TULSI LEAF (Ocimum sanctum) aka - Vishnupriya, Holy BasilThis unassuming little garden plant 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), this particular type of basil hardly resembles the culinary variety we are used to seeing here. Much more pungent, the plant has a bitter taste, and larger leaves. Though the seeds and root are used in medicine, the leaves are the main therapeutic part of the plant. Tulsi is used as an expectorant and anti-mucus herb, for respiratory diseases like 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 fever is a ‘prabhava,’ or special action. As a warming digestive aid, it is given for indigestion from overeating. Tulsi (Holy Basil) is a muscle relaxant, and kills intestinal parasites.  It has also shown to help diabetes, normalizing blood sugar and blood fats, including cholesterol and triglycerides, factors that are integral to diabetes, as well as to other cardiovascular diseases. Tulsi helps the shortness of breath and bronchio-spasms in asthma. It kills microbes, including bacteria and fungi. It can also benefit ulcers, it has been shown to reduce acid production in the stomach and increase protective mucus secretion. Tulsi opens the heart and mind, and encourages devotion.