HERBAL WEALTH

Ayurveda is the most ancient as well as comprehensive herbal medicine. In an amazing feat thousands of years ago sages have accurately recorded the medicinal properties of each part of thousands of herbs. Herbs from snow clad Himalayas to sea washed Kanyakumari, the southern tip of committed India, were meticulously recorded by ancient botanists. Successive generations continued the research and perfected the medicines.

Kerala, tucked away in the South western corner of India can claim, the most perfected herbal medicinal heritage. Geographical location, climate, presence of extensive forest area and love for herbs have made Kerala one of the rare herbariums of the world.

Featured here are the most valuable herbs used in Ayurveda, Siddha, Marma and Kalari therapy.

Tulsi (Holy Basil) the king of herbs

A common sight in most homes, the tulsi plant has many medicinal and curative properties. There are at least 150 varieties of basil in the world.

The Tulsi plant seen in most Hindu homes, is known as the Holy or Sacred Basil (Botanical name: Ocimum Sanctum). It is an aromatic herb. The leaves of this plant are used in worship and also have medicinal and curative properties. The name probably comes from the Greek Besileus, meaning "King". There are at least 150 varieties of basil in the world.

In the olden days, temples served as rest-houses for travellers. The Tulsi plant was grown outside the temples because of its unique property of curbing thirst. A couple of leaves under the tongue and the weary traveller looking for water would fee less thirsty. The basil, a native of India, reached western Europe only in the 16th century. Now it is widely grown all over the world.

Every part of the tulsi plant, from roots to leaves, possesses health-giving properties. Its use as a medicine in different ailments has been known from ancient times in the Ayurvedic system. The leaves of the basil yield an essential oil which contains eugenol, carvacrol, methyl eugenol and caryophyllene. It has the property of destroying bacteria and insects. The juice of the leaves is used in treatment of bronchitis and gastric disorders.

The leaves act as a nerve tonic and sharpen the memory. They promote the removal of catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tubes. Chewing tulsi leaves is said to cure a headache. For severe migraine, inhale the essential oil of basil dropped in boiling water, or drink basil tea.

It is widely believed that the juice of tulsi leaves, mixed with a little honey, taken daily is good for health. If a couple of leaves have been added while boiling the water for tea, it has a distinct flavour and taste, and is also good for health. It is also soothing and relieves tension. Made with either fresh or dried tulsi leaves, basil tea brings about a mild perspiration and with the addition of a pinch of ground cloves and cinnamon, it reduces fever as well.

Tulsi juice helps to combat vomiting. To combat a general feeling of nausea or queasiness, try simmering a pinch of freshly grated ginger with a few leaves of basil in a mug of hot water for 10 minutes and drink it. juice helps to combat vomiting. To combat a general feeling of nausea or queasiness, try simmering a pinch of freshly grated ginger with a few leaves of basil in a mug of hot water for 10 minutes and drink it. juice helps to combat vomiting. To combat a general feeling of nausea or queasiness, try simmering a pinch of freshly grated ginger with a few leaves of basil in a mug of hot water for 10 minutes and drink it.

'The leaf juice when taken orally is found to be effective in the treatment of ear-ache. A mix of tulsi juice and lime helps control ringworm. Chewing tulsi leaves daily ensures that worms do not thrive. It is an antiseptic and relieves pain, cures, insomnia and eases vertigo and epilepsy. Recent studies show that tulsi also helps fight cancer.

Herbal Garden