In Āyurveda
Tulasī is planted, watered and bowed to before it is ever brewed; medicine as a form of daily devotion. The texts list it among the expectorant and fever-supporting herbs; the households of India simply call it “the incomparable one”.
Dravya profile · Tulasī
- Part used
- Leaf (and whole aerial plant)
- Tastes
- pungent, bitter
- Properties
- heating, light, dry, sharp
- Doshas
- vāta + · pitta · · kapha +
Traditional indications: Chest and respiratory comfort, coughs, colds, mild congestion; Traditional fever support (jvara) in home practice; Clarifying and mildly adaptogenic, used for steadiness under stress; The daily worship plant, its very presence is part of the tradition.
Use with caution: Pregnancy, traditionally used with caution (may stimulate the uterus); Anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication, consult a physician; Diabetes medication, monitor (may lower blood sugar).
Preparation: The household form is tea: 8–10 leaves steeped in just-boiled water for 5 minutes, sipped warm, with honey added only once the tea is drinkable-warm. The juice of a few fresh leaves with honey is the traditional cough spoon. Dried leaf works for tea out of season.
References
- Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu , Bhāvamiśra (tulasī, pungent, bitter, sharp; kindles digestion and passion for truth)
- Yoga of Herbs , David Frawley & Vasant Lad