Holy Basil Seeds
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Botanical name: (Ocimum tenuiflorum) Also Known As: Tulsi basil, holy basil, or Thai holy basil Basil, typically used in the area of culinary arts, helps relieve flatulence and fullness. Traditionally, this sacred herb native to the Indian subcontinent was used to treat colds and flus, gas, nausea, pain and arthritis. It has also been shown to have antioxidant and anti–inflammatory properties, and as such may be able to protect the body from damage. However, recently many researchers are focusing on holy basil as a cholesterol and diabetes treatment, as the herb has shown some promise in treating both of these conditions. Studies have illustrated that the holy basil plant has cholesterol lowering properties, as well as the ability to reduce triglyceride levels. Holy basil has similar effects to diabetes medications and may mimic the effects of insulin in the body. The meditational qualities of Holy Basil (Tulsi) and the authentic high altitude, aged Patchouli we offer, when ground and made into a tea or a smoke, are widely popular amidst Sadhus (mendicants) and is used used for enhancing the dreams, meditations and calming the spirit. Holy basil (O. sanctum, O. tenuiflorum) is a sacred herb in India, where it is used in religious ceremonies and planted around Hindu temples and sacred groves. Sacred groves are believed to be the abode of certain deities or spirits. Both become powerful visionary herbs for dreamers when mixed together, and many report that they like if better than the world-famous Calea zacatechichi. Holy basil originates in the tropical parts of Asia, but its distribution has been expanded by humans to many tropical regions of the world. It is a highly sacred plant in Hindu religion where it is dedicated to Vishnu. It has a sweet clove-like fragrance. Because of its holiness it is not used as a food in the Indian sub-continent. Origins Holy basil is native to tropical Asia but has been dispersed by humans so that it now grows in many tropical parts of the world. It is a sacred plant in Hindu religion, and has been cultivated in India in courtyards or temples, and in pots in homes, for about 3000 years. Holy basil has been cultivated in India for thousands of years. History The history of the plant in South Asia is closely linked with folklore and mythology. It represents Vishnupriya or Beloved of Vishnu, since it is believed to be the embodiment of the goddess Lakshmi, the spouse of Vishnu. What is apparent is that it has been valued and cultivated since ancient times in India as an intimate link between the household and the spiritual world. The Aryans, who structured the forms of Hinduism, were nature-worshippers and their poetry and imagery were rich with the evocation of nature. Perhaps they were drawn to holy basil because of its fragrance and delicacy. It may also have been already well-entrenched in the myths of the indigenous people and from there absorbed into Hinduism. Holy basil is mentioned in the Rig Veda, written in about 1500 BC, and its holiness is celebrated in the Puranas. It is highly regarded in the Ayurvedic system of medicine and is noted in medical treatises such the Charaka Samhita written between the 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD. Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration, and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. We at eSutras do not recommend internal use of supplements or herbs without prior consultation with your doctor or herbalist. |
