Tulasi (Also pronounced as Tulsi) is a holy plant in India. It is found in almost every household, either inside the house or by the entrance. It's a plant that is worshipped as a Goddess, and is often offered to Lord Vishnu during temple puja.
They say:
"Every home with a Tulasi plant is a place of pilgrimage, and no diseases, no messengers of Lord Yama (the God of Death) can enter it."- Skandapurana
This herb grows widely all over India, and is highly valuable for its medicinal properties. There are many varieties, but the most popular ones are the black (Krishna Tulasi) and white (Shiva Tulasi) variety.
We have many Tulasi plants growing in our garden, and I regularly make use of them. Either directly eating the leaf, or making tea out of it- which tastes great and is divine for the body!
"Lift Me Up"
Tulasi is fantastic to take when you are feeling a little under the weather, or if you already have a cold or a flue. It is extremely beneficial in removing any excess mucus or sputum in the respiratory passages. It can help to heal coughs, fever, flue, cold, bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma. It is energizing, cleansing, and curative. My favorite recipe for the "Lift Me Up" drink is:
- a bunch of tulasi leaves
- lemongrass
- ginger
- lemon
- honey
Boil in hot water for 15 minutes, and start sipping... and sipping... and sipping... it's so tasty you won't want to stop, yet at the same time very healing.
Anti- Stress
Tulasi is very good to reduce the level of stress and anxiety. It is calming for the mind, as it is an extremely sāttvic herb. It also helps to reduce headaches, and is said to increase memory power!
Insect Bites
Tulasi is known to drive away all mosquitoes. This is another reason why people keep this plant by their doors or backyards. If you do get bitten, don't worry, tulasi can still help! Apply a paste of tulasi on the bite (any kind of insect bite) and it will help to heal and remove the itching.
Skin
Tulasi is very beneficial for the skin. It can treat acne and pimples, eczema, ringworm and dark spots. Taking Tulasi internally as well as applying a paste on the skin will allow its anti-inflammatory, and anti-septic properties to work. It is said to be a strong anti-oxidant as well, giving one an all-round lift and glow!
When picking Tulasi leaves, they say to take them either in the morning or late afternoon. Never pick them at night. There is even a specific mantra to chant when picking the leaves. It goes like this:
Tulasi amrta janmasi
Sadā tvam keshavapriya
keshavartam chinomi tvam
varadā bhava shobhane
Try to get a Tulasi plant for your own home. Not only will it bring great blessings and grace, but it will also be of great use for your health. It's an overall health and immunity booster, and will keep you young, healthy and strong!
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