Tulsi Legend
Hindus revere Tulsi as a goddess in the form of a plant bestowed with great spiritual and healing powers. According to legend, no amount of gold could outweigh Krishna, but a single Tulsi leaf placed on the pan in loving devotion tilted the scale.

In Europe, as it traveled west along the early trade routes from the Orient, Tulsi became known to Christians as sacred or holy basil, and was hailed as “The King of Herbs.” Holy Basil became routinely included in legends, offerings and worship rituals and was looked on by many as a gift of Christ.

Tulsi in Modern Society
The mental and biological stressors of the demanding and rapidly changing social and physical environments of modern urban life are leading factors in illness and premature death throughout the industrialized nations, and are emerging as health crises in developing countries worldwide.

Stress-related disorders, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological dementia, arthritis and other autoimmune disorders have almost become synonymous with Western-style material progress. Furthermore, many modern medical treatments entail substantial adverse side effects and compounding secondary health risks.

A significant complementary role is emerging for traditional herbal medicines and holistic approaches to health in the prevention and treatment of the pervasive illnesses of modern civilization. Recognizing the importance of broadening Western medical perspectives, the World Health Organization has recommended that traditional health and folk medicine systems be integrated with modern medical therapies to more effectively address health problems worldwide.

Substantial evidence has accumulated that, in addition to Tulsi’s many specific therapeutic applications, the herb’s powerful general adaptogenic properties offer significant preventative and curative potential with respect to the stress-related degenerative diseases endemic to industrialized societies. Ongoing clinical investigation of Tulsi’s health promoting qualities is sure to bear rich fruit.

Relatively little known in the West, the holy basil Tulsi is certain to emerge in the near future as a major player in the growing field of herbal health supplements and medicines, both in daily self-care and in professionally managed health care systems.


Tulsi Actions