Description

Dr. Jain’s Tulsi Oil

What Is Tulsi Oil

Tulsi oil is extracted from holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), a species of basil that is native to the Indian subcontinent. This bushy plant can grow from 2 to 3 feet tall, with serrated oval leaves that can range from light green to purple (depending on the variety). Tulsi plants also produce spikes of small pink or lavender blossoms, and fruits that are reminiscent of rust-colored nuts.

The tulsi plant is highly sensitive to frost and thrives best in warm Mediterranean climates, just as other basil species do. But while it grows best out in the garden, you can still grow this herb indoors.Because of its many beneficial properties, tulsi has been dubbed the “Queen of Herbs. The name itself translates to “the incomparable one,” which probably refers to the numerous health benefits it can provide.

Tulsi is one of the principle herbs of India’s ancient holistic health system called Ayurveda. In fact, Ayurveda means “knowledge of life,” and herbs are at the center of this practice. This is why it’s not surprising that tulsi oil has also garnered considerable attention, particularly because of its soothing effects. The unique fragrance and medicinal qualities that holy basil oil offers definitely make it deserving of the title “elixir of life.

Tulsi oil has a sharp, fresh, earthy and minty fragrance that’s described to be similar to licorice.It is pale yellow and has a thin consistency.

Uses of Tulsi Oil

In India, tulsi is an herb that is considered sacred, mainly because it represents the goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Vishnu, who is one of Hinduism’s most important deities. There is even an ancient custom in India to worship the plant twice a day, water it and place lamps near it, once in the morning and then at night. Hindus believed that it brings good luck while protecting their family from evil and harm.

Every part of the plant, from the leaves to the seeds, have astounding uses for the body. For example, the whole plant can be used to alleviate vomiting, nausea and diarrhea, while mixing the leaves and seeds with black pepper may have potent effects against malaria. Pills and ointments made from tulsi may be effective against eczema, while an alcohol extract can work for eye problems and insect bites. Fresh tulsi flowers are said to ease bronchitis symptoms.

In fact, there’s a belief that even being physically close to a tulsi plant can protect you from different infections. It’s said that adding a few leaves in food or drinking water may help purify and kill germs in it. Even smelling it may help protect against coughs, colds and other viruses.

Tulsi oil, in particular, is said to be effective for warding off insects, when used as a bug repellent. All that you need to do is dilute the essential oil in a safe carrier oil or purified water, and then apply it to the body (make sure that you have no sensitivities to this plant before doing this). Diluted tulsi oil may also work as a good deodorizer to help eliminate body odor.

Composition of Tulsi Oil

Eugenole makes up a large bulk of tulsi oil’s composition, in some cases up to 85 percent. This is the same constituent that gives clove oil its significant fragrance, which is why these two oils have occasionally been confused with each other. Other beneficial compounds in tulsi oil include estragole, 1,8-Cineole, B-Bisabolene and (Z)-a-Bisabolene.

Benefits of Tulsi Oil

Both the tulsi plant and the essential oil made from it offer wholesome health benefits, such as: