Elixir of life

Tulsi or Indian basil is commonly found in all villages in India. Almost everybody is well aware of its medicinal qualities and owing to its healing properties, it is called the `elixir of life’ by many.

The plant is reverred by Hindus; they see the plant as an embodiment of Goddess Tulsi. The ancient Indian sages believed that the plant had spiritual properties. They identified its medicinal properties too, which were later made use of in many an ayurvedic treatment The plant is an adaptogen, which enhances the body’s resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety etc and thus it helps manage the stress. In short, tulsi handles physical and psychological challenges of a person which in turn helps prevent the occurrence of many a disease.

Tulsi is known for its ability to strengthen the immune system. The antibiotic and antiviral properties of the plant have been identified by the ancient Ayurvedic practitioners, so they included it in many healing therapies. The plant also has antifungal properties and it enhances the antibody production.

If you are an Indian, you might have watched your grandma preparing a concoction with tulsi leaves, whenever she is down with a cold, fever or headache. Apart from curing these above- mentioned diseases, tulsi can act as a healing agent for digestive disorders and inflammation. In Ayurvedic treatment, the plant is mainly used for rectifying the vata and kapha disorders and it helps in bringing back equilibrium of the body humours.