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Tulasee

Holy Basil - Botanical name is Ocimum sanctum. It is known as Tulasee in Hindee, Gujaraat, Mahaaraashtra, Bangaal, Tamilnaadu states of India and Arab country. It is known as Haripriyaa, Maadhavee and Vrindaa. It has some 60 species, but four species are known very well known - (1) Raamaa Tulasee, (2) Shyaamaa Tulasee, (3) Van Tulasee (Katherak), and (4) Maar Babard.

Hindoo believe that Tulasee is a sacred and Divine plant. Its leaves have medicinal value. In fact not only its leaves, but its all parts have medicinal value, that is why it has a special place in our Hindoo lives. Most Hindoo families try to maintain at least one Tulasee plant in their homes. It contains a kind of volatile oil which has a medicinal value. If this oil is kept for sometime it is solidified and is known as Tulasee Kapoor (Tulasee camphor).

Some Uses
It is believed that wherever Tulasee's plants is, there is no malaria.

Tulasee leaves are put in Panchaamrit and eaten while drinking it; offered to worship Vishnu (Vishnu especially loves Tulasee and does not accept offerings or worship without Tulasee, considered the wife of Vishnu).

Bhagavaan Shaaligraam is a form of Vishnu and he is not worshipped without Tulase leaves.

Its leaves are put in the mouth of a dying person also after he is dead, several leaves are put on various parts of his body. Even its wood is used while burning the dead body.

Its many uses can be found at    http://www.gitapress.org/books/arogya/891/anubhut_prayog__8_.pdf on pages 475-478.

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