The plant is mostly used in India by the Hindu religious people. They use the leaves of this plant for various rituals like, making garlands for deity, praising the deity by submitting it in front if the idol, put it in the water and used it as the sacred water etc. the Hindu women used to place the leaves on their hair as an ornamental article.
The plant is famous for its aroma. There are several species of the plant seen world wide. The plant has a pungent taste and hot potency. The leaves and seeds of the plant are used medicinally, which have stimulant, expectorant, diaphoretic and demulcent actions.
As siddha system of medicine is concerned it is used in the treatment of mental diseases, sinusitis and related complaints and even in fever. Generally concerned it will cure the vatha and kapha disorders.
Medicinal recipes with tulsi
Ø The commonest use of basil is for cough and cold.
Ø Ø A handful of basil leaves are put in water and boiled well. The steam from this is used for inhalation. The body is also exposed to the steam. This treatment is easy to do and will give a sudden relief from the cough and cold.
Ø In the Hindu temples there is a custom that these leaves are put in fresh water and this water is used as the Holy water (Theertham). The use of this water will cure the phlegm in the chest besides the spiritual benefits.Ø Ø The seed are useful in diseases pertaining to women.
Seeds are ground with fresh cold water and applied over the lower abdomen, which will relieve the postpartum pain (Pain after the child birth).
Ø Ø Fresh juice of basil can be given in a dose of 30 ml for the worm infestation in the intestine.
Ø Ø Decoction for generalized body pain and mild fever.
One handful of basil and Bermuda grass and one teaspoon full of black pepper powder are taken. One liter of water is added to this and boiled till it reduced to 250 ml. this decoction can be taken in lukewarm.