitoes and other insects. This plant holds a sacred position in the Hindu religious tradition and is widely regarded as a household medicinal plant in Ayurvedic medicine.
In Hindu belief, the goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, is also known as Tulsi. According to Hindu myths and beliefs, during the great battle between the gods and demons, the god Dhanvantari churned the ocean, and from it emerged Amrita (the nectar of immortality). When this Amrita was distributed among the gods, a drop of it fell to the earth, giving birth to the Tulsi plant. For this reason, it is revered as a sacred plant among devout Hindus, including the Urdu-speaking Indian community and particularly the Malayalis in Kerala, who hold it in high spiritual esteem.
In Hindu belief, Lakshmi, the wife of the main deity Vishnu, is also known as Tulsi. According to Hindu religious myths and beliefs, during the great battle between the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras), the god Dhanvantari churned the ocean of milk, from which Amrita (the nectar of immortality) emerged. While distributing the Amrita among the gods, a drop of it fell to the earth, and from that drop, the Tulsi plant was born. Due to this, devout Hindus, including the Urdu-speaking Indian community, and particularly the Malayali people of Kerala, hold the Tulsi plant in great reverence and worship.
According to their belief, pouring water on this sacred plant twice a day is considered an offering to Vishnu. They believe that doing so brings protection from Vishnu and prevents negative forces from affecting their home. Additionally, they believe that the leaves of the Tulsi plant are used in the garland worn by Lord Krishna, who is one of Vishnu’s avatars. For this reason, the plant is often grown in all four corners of the home. Women especially believe that by worshipping this plant, they can receive good health and prosperity from Goddess Lakshmi.
Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, a Clinical Operations Manager in India, has stated that the volatile aromatic oils present in Tulsi have a highly positive effect on the human respiratory system. He believes that its antioxidant properties help to manage high blood pressure, diabetes, and stress caused by complications related to these conditions. It has also been recognized that the “linoleic acid” naturally present in Tulsi has the ability to nourish human skin.
As a household remedy, Tulsi has the potential to alleviate a wide range of bacterial and viral infections, from common fevers to more serious conditions. It has been found to boost immunity against illnesses such as fever, headaches, throat infections, sore throats, colds, respiratory disorders, coughs, and asthma. Additionally, it reduces the risk of kidney stones, and according to reports from the Central Drug Research Institute in Lucknow, India, Tulsi helps in maintaining normal levels of physical stress. It is also believed to be highly effective in preventing dental diseases and gum inflammation, as well as in the treatment of conditions such as hepatitis, malaria, dengue, and tuberculosis.
It is said that mixing powdered Tulsi roots with sesame oil and using it can act as an aphrodisiac and a sexual stimulant. In cases of snake bites, applying the juice of Tulsi leaves on the bite area can serve as a preliminary treatment to reduce the effects of the venom until medical help arrives.
For conditions such as colds, runny noses, and coughs in children, crushing fresh Tulsi leaves, mixing them with sugar, and preparing syrup to be given daily is said to produce beneficial results. In the case of malaria, Ayurvedic medicine recommends a decoction made by boiling Tulsi with Vishnukranthi and fresh ginger, which when consumed daily, helps in alleviating the symptoms.
It is also believed that massaging Tulsi leaves with castor oil can cure severe boils and leprosy. For conditions such as loss of appetite and heartburn, consuming tablets made from Tulsi seeds and dried ginger offers relief. Additionally, preparing a poultice by mashing Tulsi leaves or using medicinal concoctions made from its leaves, stem, and roots is effective in reducing bone and joint pain. Boiling Tulsi leaves with Indian sarsaparilla or coriander is said to reduce fevers.
In some remote villages in Sri Lanka, locals use Tulsi leaves in place of betel leaves when chewing betel.
Drying Tulsi leaves and preparing them like tea leaves, then consuming the tea, can reduce the risk of various cancers affecting organs such as the mouth and liver. Tulsi is known for its remarkable ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It is also suitable for enhancing the flavour and quality of food, similar to how curry leaves are used. Adding a few Tulsi leaves to meals not only improves taste but also increases the nutritional value. A simple yet highly medicinal Tulsi tea can be made by taking 10-15 Tulsi leaves, a half teaspoon of ginger pieces, and a quarter teaspoon of Indian sarsaparilla powder, boiling them in three cups of water for about 10 minutes, and then mixing it with lemon juice and honey. This drink is both rich in flavour and health benefits.
Although Tulsi is not highly recognized in Sri Lanka at present, you can plant it in your garden, yard, or even in pots inside your home to enjoy both its ornamental and medicinal qualities. This plant can be easily grown in any region of Sri Lanka. With its tiny seeds, Tulsi can produce a large number of seedlings with minimal effort. It is a plant that deserves a place in every garden, yard, and home.
Chandula Samarasinghe
