What are some of the historical and traditional uses of tulsi?

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    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    Tulsi has been used as an herbal medicine for thousands of years, most notably in traditional Indian systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. Tulsi is referred to as “the incomparable one”, “the queen of herbs”, and the “elixir of life”, with importance as both a medicine and a sacred plant with spiritual properties.[1]

    Tulsi has been used generally to promote mental and physical health and well-being and for the prevention and treatment of various conditions. Its uses are far-reaching, including infection, pain, skin diseases, wounds, fever, cough, asthma, epilepsy, diarrhea, and bites from snakes, insects, or scorpions.[1][2][3]

    Beyond its use as a medicine, tulsi is considered a sacred plant and is used in various spiritual practices and religious ceremonies. Tulsi can often be found growing in the courtyards of Hindi households, where its presence signifies a connection to the divine.[1]

    References

    1. ^Marc Maurice CohenTulsi - Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasonsJ Ayurveda Integr Med.(2014 Oct-Dec)
    2. ^Dharsono HDA, Putri SA, Kurnia D, Dudi D, Satari MHSpecies: A Review on Chemical Constituents and Antibacterial Activity.Molecules.(2022-Sep-26)
    3. ^Jamshidi N, Cohen MMThe Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.(2017)