Kitchen Klinic

Tulsi or Holy Basil

Botanical Name – Ocimum sanctum

In ancient times, this plant was planted all over the house especially in the front yard (mitham) in a tulsi kund or madam. This is used for worship.

The tulsi plant has the power to keep off mosquitoes and other insects. It has anti-bacterial and anti-viral qualities.

A few tulsi leaves taken daily along with tender neem leaves acts as a detoxification and helps in the immune system.

A few leaves given to school going children keep them free from infection and make them mentally alert.

Chewing few of these leaves prevent from any gum infection and cures mouth sores and ulcers.

Other healing uses:

For hearing - A few drop of this juice (filtered) is used as ear drops, helps in healing dullness of hearing and loosening of wax in the ear.

For bad stomach, cough, and piles – A half spoon of tulsi seeds mixed with half spoon of honey and quarter spoon of jeera powder, along with two to three crushed pepper corns is given for bad stomach, cough, and piles.

For fever – A cupful of tulsi leaves with 4 cups of water is boiled and reduced to 2.5 cups. This decoction is given to bring down fever, also used to bring down viral fever, malaria, and dengue.

For very high fever – The above decoction is prepared by adding a small piece of dry ginger (sukku), a little jeera, powdered cardamom and few pieces of pana kalkkandu (palm candy).

As gargling agent against bad breath and sore throat – Tulsi leaves are boiled in water along with a small piece of adhi madhuram, and a little chittaratai (liquid), and a generous pinch of common salt. This liquid in a little quantity in a tolerant heat is taken as gargling solution in the morning and evening and the rest can be consumed warm.

For function of kidneys – Ground paste of basil leaves and honey is given daily once for three to six months to strengthen the kidneys and for removal of any obstructions in the urinary tract.

For Pyorrhea – Ground basil leaves with ¼ teaspoon of mustard seeds is used to remove mouth infection and strengthen gums.