(Ocimum sanctum) - aka -Vishnupriya, Holy BasilAn unassuming little garden plant that plays a central role in the folk medicine of South Asia, this mild medicinal herb and vegetable is cultivated near temples and private homes, where it is believed to purify the air and to sanctify the environs. Although a member of the Basil genus (Ocimum), it hardly resembles the culinary variety we see here. Much more pungent, the plant has a bitter taste, and larger leaves. While its seeds and roots are used in medicine, the leaves are the most therapeutic part of Tulsi.Tulsi is used as an expectorant and anti-mucus herb, and for respiratory illnesses like the cold and flu. It is quite warming to the body, so it will make you sweat (a diaphoretic), a characteristic that also lends itself to fever and flu treatment. Tulsi’s ability to bring down a fever is a ‘prabhava,’ or “special action.” As a warming digestive aid, it is given for indigestion due to overeating. Tulsi (Holy Basil) is also a muscle relaxant, and kills intestinal parasites. It has shown to help diabetes, normalize blood sugar and blood fats, including cholesterol and triglycerides, factors that contribute to diabetes, as well as to other cardiovascular diseases. Tulsi helps with the shortness of breath and bronchio-spasms of asthma; it kills microbes, including bacteria and fungi; it can benefit ulcers, and has been shown to reduce acid production in the stomach while increasing protective mucus secretion.