The Holy Basil

Though Ayurvedic doctors and Hindu priests are from entirely different fields, they agree that holy basil plant holds immense medicinal value. They encourage everyone irrespective of any race, caste, religion and belief to consume this commonly available plant as an important herb. 

No doubt, the Ayurveda is the oldest holistic method of medication developed in the Asian continent thousands years ago. It focuses on maintaining a balance among the mind, body, and spirit. It pleads for the people’s everlasting good health. So, Ayurveda suggests consumption of medicines comparatively for longer period of time. Ayurvedic medicines are made in pests, tablets and in other forms. It may suggest consuming herbs and shrubs directly as well. Among herbs and shrubs, the holy basil has a prominent place in Ayurveda.

Ayurvedic doctors say that the holy basil, popularly known as Tulasi in Nepali, is called ‘the queen of the herbs’ for its restorative quality. They add that this plant has been used to heal stress and natural detoxification, and restore balance and harmony in the body since ancient time. Every part of this plant - stems, roots, leaves, flowers and seeds - have been used for curing multiple diseases. The plant is also enriched with Vitamin A, C and K. It is full of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, protein, fibre, iron and potassium. Therefore, its commercial farming and culinary use can help us remain healthy. 

On the other hand, Hindu priests often highlight the religious value of Tulasi and share mythical stories of Lord Bishnu, Krishna and Goddess Laxmi enthusiastically. They feel proud that Hindus had, for the first time, known about the importance of Tulasi and used it as a medicine. There are many varieties of Tulasi. Generally, perennial varieties are not worshipped. Light-coloured is called Ram Tulasi, and the dark-coloured one is called Shyam Tulasi.   

According to the Nepali Calendar, today is the 11th lunar day of the bright fortnight of the month of the Asar Shuklapaksha. Thus, Hindus mark today as Harishyani Ekadashi, and sacred day for planting Tulasi at the northeast corner of courtyard of the house. Tulasi plant should be watered every morning, except on Sundays, solar eclipse and lunar eclipse. The leaves of the plant should not be plucked after the sunset.  

Priests add a legend that Harishyani Ekadashi is described in the Veda as an important day for planting the holy basil plant because on this day Lord Bishnu goes to sleep in the Sheer Sagar for four months and wakes up on the Haribodhani Ekadashi that falls on the 11th lunar day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartik. 

In this regard, Ayurveda doctors say that despite sectorial and religious parametres, the present-day society should be aware of the medical properties basil plant. The government is required to inspire citizens to farm this herb commercially. And, the medical persons should start prescribing people to use basil’s leaves, stems and flowers to boost their immune system, cure digestive disorders, and heal respiratory problems. 

The juice of Tulasi with triphala, a mixture of three vital herbal plants, is used as an eye tonic. It is a potent adaptoginic herb used to increase the resistance to stress as well. It is also one of the finest medicinal herbs for maintaining oral health because it fights off streptococcus, a major cause of tooth decay, bad breath, gum diseases and mouth ulcers.